Confirmed: Gary Johnson Switching to Libertarian Party, Possibly Endorsing Ron Paul?

[Shotdown1027]

See here (http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2011/12/ipr-exclusive-gary-johnson-to-announce-libertarian-switch-tomorrow/). I'm surprised he's doing this so late in the game, but pleasantly so. Pre-Iowa is good news for us--we stand to gain from his switch prior to Iowa and NH. Even if it's .5%.

And before anyone questions this blog--it was also the first one to report Bob Barr's switch, Chuck Baldwin's run, etc.

[Maximus]

Why isn't this guy running for Senator of NM? Ego?

[LibertyEagle]

Why was this started in RON PAUL Grassroots Central?

[69360]

If he's switching parties, why would he endorse his possible opponent? That makes no sense.

[Inkblots]

Why was this started in RON PAUL Grassroots Central?

Presumably, because we expect to pick up his votes now that he's leaving the GOP race?

[cdc482]

Why was this started in RON PAUL Grassroots Central?

Cause it pertains to Ron Paul.

[tsai3904]

That's not really a confirmation.

[Shotdown1027]

tsai--that blog has a pretty good track record. I'd say it's confirmed.

[Liber Team]

retarded

[JakeH]

I really don't understand the Libertarian Party/Constitution Party members that aren't throwing their full support behind Dr. Paul. He represents 90% of what you believe in, if you don't back him then you're purposely being an ass.

[kylejack]

If he's switching parties, why would he endorse his possible opponent? That makes no sense.
The Libertarian Party isn't Ron's opponent.

[PatriotOne]

Gary has just commited political suicide. He had a shot at a Congressional or Senate position with RP's grassroots peeps supporting him......not anymore. This has to be the most boneheaded, self-inflicted political wound I have ever seen.

[Romulus]

I really want to like Gary, but everything about his actions says he's all about himself.... If he would join us, we would join him when it's his time.

[HOLLYWOOD]

I really want to like Gary, but everything about his actions says he's all about himself.... If he would join us, we would join him when it's his time.Sounds like he needs a few emails/messages sent to him.

Could be a timing thing for RP...

[robmpreston]

It's really bizarre. If he became a Senator, he'd be out in public again and get a lot of name recognition and could run for president in 2016 or 2020. Seems stupid.

[JakeH]

It's really bizarre. If he became a Senator, he'd be out in public again and get a lot of name recognition and could run for president in 2016 or 2020. Seems stupid.

And would get our support.

[zHorns]

And would get our support.

Unless, Rand runs. :D

[JakeH]

Unless, Rand runs. :D

Well, I meant for Senate. But yeah, Rand > pretty much everyone.

[Liberty_Mike]

Yet again, all people can do here at RPF and Daily Paul is talk shit about Gary Johnson. Why aren't you guys looking at this as good news? Gary had about 1% in Iowa, and Ron Paul was 1% away from Gingrich for a first place tie. I have a feeling that 1% in Iowa will end up voting for Ron Paul in the caucuses. People here need to look at the bigger picture.

[JakeH]

Yet again, all people can do here at RPF and Daily Paul is talk shit about Gary Johnson. Why aren't you guys looking at this as good news? Gary had about 1% in Iowa, and Ron Paul was 1% away from Gingrich for a first place tie. I have a feeling that 1% in Iowa will end up voting for Ron Paul in the caucuses. People here need to look at the bigger picture.

I feel like that if that 1% was going to vote for Ron, they'd have already jumped ship. We're not talking about a large number of people here, but die-hard supporters.

[Shotdown1027]

There's an update at the link now--he says he's not switching tomorrow but he's definitely moving in that direction. His Southern Regional Director says they've had extensive talks about it.

Seems like he was going to announce tomorrow, the news of it got published, and now he's backed off of the idea to test the water and get free media. Makes sense.

I suspect he'll run.

[specsaregood]

And would get our support.
Speak for yourself.

[JakeH]

Speak for yourself.

I don't know who's running for Kyl's seat, but I'd sure as hell support him over McCain.

[specsaregood]

I don't know who's running for Kyl's seat, but I'd sure as hell support him over McCain.

Well I guess it depends on your definition of "support". There are a lot of other candidates running for office that I'd give my support to.

[Echoes]

Gary, you're a disgrace and your political career is KAPUT bwahahaha

[Liberty_Mike]

Gary, you're a disgrace and your political career is KAPUT bwahahaha

He's a disgrace because he is a former 2 term governor who endorsed Ron Paul in 2008? The only one to do so..

[iamse7en]

I'd like to see Bill Still vs. Gary Johnson for libertarian nomination. could be entertaining. :)

[emazur]

Some of you people need to learn to stop freaking out at every bit of news you perceive as being anti-Paul. Gary has already stated he would support Ron as the GOP nominee. Since Gary himself is being shut out, he's getting his ducks in order to Ron LP if Ron doesn't get the GOP nomination. Gary endorsed Paul in '08 and said he'd invite Paul to be VP if Gary got the GOP nomination. So again, stop freaking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag-V2vzxiok

[The Free Hornet]

I feel like that if that 1% was going to vote for Ron, they'd have already jumped ship. We're not talking about a large number of people here, but die-hard supporters.

Compromise got us into this mess, I doubt compromise will get us out of it. Further, the candidates all have 0% support in Iowa. You are letting the pollsters control you and the elections with talk like this. If Gary is somebody's number one choice, they can answer honestly. Who they vote for is a different story for most, but not all. Votes that come easy are lost easily.

[KevinR]

On Freedom Watch he basically said If Ron wins he'll endorse him, otherwise he'll run third party. Don't know why everyone thinks it's so complicated.

[jkob]

On Freedom Watch he basically said If Ron wins he'll endorse him, otherwise he'll run third party. Don't know why everyone thinks it's so complicated.

I'd be fine with this. If Ron doesn't get the nomination, I would likely vote for Gary as a Libertarian. However, I get the impression Gary doesn't really want to serve in elected office again or else he'd be running for senate and instantly becoming a national figure prominent enough to actually run for president one day. Can't say I blame him but disappointing none the less.

[Shotdown1027]

I'd be fine with this. If Ron doesn't get the nomination, I would likely vote for Gary as a Libertarian. However, I get the impression Gary doesn't really want to serve in elected office again or else he'd be running for senate and instantly becoming a national figure prominent enough to actually run for president one day. Can't say I blame him but disappointing none the less.

I think running for Senate would be wiser. But if he insists on running for President--then this isn't a bad deal for us.

[Liberty_Mike]

Gary Johnson has NOT decided to run as a libertarian or 3rd party candidate yet. This thread should be closed or its title should be changed.

"Despite reports and speculation to the contrary, former New Mexico Republican Gov. Gary Johnson says he hasn’t made up his mind on whether to run for the Libertarian Party nomination for president.

He will, however, discuss what such a run would “hypothetically” look like.


Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/14/gary-johnson-discusses-what-hypothetical-third-party-run-would-look-like/#ixzz1gcd2K110"

[J. W. Evans]

I'd like to see Bill Still vs. Gary Johnson for libertarian nomination. could be entertaining. :)

Bill Still's campaign would be seriously deflated if Gary decided to run.
In Still's recent "State of the Libertarian Nation" address, he made clear his differences with the LP, and he had a good number of them. In a Johnson vs Still match-off, both are figures with more-than-average name recognition with libertarian leanings. Gary has more of both then Still, and would take that specific front-runner position.

[Shotdown1027]

Bill Still's campaign would be seriously deflated if Gary decided to run.
In Still's recent "State of the Libertarian Nation" address, he made clear his differences with the LP, and he had a good number of them. In a Johnson vs Still match-off, both are figures with more-than-average name recognition with libertarian leanings. Gary has more of both then Still, and would take that specific front-runner position.

It might be an interesting debate, but it wouldn't be an interesting nomination fight. Johnson will have the backing of the Reform Caucus and some other candidate (likely Wrights) would have the backing of the so-called Radicals. Bill Still is not someone who has spent considerable face-time with Libertarian delegates, he doesn't have gobs and gobs of money, hasn't been involved for a long time, etc. Still's campaign is still-born.

[Agorism]

Suckers, Bob Barr endorsed Net Gingrich. HOPE YOU DIDN'T VOTE FOR THAT GUY IN 08!

[Sunstruck-Eden]

Suckers, Bob Barr endorsed Net Gingrich. HOPE YOU DIDN'T VOTE FOR THAT GUY IN 08!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. Doesn't that go against everything Barr stands for?

[eduardo89]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. Doesn't that go against everything Barr stands for?

He believes in the patriot act. So does newt.