2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) Declares Gary Johnson Eligible to Receive Federal Matching Funds

FEC Declares Gary Johnson Eligible to Receive Federal Matching Funds

WASHINGTON – The Federal Election Commission has declared Gary Earl Johnson eligible to receive federal matching funds. Johnson sought and won the Libertarian nomination for president for 2012.

To become eligible for matching funds, candidates must raise a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in 20 different states in amounts no greater than $250 from any individual. Other requirements to be declared eligible include agreeing to an overall spending limit, abiding by spending limits in each state, using public funds only for legitimate campaign-related expenses, keeping financial records and permitting an extensive campaign audit.

Based on documents filed by Gary Johnson 2012, Inc. on April 27, 2012, contributions from the following states were verified for threshold purposes: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. All of the materials included with this submission may be viewed here. Based on Johnson’s initial threshold submission, the Commission requested on May 25 that the United States Treasury make an initial payment of $100,000 to Johnson’s campaign.

Once declared eligible, campaigns may submit additional contributions for matching funds on the first business day of every month. The maximum amount a primary candidate could receive is currently estimated to be about $22.8 million.

 The presidential public funding program is financed through the $3 check-off that appears on individual income tax returns. The program has three elements: grants to parties to help fund their nominating conventions, grants available to nominees to pay for the general election campaign and matching payments to participating candidates during the primary campaign.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that administers and enforces federal campaign finance laws. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Presidency and the Vice Presidency. Established in 1975, the FEC is composed of six Commissioners who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Libertarian Party Nominates Judge James P. Gray for Vice President

Libertarian Party Nominates Judge James P. Gray for Vice President

LAS VEGAS – The Libertarian Party on Saturday nominated Judge James P. Gray of California for Vice President of the United States, giving him a chance to take his agenda of downsizing the federal government and marijuana decriminalization to Washington.
 
Jim Gray was declared the party’s Vice Presidential nominee after he won 59 percent of the vote in the first round of balloting. He received 357 votes from the 600 delegates of the National Libertarian Convention held at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
 
His closest challenger, Lee Wrights of Texas, finished second with 229 votes.
 
“I am proud. I am invigorated. I am excited. With Gov. Gary Johnson. I am determined to bring back prosperity and liberty to the United States of America.” Judge Gray said.
 
A successful jurist who lives in Newport Beach, Calif. and presided over the Superior Court of Orange County, Judge Gray has been active in the Libertarian Party for several decades.

He was the 2004 Libertarian Party candidate for the U.S. Senate in California challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. He is also the chief proponent of a California ballot initiative called “Regulate Marijuana Like Wine” that, if passed, would decriminalize cannabis consumption and production.
 
Judge Gray will form a Libertarian Party ticket with Gov. Gary Johnson, who won the party’s Presidential nomination earlier Saturday.
 
The delegates also gave a long and heartfelt standing ovation to runner up Lee Wrights.
 
“I’m not going anywhere,” said Wrights. “This is my home.”
 
R. Lee Wrights is a long-time Libertarian Party activist, writer and publisher of LibertyForAll.net.
 
“I am convinced that Jim Gray will be an exceptional candidate, and a very successful Vice President,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “We have an impressive roster of talent this year to challenge our Big Government opponents not only in the race for the White House, but also in state and local races. The major parties offer Americans only one solution: Bigger government. Libertarians will show voters how we can make government small while dramatically increasing jobs, lowering taxes, and scaling back government debt.”

On Friday, the convention approved a new party platform, which denounced attempts by major U.S. political parties to grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.
 
The Libertarian Party insisted that individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make.
 
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters.

Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.
 
Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.

Libertarian Party Nominates Gary Johnson for President

Libertarian Party Nominates Gary Johnson for President

LAS VEGAS - The Libertarian Party nominated former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson for President of the United States, expressing confidence he will be able to find effective small-government solutions to the country’s most pressing problems and mount a strong challenge to his major party rivals.
 
Mr. Johnson was declared the party’s Presidential nominee after he won 70% percent of the vote in the first round of balloting, receiving 419 of the 595 votes cast.
 
His closest challenger, R. Lee Wrights of Texas, finished second with 152 votes.
 
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Johnson promised to present a clear and viable alternative to major party candidates, saying his victory in November will offer Americans effective solutions to slow economic growth, high unemployment and endless foreign military commitments that sap the country’s financial strengths. America, for the first time in modern history, is poised to reject the tired two-party duopoly that has brought the nation to its knees economically.
 
“I am honored and I just want to pledge that no one will be disappointed. We’re going to grow the Libertarian Party.” said Mr. Johnson.
 
A successful businessman who lives in Taos, NM. Mr. Johnson is known as an unwavering crusader for fiscal responsibility, free enterprise and individual freedoms. During his gubernatorial tenure, he used his veto pen more than 750 times to forestall attempts to grow government and put an end to wasteful government projects. He cut taxes 14 while maintaining New Mexico as one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget. The state boasted a $1 billion budget surplus when Mr. Johnson left office in 2003.
 
Mr. Johnson’s running mate will be chosen later today and can be watched live on C-Span. If no candidate for Vice President attains a majority on the first ballot, the candidate finishing last will be eliminated from the race. In addition, any candidate polling less than 5 percent will also be eliminated from the subsequent ballot. A candidate securing a majority of convention delegates will be the Vice Presidential nominee.
 
“I am convinced that Gary Johnson will be an exceptional candidate, and a very successful President,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “We have an impressive roster of talent this year to challenge our Big Government opponents not only in the race for the White House, but also in state and local races. The major parties offer Americans only one solution: Bigger government. Libertarians will show voters how we can make government small while dramatically increasing jobs, lowering taxes, and scaling back government debt.”
 
Yesterday the convention approved a new party platform, which leaves unchanged the fundamental tenants of the Libertarian Party: Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. Changes adopted by party delegates were generally ones that improve the wording or clarity of the party’s intent to advance liberty and shrink Big Government. One significant change adopted was to add ballot initiatives to the party’s mission.
 
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters.
 
Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.
 
Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.

Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Party Nomination for President of the United States

GOV. GARY JOHNSON WINS LIBERTARIAN PARTY NOMINATION
Pledges to Offer a Real Choice in November

May 5, 2012, Las Vegas NV – Gaining more than 70% of the vote on the first ballot, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson Saturday earned the Libertarian Party nomination for President of the United States. As the Libertarian nominee, Johnson is expected to be on the ballot in all 50 states.

Accepting the nomination, Johnson said, “Millions of Americans want and deserve the opportunity to vote for a candidate in November who will get us out of the war in Afghanistan immediately, truly cut federal spending, end the failed war on drugs, repeal the Patriot Act, and support marriage equality. I am excited to offer that option: A proven fiscal conservative, a proven defender of civil liberties, and an advocate for social tolerance."

Jim Gray, retired Judge of the California Superior Court, was nominated as the party's candidate for Vice-President. Gary was endorsed by Governor Johnson.

The Libertarian National convention is being held in Las Vegas, NV, and concludes Sunday, May 6.

Libertarian Party To Choose Presidential Nominee In Las Vegas May 2-6, 2012

LIBERTARIAN PARTY TO CHOOSE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE IN LAS VEGAS MAY 2-6

May 2, 2012, Las Vegas NV – The Libertarian Party is holding its 2012 National Convention May 2-6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  At the convention, the party will select its nominees for President and Vice-President of the United States.  Those nominees will be on the November presidential ballot in all 50 states.

The convention is be held at the Red Rock Resort, 11011 Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135.  It convenes Wednesday, May 2, and concludes Sunday, May 6. Nominees for President and Vice-President will be elected on Saturday, May 5.

Thursday evening, May 3, from 8 p.m. to midnight, Governor Gary Johnson will host a social gathering in the Veranda A and B rooms of the Red Rock Resort.

Governor Gary Johnson announced in December that he is seeking the Libertarian nomination for President.

Judge Jim Gray Announces as Libertarian Vice Presidential Candidate.

Judge Jim Gray announces as Libertarian Vice Presidential candidate.

JUDGE JAMES P. GRAY (Ret.)
LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Dear Convention Delegates:

In 2001 I first met Gary Johnson when he, as a sitting governor of the State of New Mexico, endorsed the original edition of my book, which is entitled “Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed and What We Can Do About It: A Judicial Indictment of the War on Drugs” (Temple University Press, 2d edition, 2012). At the time when some governors who were ignorant of the issues were speaking nonsense about how we had to continue to put non-violent drug users in jail, and others who understood the issues were keeping silent, Governor Johnson was not only telling the truth, but he had the courage to act upon it.

In 2010 I had the honor to be on a panel about our failing educational system with Governor Johnson at “Freedom Fest” which, as you know, is a yearly forum in Las Vegas that discusses and promotes Libertarian values. At that time Gary made it clear to me that he understands the critical importance of re-introducing competition into the educational system, just as promoted by my all-time hero Dr. Milton Friedman.

Based upon those experiences, combined with the knowledge that he had actually vetoed more wasteful spending measures while governor than all other state governors combined – thus leaving New Mexico with a $1 billion surplus upon leaving office – I have been accurately quoted publicly as saying that Governor Gary Johnson is the most qualified person that I know of to be President of the United States.

Given the wrong-minded direction that our great country is now being taken by the two main political parties, I decided to take his election personally and do whatever I could for him to be elected. So when Gary asked me to be his running mate in this election, I simply had to agree. What an honor; what an opportunity; and what a necessity for our children, grandchildren and country!

I believe my background, experience and values will bring additional credibility and force to our team. I was an elected trial court judge for 25 years, federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, criminal defense attorney in the Navy JAG Corps, and Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica. I formerly held a top secret clearance in the Navy, and was the recipient of National Defense, Vietnam Service and Combat Action awards while serving my country.

In addition, I have received the “Judge of the Year” award from the business litigation section of the local bar association, honorary degrees from two law schools, and the annual judge of the year award of my county’s chapter of the Constitutional Rights Foundation bears my name. I am married with four children, including one who was adopted from Vietnam while I was in the Navy, and am a member of the United Methodist Church. My Libertarian beliefs have been documented in my book “A Voter’s Handbook: Effective Solutions to America’s Problems” (The Forum Press, 2010), as have my teachings in a fun way to our children about the importance of ethics, staying in school and making good choices in my musical, which is entitled “Americans All,” and has been performed by several high schools as well as Vanguard University of Southern California.

So I directly request your invaluable support and vote at the upcoming Libertarian Convention as I seek the nomination to be your candidate for Vice President of the United States. I am committed to do whatever it takes to pursue this goal. But please do not vote for me, or for Governor Johnson, unless you are prepared to take this election personally as well, and help us in the days and months to come. With your help, together we can get this important work done!

Yours – and Ours – in Liberty

Judge James P. Gray (Ret.)

Governor Gary Johnson Endorses Former Federal Prosecutor, Judge, Jim Gray For Libertarian Party Vice-President

GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON ENDORSES FORMER  FEDERAL PROSECUTOR , JUDGE,  JIM GRAY FOR LIBERTARIAN PARTY VICE-PRESIDENT
Gray Says He and Johnson Will Offer Voters "A Choice Voters Crave"

April 30, 2012, Newport Beach, CA – Former Judge of the California Superior Court of Orange County Jim Gray has announced he is seeking the Libertarian Party’s nomination for Vice-President of the United States.  The Libertarian Party will nominate its candidates for President and Vice-President at its national convention this week (May 2-6) in Las Vegas, NV. Former New Mexico Governor and Libertarian Party candidate for President Gary Johnson has strongly encouraged Gray to seek the nomination for Vice-President.

The Libertarian Party nominees for President and Vice-President will be on the ballot in all 50 states in the November election, the only party other than the Republicans and Democrats expected to appear on all 50 states’ ballots.

Judge Gray, who was appointed to the California Superior Court bench by Gov. George Deukmejian and served from 1989 to 2010, is a nationally known and respected author and speaker who has long advocated the reform of both California’s and the nation’s drug laws.  Gray was the 2004 Libertarian candidate for the US Senate from California.  He is the author of three books, including Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed: A Judicial Indictment Of War On Drugs, a critique of the failed war on drugs.

Prior to his tenure on the bench, Gray served both as a federal prosecutor and as a staff judge advocate for the U.S. Navy's JAG Corps in Guam and California. For his Navy service, he was awarded National Defense, Vietnam Service and Combat Action Ribbons.

Endorsing Judge Gray’s candidacy, Governor Johnson said, “Jim Gray is not only a highly-respected jurist, but he is also a proven leader on issues of concern to Americans – from drug policy to civil liberties to ethics. I am proud he is joining me to offer America a real choice in this election, and excited that his forceful and extremely credible voice will be a vital part of our campaign.  Judge Gray is a reformer with the track record and credentials to prove it, and I urge the Libertarian Party to nominate him for Vice-President of the United States.”

Announcing his intention to seek the LP vice-presidential nomination, Judge Gray said, “Virtually my entire career – as an attorney, prosecutor, judge, writer, speaker and public policy advocate – has been devoted to the cause of putting government, through its laws and policies, in its proper role as a defender of individual liberty and rights. From drug policy reform to competition and choice in education, I believe and have worked to advance the idea that smaller government, living within its means, is key to not only freedom, but opportunity and prosperity.

“Especially with the candidacy of former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, the 2012 election offers an historic opportunity for libertarian ideals and policies to be a very real part of the national debate.  I am committed to that debate, and excited to join Governor Johnson in providing the voters with a credible, proven alternative to the business-as-usual that will be offered by the two ‘major’ parties in November. Gary Johnson is an experienced Chief Executive with an eight-year record of putting libertarian principles into practice, cutting the size and cost of government while creating a record number of jobs.

"As the only candidates for President and Vice President who will be on the ballot in all 50 states who will cut Federal Spending by 43%, oppose the war in Afghanistan and the failed and expensive war on drugs, repeal the Patriot Act, support gay marriage equality and the legalization of marijuana, we will offer voters a choice voters crave.

Gary Johnson To Address the Joint Convention of the Minnesota & Wisconsin Libertarian Parties on Saturday, April 14, 2012

GOV. GARY JOHNSON TO VISIT EAU CLAIRE, WI, & BOSTON, MA, APRIL 14-16
Presidential Candidate To Address Libertarian Convention and Tax Day Events

April 13, 2012, Santa Fe, NM - Presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson will be in Eau Claire, WI, Saturday, April 14, to address the joint convention of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Libertarian Parties.  Governor Johnson will then travel to Boston/Worcester, MA, to participate in Tea Party/Tax Day events on Sunday, April 15.

Event and schedule details:

Saturday, April 14 - Eau Claire, WI

4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. CT - Governor Johnson addresses MN/WI Libertarian Convention, Ramada Inn Conference Center, 205 S. Barstow St.

Sunday, April 15 - Boston/Worcester, MA

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET - Address Worcester Tea Party, Lincoln Square, Worcester.

Monday, April 16 - Boston, MA

Gary Johnson to Attend Ohio Libertarian Party Convention in Worthington on March 30-31, 2012

GOV. GARY JOHNSON TO ATTEND LP CONVENTION IN WORTHINGTON, OH, FRIDAY - SATURDAY, VISIT NEW YORK MONDAY-TUESDAY
Former New Mexico Governor To Address Ohio Libertarians

March 28, 2012, Santa Fe, NM -- Presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson will be in the Columbus, Ohio, area Friday and Saturday, March 30-31, to participate in the Ohio Libertarian Party's state convention.  From Ohio, Governor Johnson will travel to New York City and be available to the media Monday and Tuesday, April 2-3.

Event & schedule details:

Friday, Mar. 30, Columbus/Worthington, OH:

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET - Meet & Greet, Ohio LP Convention, Holiday Inn, 7007 North High Street, Worthington.

Saturday, Mar. 31:

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. ET - Ohio LP Convention, Holiday Inn, 7007 North High Street, Worthington.

Monday - Tuesday, April 2 & 3, New York, NY:

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson Bloomington Minnesota Visit Photos March 22, 2012