December 28, 2011, Santa Fe, NM – At a morning news conference in the Rotunda of the New Mexico State Capitol, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson today announced that he is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for president.
Governor Johnson’s announcement statement:
“Today I am announcing that I will seek the Libertarian nomination for President of the United States. The Libertarian Party nominee will be on the ballot in all 50 states – as they were in 2008, and will offer a principled alternative to the Republican and the Democrat.
“This was both a difficult decision – and an easy one. It was difficult because I have a lot of Republican history, and a lot of Republican supporters. But in the final analysis, as many, many commentators have said after examining how I governed in New Mexico, I am a Libertarian — that is, someone who is fiscally very conservative but holds freedom-based positions on the issues that govern our personal behavior.
“Frankly, I have been deeply disappointed by the treatment I received in the Republican nomination process. I had hoped to lay out a real libertarian message on all the issues in the Republican contest. The process was not fair and open.
“This election is about issues larger than party or personal ambition.The future of our country is at stake. “
I believe this election needs a true libertarian voice. While Ron Paul is a good man and a libertarian who I proudly endorsed for president in 2008, there is no guarantee that he will be the Republican nominee.
“My Agenda for America, a libertarian agenda, is clear. It is not at an agenda you will hear from any other candidate or party.
- I want to end deficit spending and cut federal spending by 43%. – I want to enact the Fair Tax to stimulate real economic growth and job creation.
– I want to end the manipulation of our money by the Federal Reserve. – I support the Second Amendment and oppose gun control.
- I oppose expensive foreign wars in places like Libya and Afghanistan where our national interest is not clear. -I want to cut the over-regulation of our families, our businesses and our lives.
- I support a woman’s right to choose.
- I support marriage equality for gay Americans, as required by the Constitution.
- I support the legalization of marijuana, which will save us billions and do no harm.
– I demand a government free of special interest influence, crony capitalism and corruption.
- I support returning strict adherence to Constitutional principles to our government.
“I am confident this agenda will resonate with the American people because it actually reflects the true beliefs of a clear majority of Americans.
Complete statement @ http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/governor-gary-johnson-announces-he-will-seek-libertarian-nomination