Candidate: Gary Johnson Dropped out of GOP race
Damian Dovarganes, AP
ABOUT
Johnson’s stance on several issues separates him from more traditional conservative candidates. He supports the legalization of marijuana. He believes women have the right to choose an abortion up until the time that the fetus could survive on its own. He opposed the Iraq War from the start. Though he initially supported the war in Afghanistan, he no longer believes U.S. troops should be there. Additionally, he has said he would not have signed the Arizona immigration law because he’s concerned it could lead to racial profiling.
Johnson decided to join the presidential race out of concern for the U.S. economy. In 2009, he formed a non-profit, Our America Initiative, that promotes fiscal responsibility among other issues. Johnson has been at the bottom of the polls throughout his campaign and has been largely left out of the debate circuit, participating in only two debates. His campaign has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission and Federal Communications Commission about his exclusion.
Johnson announced on Dec. 28 that he was leaving the GOP and would seek the Libertarian presidential nomination.
ELECTIVE OFFICE
Governor of New Mexico, 1995-2003
Vital Stats
- Date of Birth: Jan. 1, 1953
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, 1975, University of New Mexico
- Family: Johnson has a daughter, Seah, and a son, Erik, from his marriage to Dee Simms. They divorced in 2006. Current home: Taos, N.M.
OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Johnson was the founder/owner of Big J Enterprises, 1976-99, initially a one-person, fix-it business that grew into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico, with more than 1,000 employees.
FUNDRAISING
At the end of September, Johnson had $10,882 cash on hand, the least amount of any of the major candidates. In total, he had raised $416,000.
SOURCES
The Des Moines Register, opensecrets.org, GaryJohnson2012.com, USA TODAY research by Alicia McCarty
