Gary Johnson candidate profile

Education: “Although it may sound drastic, there are practical reasons why [abolishing the Department of Education] should be considered” – garyjohnson.com. Tried twice to introduce statewide school voucher programs in New Mexico. Continues to support individual choice in education: “All parents should have an opportunity to choose which school their children attend.. It's time to free individuals from burdensome federal mandates so they can pursue the right educational strategies.”

Energy: “Energy Entrepreneurship is the Solution to America’s Clean Energy Needs,” declares an article at garyjohnson2012.com. “Lower taxes, less spending, fewer strangling regulations, an end to all the credit-hogging by the US Treasury, and other business-friendly policies will make sure the American economy is strong and awash with the capital and credit it needs to fuel entrepreneurship, while breaking down the barriers that keep new entrepreneurs from getting off the ground.” As governor, Johnson supported energy policies of National Governors Association and Western Governors Association. 

Religious? Yes, but with less volume than is typical for Republican candidates. When asked about his religious beliefs and views on the role of religion in society, Johnson, a Lutheran, responds, “I believe in God, which has given me a very fundamental belief that we should do unto others as we would have others do unto us.”

Appeal for libertarians? Has spoken in favor of smoking bans and the like, but regularly uncorks heart-warming statements such as, "I really don't like to be told what to do" and "In terms of individual liberties and fiscal responsibility, opposition to the drug war is perfectly consistent with true Republican Party values."

Horoscope for 2011:  Johnson has had a tough 2011, consistently polling in the low single digits and getting bumped from most of the Republican debates. But Horoscope.com suggests his luck may change: “You may start 2011 feeling tired and discouraged, but your mood will pick up very quickly. Keep yourself busy doing what you love. It'll lift your spirits and stimulate your creativity. You have a strong constitution, and you rarely get sick.” 

Campaign site: www.garyjohnson2012.com

Reason on Johnson

• Presidential Candidate Gov. Gary Johnson: Cut Federal Spending by 43% - and Cut Social Issues From GOP Agenda by Nick Gillespie & Jim Epstein, August 30 2011 
• Why Gary Johnson and Jon Huntsman Should go After the Hispanic Vote by Mike Riggs, August 30 2011
• Can a nice guy finish first in the Live Free or Die State? by Mike Riggs, August 19, 2011
• Gary Johnson Calls for Pot Legalization to End Border Violence by Mike Riggs, August 10 2011
• Gov. Gary Johnson "Didn't Create a Single Job" by Katherine Mangu-Ward, June 23, 2011
• Gary Johnson: “Opposition to the drug war is perfectly consistent with true Republican Party values” Damon W. Root, June 13 2011
• Gary Johnson Shut Out of First New Hampshire Debate by Mike Riggs, June 3 2011
• GOP debate allows for Libertarian hopefuls by Tim Cavanaugh, May 6 2011
• Gary Johnson Runs for President: It's Official by Brian Doherty, April 21 2011
• Ron Paul on Gary Johnson: "I can't imagine endorsing anybody else" by Matt Welch, November 4 2010
• Gary Johnson Finding Not-So-Strange New Respect by Brian Doherty, August 16 2010
• Gary Johnson's Differentiation by Matt Welch, June 30 2010
• Gary Johnson for Ron Paul by David Weigel, January 21 2008
• America's Most Dangerous Politician by Michael W. Lynch January 2001