Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson Endorsed by Two More GOP State Reps

Millennial Montanans Daniel Zolnikov and Nick Schwaderer cite the Libertarian ticket's positions on war, surveillance, spending, debt, and trade

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Daniel Zolnikov ||| Montana legislature
Montana legislature

This morning the Gary Johnson/William Weld ticket for the White House nabs its first endorsement from a state legislator who is running for re-election in 2016 as a Republican. Daniel Zolnikov (R-Billings), a 29-year-old two-term state representative known for his civil libertarian work on surveillance and free speech, is joining with his fellow State Rep. Nicholas Schwaderer (R-Mineral County), who had previously telegraphed his support, in backing the Libertarian. From their joint statement:

Having served on the House Taxation committee for the past two legislatures, we know that one of the most important issues facing any government is a balanced budget. We are both in our 20's, and we know that our generation will bear the heaviest brunt of a spending-­crazed federal government. Johnson has the best credentials to fight for fiscal responsibility, based on his record of standing strong against out of control spending while Governor of New Mexico. […]

The Snowden revelations of 2013 revealed yet again that we have federal agencies going far beyond their constitutional authority to surveil the private affairs of millions of Americans. This surveillance is purposely done in secret without adequate oversight by elected representation. If serious action is not taken by the next administration to curb the surveillance state, an Orwellian future awaits America. Johnson is the only candidate who has vowed to uphold our 4th Amendment rights and he is our best chance to preserve privacy in communications. […]

While we do not agree with every single policy stance expressed by Johnson, we recognize that he has by far the best record of any candidate and has the best vision for the future of our nation.

Our generation will be most affected by the outcome of this unprecedented presidential election. Gary Johnson is the only serious presidential nominee who stands for policies that will lead to growth and opportunity for young Americans.

We do not want another war. We do not want more deficit spending and debt. We do not want increased surveillance and violations of Americans' rights. We want a sane, intelligent government that lives within its means and governs according to the Constitution. Governors Gary Johnson and Bill Weld are clearly the best choice to lead our nation toward prosperity and freedom, and we are proud to support them for President and Vice President of the United States.

Zolnikov and Schwaderer are making their official announcement later today; I'll throw up a link when it's online. Read more about Johnson endorsements here.