Gary Johnson Switches to Libertarian Party for 2012 Run

Gary Johnson, the lesser-known Republican presidential candidate, has switched to the Libertarian Party after failing to gain traction during the ongoing Republican primaries. Johnson is a vocal proponent of drug legalization, one of many positions that place him far outside the Republican mainstream. In an email newsletter to his supporters today, Johnson cites frustration and unfairness within the GOP. “Frankly, I have been deeply disappointed by the treatment I received in the Republican nomination process. Other candidates with no national name identification like Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman were allowed to participate in the debates.” Johnson favors legalized gay marriage, looser gun control, and legalization of marijuana—all mainstays of the Libertarian Party platform. He went on to say, “It is clear that the elite national media and the political “ruling class” don’t want this message heard. It frightens them.