Johnson considering run for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian

SANTA FE (Heartland Newsfeed) — A former New Mexico governor is considering a run for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in November’s general election.

Following a June primary that resulted in not enough votes to ballot-qualify and recounts that didn’t help, the Libertarian Party of New Mexico is seeking a way to retain their major party status. That may very well likely happen should Gary Johnson choose to run. Johnson, a former two-term Republican governor, ran for president three times — 2008, 2012 and 2016 — having tried for the Republican nomination in 2008 and dropped out of the race in 2012, later securing the Libertarian nomination with running mate Judge Jim Gray. Johnson would again earn the 2016 nomination with former Massachusetts governor William Weld. The election returns from the 2016 election secured major party status in 42 states for 2018 and/or 2020, including New Mexico. Ron Nielson, Johnson’s consultant for the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns, mentioned in a statement to the Associated Press that Johnson is “strongly considering” running. Initial reports have come out that Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn may be dropping out of the race, or that is the understanding of attorney Blair Dunn (who is running for attorney general) and the Libertarian Party chair for New Mexico, Chris Luchini. More details would be revealed Monday regarding Dunn’s bowing out of the race. Johnson would be running against Democratic incumbent Martin Heinrich and Republican Mickey Rich should the announcement become official. Johnson earned the nickname “Governor Veto” by vetoing over 700 bills in his two terms as governor as an attempt to reduce the size of state goverrnment.