Johnson is considering a US Senate run in NM

[FSP-Rebel]

As we mentioned earlier in the thread, even if he runs for the Senate, it likely will not be as a GOPer. Ron Paul made a return to the GOP after running for President on the LP ticket, but only after 8 years of allowing bygones to become bygones. Gary would essentially have to attempt a jump back into the GOP after barely a year. If anything, he should run indy style like Angus King.

I just think that his record as a Republican Governor speaks for itself and can easily be used to trump the LP stuff and making him the frontrunner for the Senate seat.

 

[LibertyIn08]

I just think that his record as a Republican Governor speaks for itself and can easily be used to trump the LP stuff and making him the frontrunner for the Senate seat.

It isn't as though there are any other candidates historically who have returned to the GOP to win an election.

 

[compromise]

It isn't as though there are any other candidates historically who have returned to the GOP to win an election.

Ron Paul 1997?

 

[Confederate]

Well I hate to promote the LP over the GOP, but the fact is he is now hated by the Republican Party for running against them in such a crucial election. I think running as a LP for Senate is the best option at the moment.

What's the point in running as an LP candidate for Senate? Waste of time and money.

 

[Confederate]

I just think that his record as a Republican Governor speaks for itself and can easily be used to trump the LP stuff and making him the frontrunner for the Senate seat.

You mean the record of increasing spending, taxes, and debt?

 

[LibertyIn08]

Ron Paul 1997?

Of course.

 

[FreeHampshire]

What's the point in running as an LP candidate for Senate? Waste of time and money.

He has cross-appeal with both parties, but any attempt to secure the Republican nomination seems unlikely, the GOP big-wigs will come out in full-force and sabotage his campaign due to his betrayal. Independents do win Senate races, moreso than they win House races. So it is viable.

 

[supermario21]

Who is going to run though? Other than Lt. Governor Sanchez who backed out of this year's primary, the two top Republicans, Steve Pearce and moderate Heather Wilson, have lost in 2008 and 2012 respectively and will probably not run again. Also keep in mind that Rand Paul had endorsed Greg Sowards in the primary, but he didn't stick around. So theoretically GJ could have the nomination if he wants it.

 

[Brett85]

He has cross-appeal with both parties, but any attempt to secure the Republican nomination seems unlikely, the GOP big-wigs will come out in full-force and sabotage his campaign due to his betrayal.

I don't see why. Johnson will be the only Republican who will actually have a chance to win a Senate seat in New Mexico, and I would think the Republican Party would care more about winning a Senate seat than punishing Johnson for running as a Libertarian for President.

 

[Bastiat's The Law]

I don't see why. Johnson will be the only Republican who will actually have a chance to win a Senate seat in New Mexico, and I would think the Republican Party would care more about winning a Senate seat than punishing Johnson for running as a Libertarian for President.

I agree. We might actually see some big donors and PAC money come to back Johnson if he mounts a serious campaign; that means running as a republican. I will not donate or volunteer my time towards a vanity run as some laughing-stock third party.

 

[FSP-Rebel]

You mean the record of increasing spending, taxes, and debt?

I meant his record of vetoing many bills, cutting the number of gov't employees and his prior business background which would resonate w/ the GOP primary electorate. Not to mention, he cut the 10% annual increase in the budget via line-item so spending and debt would've been higher w/o him. Also, during his time at the helm, things were far better off for NM folk than lately which would remind the average person of Johnson's "blast from the past" persona that might be beneficial as their Senator. Finally, he won his first election in a democratic state during the republican revolution of '94 which is likely to be the same scenario in '14.

 

[TheTyke]

Seriously, run to win (Republican) or don't waste the time. Rand was able to pull together an uneasy alliance with the Establishment after we thrashed their candidate in the primary, and we won because of that. It takes some doing, but if played right, they can't afford not to support their nominees for a position like that, and we can use them to get our people in. Are people joking about a 3rd party run? Hey, let's spend a few million on a losing race.. maybe if we're veeery luck we can quadruple the 1% from the last race.

On the abortion thing... It's not a losing issue. Over half of those polled are identifying themselves as pro-life now, and gaining every year. And I'm not sure where ya'll live, but here in my county in KY, a full half of our hardcore Ron Paul activists would not support someone who was pro-abortion (even "personally,") because without life there can be no liberty. It's THE most fundamental make or break issue for many of us. Just like most Paul supporters wouldn't support Romney for Team R, we are not about to set aside our most important issue for Team L. Many of those who disagree on the issue supported Ron anyhow because it isn't so important to them... so I have to agree, at least from my experience, candidates being pro-life will bring broader support from the liberty movement.

In any case, I hope Gary runs to win, and is successful. I wish him all the success in the world, and the Senate will be better off with him there. But I can see a lot of people focusing their resources on candidates they can support with a clearer conscience.

 

[Confederate]

I meant his record of vetoing many bills

His vetoes overall only cut $27 million in state spending in multi-billion dollar budgets. He never vetoed a single budget and even championed increased spending on education.

He left the state with a debt 3x as big as when he entered office.

 

[Confederate]

Seriously, run to win (Republican) or don't waste the time.

This.

 

[Nathan Hale]

I just think that his record as a Republican Governor speaks for itself and can easily be used to trump the LP stuff and making him the frontrunner for the Senate seat.

I agree, but I think running without any party label might be best. It helps him in the general when he finds himself surrounded by blue, and it allows him to operate without dealing with all the party bullshit during the primary - yeah, his record is solid, but he'll have a lot of detractors in the party. Still, I wouldn't be averse to him rejoining the GOP.

 

[supermario21]

The party label stuff is meaningless. When PPP tested Johnson in 2012's NM Senate Race he was getting big crossover from Democrats but losing some Republicans. Now is the time to run as a Republican because most of the Republican establishment types in the state have been running in the last 2 Senate cycles. Wilson is unlikely to run again, Pearce probably won't. Lt. Gov Sanchez might be the only one considering it. Keep in mind Rand Paul also had a dog in the race in 2012, Greg Sowards who lost the primary I believe to Wilson.

 

[FSP-Rebel]

His vetoes overall only cut $27 million in state spending in multi-billion dollar budgets. He never vetoed a single budget and even championed increased spending on education.

He left the state with a debt 3x as big as when he entered office.

I presume you've done much more homework than I on the specifics. I was ultimately thinking in terms of how he can present himself to the republican base using his past record in words that they'd eat up. Then, in the years he served, things were much better for the average NM voter across the board so the nostalgia affect would work in the general which would build upon his prominent local name recognition.