Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson handily won a presidential straw poll conducted at the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) national convention on February 12 in Arlington, Virginia, with more than double the votes of second-place finisher Ron Paul and six times the total of Newt Gingrich, who came in third.
In results announced the same day at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, Johnson was the top “second choice” presidential candidate of CPAC attendees from around the country, although he took third place in the widely-reported “first choice” straw poll, behind Texas Congressman Ron Paul and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Johnson took 6 percent of the “first choice” votes and 15 percent of the “second choice” votes, ahead of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and 12 others.
Issue questions
Although the RLC straw poll did not include questions about issues, the CPAC straw poll asked several.
In a question about core political beliefs, 84 percent of CPAC attendees answered, “My most important goal is to promote individual freedom by reducing the size and scope of government and its intrusion into the lives of its citizens.”
“Reducing the size of Federal Government” was the most important goal of 36 percent of CPAC attendees surveyed, with “reducing government spending” the top choice of 16 percent of them. Reforming Social Security, the war in Iraq, reducing health-care costs, and “protecting traditional marriage” each placed last among important issues to the conservative activists, with 1 percent of those surveyed calling them “most important.”
RLC officers
In other business at the Republican Liberty Caucus convention, Dave Nalle of Texas was re-elected chairman of the organization’s board of directors, with Aaron Biterman of Virginia re-elected as vice chairman and Jason Hellenberg of Florida re-elected as secretary. Longtime RLC activist Bill Westmiller of California was defeated in a bid for re-election as treasurer by Florida RLC member Matt Nye, although Westmiller was elected as an at-large member of the board of directors.
Shelby McCurnin, who founded the Central Virginia RLC chapter, was one of six people elected as an alternate at-large member of the national board of directors.
Gary Johnson addressed the RLC convention banquet after the straw-poll results were announced.
Other prominent speakers at the convention included investment analyst and author Peter Schiff, freshman Congressman Justin Amash (R-Michigan), New York City Councilman Dan Halloran, Georgetown University law professor Randy Barnett, Cato Institute executive vice president David Boaz, and 2010 congressional candidate John Dennis, who challenged former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her home district in San Francisco, California.
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Comments
I think it is important to note that the 6 percent that went to Gary Johnson would have went to Ron Paul and vice versa had one of them been excluded from the ballots. That means 36 percent of the people who attended CPAC are looking for a liberty minded candidate. I really hope that Ron Paul, if he doesn't run, throws a lot of weight behind Johnson.
Get it right, Ron Paul won with 30%, Mitt Romney was second!
Both Johnson and Paul did well at CPAC and at the RLC convention. I hope this keeps freedom ideas in the news and in the debates. I hope the "two witnesses" for liberty will allow people to consider liberty principles.
1. Johnson came in 3rd under the 2nd choice list.
2. I spoke with Johnson and he favors foreign aid, military alliances, and humanitarian intervention. With those positions, HE WILL NEVER GET THE RON PAUL CONTINGENT.
The RLC Secretary's name is Jason Hellenberg, not Jeff.
Good article, thanks.
Let me just clarify one sentence:
"Longtime RLC activist Bill Westmiller of California was defeated in a bid for re-election as treasurer by Florida RLC member Matt Nye..."
I had indicated prior to the convention that I was willing to accept a nomination (I couldn't attend) if no one else was willing to take the position. I'm delighted Matt was willing and able.
I've been an RLC Board member and officer for more than ten years and I'm happy to see new people taking up the challenge.
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