The phantom menace: Gary Johnson considering third-party run

Faced with either continuing his quixotic run for the Republican nomination, launching a third party effort, or just giving up, Johnson now says he has been receiving overtures from the Libertarian Party, which will be on the ballot in all 50 states next year.

“One thing I would make clear is that, if I did decide [to seek the Libertarian nomination], that’s nothing that’s pre-ordained,” Johnson told TheDC. “That’s something that I would have to go out and work for. And I would do just that, I would go out and work for that.”

Johnson is not the only potential major third-party presidential candidate next year. Both real estate tycoon Donald Trump and former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer have refused to rule out independent bids, and New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has also been mentioned as a potential contender. But should he secure the Libertarian Party nomination, Johnson, with the help of Stone, might still prove to be a major player in 2012.

“The idea has always been about the message,” Johnson said. “Always. If you’re in the fray and you’re talking about things that need to be talked about, [you try] to make the world a better place, if you will, as a result of talking about the issues, and having others have to address the issues.”

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