Gary E. Johnson
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Gary Earl Johnson (born January 1 1953) was the Republican governor of the U.S. state of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. He is also a well-known and outspoken opponent of the War on Drugs.
In 1994 he received the Republican nomination for governor after a long primary campaign and close primary election. In the state general election, he defeated the incumbent Democratic governor Bruce King 50%-40%.
Johnson created some controversy when he met with representatives of the New Mexico militia movement on April 28, 1995, soon after the Oklahoma City bombing which was also carried out by members of the militia movement. Johnson claimed, however, that he was meeting with members of the New Mexico militia movement to ensure that they remained non-violent1.
In 1998, Johnson was reelected as governor, defeating Democratic challenger Martin Chavez 55%-45%.
In 1999, Johnson became the highest-ranking elected official in the United States to publicly advocate the legalization of drugs2. Saying the War on Drugs was "an expensive bust," he advocated the decriminalization of both drug use and possession in order to save money and potentially regulate currently illegal drugs. His position was similar to that of the Libertarian Party in many ways, and led many political observers to believe he would run for political office as a Libertarian in the future.
In 2002, Johnson left office as required by the Constitution of the State of New Mexico which states that a governor may not serve more than two consecutive terms. As of early 2005, Johnson has not announced any desire or decision to again seek election as governor.
As some observers had expected, after his term as governor Johnson considered running for president in 2004 as a Libertarian Party candidate. After declining the formation of a presidential search committee and deciding against such a run for president, Johnson has largely retired from politics and left public life, although he has recently discussed running for president in 2008.
Johnson is also an avid triathlete who runs several miles each day and abstains from all drug use, caffeine, alcohol, and some sugar products. During his term in office, he competed in several triathlons and was also an outspoken advocate for physical fitness. In 2003, he climbed Mount Everest.
Notes
- ADL Fact Finding Report, "Beyond the Bombing: The Militia Menace Grows," Anti-Defamation League, 1995.
- CNN - New Mexico Governor Calls for Legalizing Drugs - October 5, 1999 [1] (http://www.cnn.com/US/9910/06/legalizing.drugs.01/)
| Preceded by: Bruce King | Governor of New Mexico | Succeeded by: Bill Richardson |