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Johnson's positions are [[libertarian]] leaning, and some of his views were outside the mainstream of the Republican Party even when he was a member. He opposed the 2003 invasion of [[Iraq]] and supports reducing the defense budget by 44 to 90 percent from current levels. <ref>http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/meet-gary-johnson-ron-paul-2012_520775.html?nopager=1</ref>In 1999, Johnson became the highest-ranking elected official in the United States to advocate legalization of marijuana. He endorsed [[Ron Paul]] during the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. Johnson has declared himself a candidate for the 2012 election.
Johnson's positions are [[libertarian]] leaning, and some of his views were outside the mainstream of the Republican Party even when he was a member. He opposed the 2003 invasion of [[Iraq]] and supports reducing the defense budget by 44 to 90 percent from current levels. <ref>http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/meet-gary-johnson-ron-paul-2012_520775.html?nopager=1</ref>In 1999, Johnson became the highest-ranking elected official in the United States to advocate legalization of marijuana. He endorsed [[Ron Paul]] during the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. Johnson has declared himself a candidate for the 2012 election.
Considering his highly conservative fiscal stances, but also his liberal or libertarian stances on social issues, most Republicans described Johnson as more libertarian than truly conservative. He is similar to fellow libertarian Republican presidential candidate [[Ron Paul]].
Considering his highly conservative fiscal stances, but also his liberal or libertarian stances on social issues, most Republicans described Johnson as more libertarian than truly conservative. He is similar to fellow libertarian Republican presidential candidate [[Ron Paul]].
Johnson has been highly critical of President Obama's economic policy. At one point, he quipped that his neighbor's two dogs had created more "shovel-ready" jobs than the President. Johnson has stated that he would not actually create the jobs themselves, but would rather create the opportunity for jobs through lower taxes and relaxed economic policy.
Paul is far better-known and so was expected to get the bulk of the libertarian vote in the primaries. Barring an early withdrawal by Paul, it appeared Johnson had virtually no chance of securing the Republican nomination. His situation was made worse by the refusal of the sponsors of most of the 2011 Republican Presidential Debates to allow Johnson to participate. As a result, there was increasing speculation that Johnson, who unsuccessfully sought assistance from the Republican National Committee, will seek the nomination of the [[Libertarian Party]].
Paul is far better-known and so was expected to get the bulk of the libertarian vote in the primaries. Barring an early withdrawal by Paul, it appeared Johnson had virtually no chance of securing the Republican nomination. His situation was made worse by the refusal of the sponsors of most of the 2011 Republican Presidential Debates to allow Johnson to participate. As a result, there was increasing speculation that Johnson, who unsuccessfully sought assistance from the Republican National Committee, will seek the nomination of the [[Libertarian Party]].