"We live in America. We live in a free society where we are able to make choices. It's about giving individuals freedoms and holding them accountable."
Background Information- Gary Johnson was born in January 1, 1953 in Minot, N.D. Business man, author, politician the Libertarian Party nominee for President of the United States in the 2016 election. He served as the 29th Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003 as a member of the Republican Party. He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them, leaving New Mexico with a billion dollar surplus.
Education- University of New Mexico (1971-1975). Graduated with a degree in Political Science.
Credentials- He was Former governor of New Mexico and he started the Big J Enterprises in 1976. After being governor for 2 terms, he rejoined three business sectors: Alpha Security Group Corporation, High Beta, GEJ Enterprise. He was in the Board of Directors for the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
Family Life: He is the oldest of 3 siblings (has a sister and a brother). He married Denise Simms but later separated. He has a daughter Seah and son Erik.
Gary Johnson on the issues:
Jobs - Johnson's jobs plan relies on cuts to government spending and taxes, as well as a pullback of government assistance and oversight. He'd end public support for companies like Fannie Mae, and supports the legalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana.
Taxes- Has supported eliminating the current tax system with the Fair Tax, a national sales tax.
Budget- Johnson's jobs plan relies on cuts to government spending and taxes, as well as a pullback of government assistance and oversight. He'd end public support for companies like Fannie Mae, and supports the legalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana.
Entitlement programs- Johnson would block grant Medicare and Medicaid funds to states, and identify cost savings in Medicare. He would index growth in Social Security benefits to wage growth (rather than inflation).
Health care reform- Johnson would seek the repeal of President Obama's health care law, as well as the prescription drug benefits passed by Republicans in Congress in 2003.
Foreign policy- Johnson would immediately bring troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq, and cease U.S. operations in Libya. He would bar physical or psychological torture for terror suspects, and afford them due process rights.
Immigration- Johnson favors more open borders and a simplified legal immigration program. He says legalizing marijuana would reduce border violence, and would institute a "one strike" rule for immigrants who commit a crime.
Energy/Environment- Huntsman would expedite the review of new oil and gas exploration projects, and end subsidies for products like ethanol. He would also loosen regulations against fuels like natural gas.
Abortion- Johnson is a supporter of abortion rights.
Same-sex marriage- Johnson condemned a social conservative group's pledge against same-sex marriage "offensive," and refused to sign it.