**2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries**
**Definition:**
The 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries were a series of state-level contests held to select delegates and gauge support for candidates seeking the Libertarian Party’s nomination for President of the United States in the 2012 election. These primaries preceded the Libertarian National Convention, where the party’s presidential nominee was officially chosen.
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# 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries
The 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries were a series of state-level elections and caucuses conducted by the Libertarian Party and various state election authorities to determine the preferences of party members and supporters for the party’s presidential nominee. Unlike the major parties, the Libertarian Party’s primaries were less uniform and often non-binding, serving primarily as a measure of candidate support ahead of the Libertarian National Convention held in May 2012. The primaries featured multiple candidates competing for the party’s nomination, with the eventual nominee being former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
## Background
The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the third largest political party in the United States and advocates for civil liberties, non-interventionism, laissez-faire capitalism, and limiting the size and scope of government. The party’s presidential nomination process typically involves a combination of state primaries, caucuses, and a national convention where delegates officially select the nominee.
In 2012, the Libertarian Party sought to build on its previous electoral efforts, aiming to increase its visibility and influence in the national political landscape. The 2012 presidential election cycle was notable for the party’s efforts to gain ballot access in all 50 states and to present a credible alternative to the Republican and Democratic candidates.
## Candidates
Several candidates sought the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination in 2012. The most prominent among them included:
– **Gary Johnson**: Former Governor of New Mexico (1995–2003), Johnson was widely regarded as the frontrunner due to his executive experience and previous affiliation with the Republican Party. He had also run for president as a Libertarian in 2012.
– **Lee Wrights**: A lesser-known candidate who participated in some state primaries.
– **Other candidates**: Various other individuals declared candidacies or received votes in primaries, but none matched Johnson’s prominence or support.
## Primary Schedule and Format
The Libertarian Party’s presidential primaries in 2012 were held in several states, though not all states conducted primaries or caucuses for the party. The dates and formats varied by state, with some primaries being officially state-run elections and others being party-run caucuses or straw polls.
### Notable State Primaries
– **Minnesota**: The Libertarian Party held a primary in Minnesota, which was a state-run election allowing registered Libertarian voters to select their preferred candidate.
– **Mississippi**: Mississippi conducted a Libertarian primary, though turnout was limited.
– **California**: California’s Libertarian primary was notable for its size and participation, given the state’s large population.
– **Other states**: Additional states such as Missouri and Arizona held Libertarian primaries or caucuses.
## Results
Gary Johnson dominated the 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries, winning the majority of votes cast in the states that held primaries. His status as a former governor and his moderate libertarian positions helped him secure broad support within the party.
The primary results were largely symbolic, as the Libertarian Party’s nomination was ultimately decided at the national convention. However, the primaries helped to build momentum for Johnson’s campaign and demonstrated his appeal among Libertarian voters.
## Libertarian National Convention
The 2012 Libertarian National Convention was held from May 2 to May 6, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Delegates from across the country gathered to officially nominate the party’s candidates for president and vice president.
At the convention, Gary Johnson was nominated as the Libertarian Party’s presidential candidate on the first ballot, reflecting his strong support within the party. Judge Jim Gray, a retired California Superior Court judge, was selected as his running mate.
The convention also adopted the party platform and set the stage for the general election campaign.
## Impact and Significance
The 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries and subsequent nomination of Gary Johnson marked a significant moment for the party. Johnson’s candidacy brought increased media attention and helped the party achieve ballot access in all 50 states, a first in its history.
Johnson’s campaign focused on fiscal conservatism, civil liberties, and non-interventionist foreign policy, resonating with a segment of voters dissatisfied with the two major parties. Although he did not win any electoral votes, Johnson’s 2012 campaign laid the groundwork for his future runs and helped to raise the profile of the Libertarian Party nationally.
## Conclusion
The 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries served as an important step in the party’s nomination process, providing a platform for candidates to present their views and for voters to express their preferences. The primaries culminated in the nomination of Gary Johnson, whose campaign represented a milestone for the Libertarian Party in terms of visibility and electoral reach.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2012 Libertarian Party presidential primaries were a series of state-level contests that helped select the party’s nominee, culminating in the nomination of former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson at the national convention. These primaries played a key role in shaping the Libertarian Party’s 2012 presidential campaign.