Libertarians hope to earn party status

Associated Press

Updated: Aug 6, 2012 9:00 AM

SANTA FE (AP) — New Mexico's Libertarian Party has a lot at stake in the general election with former Gov. Gary Johnson running as the party's presidential nominee.

A strong finish by Johnson will deliver a big boost to the Libertarians under terms of state election law, potentially making it easier for the party's candidates to secure a place on the ballot for governor, the Legislature, Congress and other offices starting in 2014.

Libertarians have a chance at becoming a "major political party" in New Mexico — the same as Democrats and Republicans — if Johnson wins at least 5 percent of the total vote in the November general election.

Libertarians would select their nominees by holding a primary election — like Democrats and Republicans — if they become a major political party.

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