A Republican Unique:Ex-Guv to talk spending cuts, marijuana legalization, gay rights and Afghanistan

Ex-Guv to talk spending cuts, marijuana legalization, gay rights and Afghanistan Friday at CPAC.

Governor Gary Johnson will speak at CPAC, address social issues head-on

Former Governor of New Mexico is hailed as most fiscally conservative in the country, but his stance on marijuana legalization, gay rights, ending war in Afghanistan and immigration make him unique among conservatives

February 8, 2011, New York, NY —Gary Johnson, former Governor of New Mexico has been invited by CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), to speak at their 2011 conference on Friday, February 11th at 9:30am. Previously, Johnson had been told there was not room for him on the program, but is now looking forward to the opportunity to address CPAC membership and highlight issues such as cutting spending, economic reform, marijuana legalization, gay rights and ending the war in Afghanistan. Governor Johnson will also be the keynote speaker at the Republican Liberty Caucus on Saturday, February 12th. His name will be included on the straw poll at both events.

Ron Nielson, a longtime Johnson strategist and consultant, says that Governor Johnson is consistently heralded as a true fiscal conservative, and as such, finds it interesting that he was not included in CPAC’s initial line up of speakers. “Gary Johnson certainly meets all the criteria of a true fiscal conservative,” Nielson states. “As Governor of New Mexico, he eliminated the State’s budget deficit and cut the rate of growth in state government in half. Additionally, for the past several months, he has continued to emphasize the danger of our federal debt, and how it poses the greatest single threat to our national security.” He continued, “We are thrilled that a space has opened up on the speaking schedule, and believe Governor Gary Johnson will bring a voice to CPAC that will not otherwise be heard. We look forward to generating thoughtful and productive dialogue on these issues that need be addressed by conservatives.”

Political advocacy groups who have been supportive of Governor Johnson had speculated that his stance on social issues such as marijuana legalization, gay rights, a woman’s right to choose, ending the war in Afghanistan and calling for more realistic immigration plans could have precluded him from inclusion at CPAC.

Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, stated, "Governor Johnson is one of the most fiscally conservative people to govern any state in our lifetimes. If conservatives and Republicans truly want to expand their base, they should take a look at the young people who attend CPAC every year, the vast majority of whom believe marijuana should be legalized, taxed and regulated. I’m looking forward to Gary’s remarks, and hope they will spur more open and realistic conversation among conservatives.”

During CPAC, the following organizations will come together to participate in an event to support Governor Johnson: Republican Liberty Caucus, Citizens Opposing Prohibition, Americans for Tax Reform, Log Cabin Republicans, Students for Liberty, Free and Equal Election Foundation and Young Americans for Liberty.

Read more: http://thepage.time.com/2011/