First Official GOP Candidate: Gary Johnson

Kevin Glass | April 21, 2011 11:21 AM

The first hat has been cast into the ring for the GOP 2012 nomination, and it's former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. This isn't too surprising; it's a way to generate a little buzz for Johnson, who is currently languishing behind most of the other potential candidates as far as name recognition goes.

In fact, according to Gallup, Johnson is bringing up the rear as far as both name recognition and intensity goes. Despite a third-place finish at the CPAC Straw Poll, he's fallen in intensity in the last few months, and has come in near the bottom on Townhall's Presidential Straw Poll. Obviously, he's looking to build a little more recognition and name brand as the first GOP debates rapidly approach.

He made his announcement today in New Hampshire, where he said, "America needs a ‘President Veto’ right now – someone who will say ‘no’ to insane spending and stop the madness that has become Washington. That’s why I am here today to announce that I’m running for President of the United States. And I don’t do so lightly."

Check out the interview we did with Gov. Johnson in February at CPAC, where he said his main aims were to bring debt, deficit and spending issues to the forefront. He does hold some controversial views on the War on Drugs and foreign policy, which may turn out to hamper his performance amongst the GOP base in the primaries.