RPOF v. FOX over Gary Johnson (in presidential debate, not straw poll)

And then, there were 9.

Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson was added at the last minute to Thursday's Presidency 5 debate broadcast by Fox News -- the first cable-news outlet to give the libertarian-leaning Republican a night in the spotlight.

But the Republican Party of Florida, the P5 sponsor, was unaware of the decision. Spokesman Brian Hughes said RPOF believed that, under its agreement with FOX, only candidates who had received 1 percent or more in each of the last five national polls would be included. By that standard, Johnson wouldn't be on stage.

FOX thought otherwise.

Still, it looks as if Johnson's name won't be on the P5 straw poll Thursday (perhaps he could be a write-in?).

Here's the Daily Beast report on Johnson. Here's our piece on him when he was in Florida.

Comments

[John Hoover]

Please contact the RPoF immediately and tell them you want Gary Johnson on the stage Thursday night!

Here's their contact info: Phone: 850.222.7920
http://rpof.org/contact/

Sample letter:

Dear RPOF,

I am writing in regards to your attempts to block Gov. Gary Johnson from the debate stage on Thursday. I find this behavior by our state party completely unacceptable, especially considering that it had earlier been stated the state party was in no way involved with this decision.

Gov. Gary Johnson is a former 2 term governor who actually has an outstanding fiscally conservative record, unlike some of the other individuals standing on the stage, calling themselves "Republicans". I would like an explanation as to what it is about Gary Johnson's record that you find so offensive that you think he is unfit to share the stage with such embarrassments to the party as Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann?

If efforts are continued to prevent Gary Johnson from taking part in the debate then I will be forced to seriously consider which party's presidential nominee I will be supporting in the 2012 election.

Regards,
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As a side note, since I live in Florida, I receive the RPoF's mailers. On the cover of their one associated with the straw poll were all the candidates, including Johnson. However, for some odd reason, the sticker keeping the the mailer closed was placed off-center, directly over Johnson's face.

[kilroy]

Thanks for posting the link for RPOF. I cannot understand why there is such antagonism toward Gov. Johnson. He has an excellent executive record and unlike most of the candidates has always been honest and principled.

[Spatial Orientation]

It's about time! More Gary Johnson coverage at SpatialOrientation.com

[Jonathan]

Gary Johnson is the best candidate hands down! He has the best track record for fiscal conservatism, and he is socially liberal and understands the govt needs to get out of peoples personal lives. Legalize marijuana, end the wars, end the income tax, start a fair tax and balance the budget. This guy is exactly what America needs! I'm voting Governor Gary Johnson! The people's President!

The Media should not be censoring the debate or creating barriers. The media should be more concerned with providing a fair platform for all the Candidates and let the people decide based on ideas not how much money or fame you have! Gary Johnson is a successful two term republican Governor of a state that has a population that's registered two to one democrat. He came into office with a huge deficit and left with a billion dollar surplus. He is a good steward of tax dollars!! For example, When he first became governor his staff asked him how he wanted his name read on the state welcome signs, He said "Don't put my name on those signs! If we change them put Welcome to New Mexico from the citizens of New Mexico."

Gary Johnson understand­s the proper role of Govt, To protect us from force and fraud, and to stay out of our bedrooms and wallets. If our actions our peaceful and do not infringe upon the rights of others, Then we should be free to live or life how WE choose.

[Carl Constant]

Not including Gary Johnson is just another example of the Republican Party "self-destructing". NOT very bright!
Is this ELITIST ???

[Spatial Orientation]

The establishment press is essentially ignoring GJ, and the Florida Republicn Party was actively trying to exclude him from the debate. Thankfully, Fox News ignored them since he met the criteria. More coverage of Johnson being excluded by the big media outlets: http://spatialorientation.com/2011/09/13/gary-johnson-excluded-from-latest-cnn-poll/

[Robert Dinion]

It is Time for Younger Modern Republicans who are more socially liberal but fiscally conservative and still believe in the basic principles that make America Great to be heard.. Gary Johnson is OUR Candidate and lets Support him!!

[Joe M]

Gary Johnson could wipe the floor with Obama in a general election. He could steal votes from the left easily because of his stances on the War on Drugs and the wars overseas.

[Randall Peterson]

Vote Gary Johnson.