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Monday, May 30, 2016

Johnson & Weld win on 2nd ballot in Orlando

2016 Finally Has a Contested Convention, Thanks to the Libertarians - NBC News - Jane C. Timm:

"May 29, 2016 - The Libertarian Party nominated former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld as its presidential ticket Sunday, as the party attempts to elevate itself into the mainstream during an election that's given the small party unprecedented opportunity.

"The pair - both two-term governors - have more executive experience than any other candidate in the race, and they will offer an alternative to two historically unpopular candidates, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.

"'This is the best message team going forward,' Johnson, the Libertarians' presidential nominee, told reporters after Weld won the vice presidential nomination....

"Johnson won on the second ballot after falling short of a majority by just a few votes - getting 49.5 percent - on the first.... The tense hour between ballots left candidates scheming and delegates making floor deals and chanting for and against candidates. It was the kind of drama political reporters had previously only dreamed about....

"While Johnson locked down enough votes on the second ballot, the drama was far from finished Sunday. Libertarians also allow their party to choose the vice presidential nominee, and Johnson's chosen running mate - Weld - is not a party favorite, as many question whether he's really a Libertarian....

"In speeches ahead of the ballot, the runner-up presidential candidate, publisher Austin Petersen, spoke out against Weld; another vice presidential candidate, lawyer Alicia Dearn, spoke in support of party unity, asking Weld to join her on stage to pledge not to 'betray the party.' Weld fell a couple of dozen votes short on the first ballot, but he won on the second - by just a few votes - and the crowd erupted in boos and cheers."

Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/2016-finally-has-contested-convention-thanks-libertarians-n582471
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