"The man’s antithesis, the unscripted and unscrupulous Donald Trump, now leads the Republican ticket. And the other major-party candidate, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, seems hardly palatable. . . "
That's the way this article published on September 1, 2016 in The Economist starts off.
Many are choosing neither. Following the cue of their former standard-bearer—who has disparaged Mr Trump loudly and often—only 76% of those who voted for Mr Romney say they will select Mr Trump at the ballot box.
Romney now lives in Mormon-dominated Utah where he's hoping to put the state into play for November's election by public support for the 3rd party Libertarian ticket while enlisting other LDS politicians in Arizona to organize support - if you can't win it, spoil the election for Donald Trump.
On Road to 270, Arizona is home to best chance for a spoiler
PHOENIX (AP) — If Hillary Clinton carries Arizona in November, there's a good chance it won't be because Democrats on their own have flipped a reliable GOP state they hope to win consistently someday.
Instead, Clinton and Democrats may have Gary Johnson to thank.
The Libertarian Party nominee's best chance to influence the presidential race may come in Arizona, where the former New Mexico governor appeals to a group of finicky conservatives who make up part of the GOP base.
Four years ago, Libertarian candidates in Arizona drew enough votes away from Republicans that Democrats Ann Kirkpatrick and Kyrsten Sinema won election to the U.S. House.
Flake, who had endeared himself to many Libertarians while serving in the House, won his Senate race that year, too.
Republican Dave Richins, a councilman in Mesa City, said Johnson is conservative on spending, but tolerant on social issues, which he calls "a pragmatic combination."
"For me, a lifelong Republican, I don't agree with everything Johnson proposes," said Richins, a Johnson organizer. "But I find his pragmatism refreshing. That's how we get things done."
The Libertarian Party nominee's best chance to influence the presidential race may come in Arizona, where the former New Mexico governor appeals to a group of finicky conservatives who make up part of the GOP base.
"It could happen," said GOP Sen. Jeff Flake. "Donald Trump has managed to make this an interesting state in terms of presidential politics, and not in the way that Republicans have wanted."
Flake, who had endeared himself to many Libertarians while serving in the House, won his Senate race that year, too.
Republican Dave Richins, a councilman in Mesa City, said Johnson is conservative on spending, but tolerant on social issues, which he calls "a pragmatic combination."
"For me, a lifelong Republican, I don't agree with everything Johnson proposes," said Richins, a Johnson organizer. "But I find his pragmatism refreshing. That's how we get things done."
Here's some background about the two Libertarian candidates
He ran for president four years ago and received about one percent of the vote.
This year, his running mate is William Weld, who is the former Republican governor of Massachusetts. Weld also ran for the U.S. Senate and was defeated by John Kerry. This patrician Brahmin I found to be one of the most unpleasant individuals I've ever interviewed. He also attempted to be Ambassador to Mexico and was never confirmed. Obviously, Weld is looking for a home and something to do. Oh, he also flirted with running for Governor of New York. Quite a checkered political past.
The Libertarian team wants you, the voters, to "help them get into the debates." (They need to poll 15 percent to gain entry.) They describe themselves as “credible, proven, capable and honest” (the last one was in bold green letters). They go on to call themselves "America's Most Successful Governors."
They probably take more votes away from Trump than Clinton. But right now their visibility and impact seem limited. Now, if they should get in one of the three debates, that could change. I really don't think they will ever reach the 15-percent threshold.
Another candidate is a total unknown. His name is Evan McMullin. He might have a serious problem getting on many state ballots.
