Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson's favored candidate for the party's vice presidential slot is former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld,
The Daily Caller reports.
Both men are former Republican governors, with Johnson serving in New Mexico from 1995 to 2003, and Weld in Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997.
That could be a problem with some Libertarians, with the vice presidential pick "doubling down on the presidential candidate's own qualities with no attempt at widening appeal,"
notes Reason's Brian Doherty.
Reason quoted Joe Hunter from Johnson's campaign confirming the story, though he didn't agree with The Daily Caller's anonymous source's term that "vetting is ongoing."
"For a former Governor and well known public figure, 'vetting' is not the operative word, nor necessary," Hunter said. "But yes, Governor Weld is being seriously considered."
The Libertarian Party does not hold primaries or caucuses where registered voters can cast ballots as do the Democrats and Republicans. It instead picks its nominee at a national convention. And since the vice presidential nominee is picked separately, Johnson's choice will simply be a suggestion to the convention voters.
Still, if he is the nominee his opinion is expected to carry weight.
Johnson is the favorite to win the nomination at the convention in Orlando this month, though he is facing challenges from The Libertarian Republic magazine founder Austin Peterson and software anti-virus legend John McAfee.
Weld, appointed by President Ronald Reagan as United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and also lead the Justice Department's criminal division, is a powerful fundraiser, and would help bring donations into the effort, The Daily Caller reports.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.