Libertarian presidential candidate’s discussion open to public

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Libertarian party U.S. presidential candidate Gary Johnson will visit Purdue University on Sept. 13, where he will take part in a discussion sponsored by Purdue Young Americans for Liberty, a student organization.

The event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, is free and open to the public. Purdue President Mitch Daniels will host the event and lead the on-stage discussion with Johnson. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for those registered in advance and at 5 p.m. for general admission. A limited number of early seating passes are available by going online to garyjohnsonpurdue.eventbrite.com.

“The opportunity to co-sponsor this event with former governor of New Mexico and current presidential candidate Gary Johnson will give students a chance to hear a policy message that they might not have otherwise heard,” said Michael Thompson, president of the Purdue Young Americans for Liberty. “Political diversity is important to our society, and something we cherish. Purdue Young Americans for Liberty does not endorse or oppose any political candidate, rather we support the ideas of individual liberty, economic freedom and personal responsibility. We hope this event will create a discussion based on those ideas.”

The university has invited each of the presidential candidates that appear on Indiana’s ballot to visit campus. Johnson is the first to commit.

Johnson served as New Mexico’s governor for two terms, from 1995-2003, as a member of the Republican party and ran for president as a Libertarian in 2012 after withdrawing as a candidate for the GOP nomination. His vice presidential running mate is William Weld, former two-term governor of Massachusetts (1991-97).

Johnson, 63, who began his career as an entrepreneur while still a student at the University of New Mexico, is described as a fiscal conservative and social liberal. He turned Big J Enterprises, a mechanical contracting business, into a large corporation with more than 1,000 employees. He is self-described as the nation’s most fiscally conservative governor and as “Governor Veto,” having vetoed more than 750 bills during his time as governor. He is an avid skier, adventurer and bicyclist who has scaled the highest peak on each of the seven continents. 

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu  

Source: Michael Thompson, president, Purdue Young Americans for Liberty, thomp407@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Journalists wishing to cover the event should contact Jim Bush at 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu, or Brian Zink at 765-494-2080, bzink@purdue.edu,  for credentialing information.