Paul Festival Announces Gary Johnson And Judge Jim Gray As Speakers

One of the burning questions in the 2012 campaign is which way Ron Paul supporters would vote once their candidate was eliminated and would they embrace the candidacy of Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson.

Well, I think we may have some early indication as the former New Mexico Governor, as well as his VP nominee Judge Jim Gray, have been confirmed to speak at the three day Paul Festival in Tampa prior to the GOP Convention.

Paul Festival Announces Gary Johnson
Johnson and Judge Jim Gray Confirmed to Speak

Paul Festival announced today they had confirmed former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson to their list of speakers. Johnson joins an already packed collection of liberty advocates for the festival featuring vendors, speakers and live music.

The event will focus on working with independent minded voters from across the political spectrum. The event takes place August 24-26 in Tampa, Florida.

"I am grateful and excited to receive an invitation from Paul Festival and look forward to joining such a great gathering for liberty," said Governor Johnson. "I proudly stand by my record as a Governor who united voters from all parties and beliefs."

Gary Johnson has been a consistent advocate for working with all political parties and defending civil liberties. Judge Jim Gray, who served as as trial court judge in Orange County, California is joining Johnson as a confirmed speaker. Gray has long advocated for reform of the nation's drug laws and the, "War on Drugs."

Governor Johnson's attendance furthers Paul Festival's goal to band together against the political establishment," said chief organizer Bryan Simeon. "Gary Johnson spent a career unifying both the left and right and fighting to allow all voices to be heard."

The Festival's organizers have continued to emphasize the unity of liberal, conservative and libertarian elements in the event. Organizations from all over the political spectrum have been invited and the theme seems to have resonated with groups, elected officials and individuals. Since it was announced, the event has grown in size, tickets sold and media presence.To learn more Paul Festival, click here.

This could be the boost that Johnson, who endorsed Paul in 2008 and spoke at the Rally for the Republic event that Ron Paul and his supporters held prior to the 2008 GOP Convention, needs to get the backing of Paul's loyal legions of followers.

I know it's wishful thinking, especially given that Rand Paul has endorsed Mitt Romney, that Ron Paul himself would come out and endorse Gary Johnson.

But hell, stranger things have happened.