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Libertarians Struggling to Get Johnson on Ohio Ballot

Success could affect who wins traditional battleground state

Libertarian Gary Johnson could peel conservative votes away from Republican Donald Trump. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Libertarian Gary Johnson could peel conservative votes away from Republican Donald Trump. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Libertarians are struggling to get former Gov. Gary Johnson’s name on the ballot in Ohio because the Libertarian Party is not recognized in the battleground state.

The challenge also comes from the party attempting a name-swapping effort where Charlie Earl, who ran for governor as a libertarian, will appear on the ballot as a stand-in and Johnson will replace him when the state elections chief clears the petitions filed to get candidates on the ballot.

If the two are cleared, they would be labeled as independents.

Johnson’s candidacy could make winning Ohio more difficult for Republican Donald Trump if he attracts enough conservatives away from the bombastic billionaire.

No Republican has won the White House without winning the traditional swing state.

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