SALT LAKE CITY -- Who is Gary Johnson?
"I've climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. I’ve done Hawaii Ironman four times. I’ve done a 100-mile run before," Johnson said during an exclusive interview with FOX 13 News.
Now, the former two-term governor of New Mexico is taking on a different adventure: running for President of the United States.
"I think our resumes under scrutiny actually shine," Johnson said.
His running mate, Bill Weld, is the former two-term governor of Massachusetts with a prestigious history working in the Justice Department.
The two governors on the Libertarian ticket are offering a middle of the road alternative to the major parties.
"I want the government out of your pocketbook and out of your bedroom. The problem is with the Democrats you get the government in your pocketbook and with the Republicans you get them in your bedroom," Weld said.
The fiscally conservative and socially liberal option could appeal to Utahns who made their dislike for Donald Trump clear back in March.
"In Utah in particular I think there is a bigger turn off to Trump perhaps more so than any other place," Johnson said.
What could really seal the deal would be an endorsement from Weld's good friend, Mitt Romney.
"We’ve seen a lot of each other. We were on the ballot together one year," Weld said.
While they talk on a somewhat regular basis, Romney has made no promises.
"I think it’s a little premature to go to people and say, ‘cast your lot with us.’ We’ve got a few things to prove and hope to do so," Weld said.
Will conservative Utahns ever really back a socially liberal agenda? Johnson and Weld say there's no need to worry because they have no plans to impose their views on the American people.
"Isn’t life about being able to make choices in your own life as long as those choices that adversely affect others," Johnson said.
Right now, the goal for Johnson and Weld is to get 15 percent nationwide so that they can participate in the debates for President and Vice President.
