New York

[palmspringsbum]

Weld hopes to capture Libertarian Party line

www.nydailynews.com
BY JOE MAHONEY
DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF


ALBANY - GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Weld is sailing into uncharted waters in New York Republican politics: He's making a major run to line up the backing of the tiny Libertarian Party.
Weld confirmed to the Daily News last night that he would "definitely be interested" in winning the Libertarian line

"'Libertarian' is not a bad word in my lexicon," he said, noting one of his favorite expressions is: "I want the government out of your pocketbook and out of your bedroom."

Asked about the party's opposition to the war on drugs, Weld said he'd back medical marijuana, but added, "I'm not for the decriminalization of drugs."

Because Republicans are outnumbered by Democrats in New York by a 5-3 ratio, GOP candidates covet a second ballot line.

Overwhelmingly, their partner has been the Conservative Party. But Weld's more conservative GOP rival, John Faso, has a virtual lock on the Conservative line.

Originally published on April 7, 2006