Ron Paul’s hardcore libertarian base may have an alternative on the ballot this November.

The Libertarian Party is holding its convention in Las Vegas this week and is expected to pick New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson as its presidential nominee. Johnson, who left the Republican Party in December to join the Libertarian ranks, has called for steep cuts in government spending and the legalization of marijuana.

The Libertarian Party nominated former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr in 2008 and was on the ballot in 45 states. But the party has never garnered more than 1 percent of the vote in a presidential election, so it’s hard to imagine President Obama or Mitt Romney dialing up any op-research or attack ads on Gary Johnson. Unless, say, Ron Paul’s dedicated army of supporters suddenly rallies around him.