by Brian Nichols

Following the stunning announcement of the day in which former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for Gary Johnson and Bill Weld to appear in the 2016 Presidential Debates, the New York State Independence Party has official endorsed both Johnson and Weld. As reported by the Gannett’s Albany Bureau Chief Joseph Spector:

The Independence Party of New York State is pleased to announce that it has chosen to endorse Gary Johnson and William Weld for the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States. This is a significant endorsement since the group comprises the largest third party political organization in the nation with nearly half a million members and growing.

Spector also included an official quote from New York State Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay:

At a time when people throughout the nation are so dissatisfied with the major party choices and the political system in general, Gary Johnson and Bill Weld offer a pragmatic and refreshing alternative. Both were highly regarded and effective Governors of their home states – and I strongly believe they represent the best opportunity for political change in the nation.

An endorsement for Johnson and Weld from the New York State Independence Party is significant, as the NYS Independence Party is the third largest political party in the state. Based on state election laws, Johnson will now appear third on the ballot (below Clinton and Trump) as the Independence Party candidate and also will appear fifth on the ballot as the Libertarian Party candidate. The Conservative Party appears fourth on the New York State Ballot.

Note: Neither the New York State Board of Elections nor New York State Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay responded with a comment at the time of this publication.