Libertarians in New Mexico didn’t do so well this election. None of the five candidates running for office here won their races.

But Senate candidate Gary Johnson is still optimistic.

The former governor campaigned on fiscal conservation and on reducing the country’s debt. But he came in last in a three-way race with 15 percent of the vote.

“It’s kind of a disappointment, but it’s also a pretty good showing by all Libertarians,” he said. “I mean really it’s playing a role in the election.

Democratic incumbent Martin Heinrich kept his seat, beating Johnson and Republican Mick Rich.

Johnson said his party needs to win somewhere, somehow, but he doesn’t think that’ll be in New Mexico. But he does like the momentum he’s seeing now.

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