Up In Smoke: Willie Nelson Retracts Gary Johnson Endorsement

Country singer Willie Nelson and former Gov. Gary Johnson (R-NM)
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Willie Nelson was extremely high on Gary Johnson last week, but the country singer is now withdrawing his endorsement for the pro-legalization GOP candidate, only days after announcing his support.

The Teapot Party, an advocacy group Nelson founded, said on their blog they had been confused about the singer’s intentions and announced their backing for the former New Mexico governor without adequately checking in.

“My position is it too early for me to endorse anyone,” Nelson said in an e-mail to Teapot Party official Steve Bloom. “And I think every one should vote their own conscience.”

Nelson took things to a deeper level than simply retracting his support for Johnson, asking Bloom if he had really looked at — I mean really looked at — the very concept of endorsements.

“If we back someone that’s us telling them how to vote,” he said. “I’m not qualified. You can say or do anything you like and I will do the same but let’s don’t back a political candidate. Let’s give our opinions and say what we know about everyone but let’s let everyone decide for themselves.”

Nelson has backed Dennis Kucinich in the last two presidential elections and told Bloom that he is still his first choice should he choose to run. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t open to Johnson’s candidacy.

“They both have said they support legal pot,” he said.

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