Badnarik was viewed as unlikely to win the Libertarian presidential nomination , facing challenges from talk-show host Gary Nolan and Hollywood producer Aaron Russo . At the 2004 Libertarian National Convention , Badnarik gained substantial support following the candidates ' debate ( broadcast live on C-SPAN ) . In the closest presidential nomination race in the Libertarian Party 's 32-year history , all three candidates polled within 12 votes of each other on the first ballot ( Russo 258 , Badnarik 256 , Nolan 246 ) . When the second ballot placed the candidates in the same order , Gary Nolan was eliminated and threw his support to Badnarik ; Badnarik won the nomination on the third ballot 417 to 348 , with None of the Above receiving six votes . Richard Campagna of Iowa City , Iowa , was elected separately by convention delegates as his vice-presidential nominee
2004 Libertarian National Convention
2004 Libertarian National Convention
Michael Badnarik