Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson will be on the ballot in November in at least 47 states. The former Republican governor of New Mexico isn't likely to win any of them. But he just might siphon off enough votes from one of the other candidates to affect the outcome.

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DAVID GREENE, HOST:

If you don't think a third party candidate can play a role in a presidential election, just ask George HW Bush about Ross Perot or ask Al Gore about Ralph Nader.

This fall, the Libertarian Party will have a candidate on the ballot in at least 47 states. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson probably won't be invited to the debates and pollsters don't usually even bother asking about him. But he could influence the outcome of a close election, as NPR Joel Rose reports.

JOEL ROSE, BYLINE: Unless you're from New Mexico, where Gary Johnson served two terms as governor, you've probably never heard of him, but Johnson would like to change that.

GARY JOHNSON: I am the only candidate advocating a balanced budget now.

(APPLAUSE)

ROSE: Gary Johnson gave a speech at New York University this month, part of his three-week tour of college campuses. He showed up for the occasion dressed in a blue blazer, faded jeans and T-shirt with a peace symbol on it.

In interview, Johnson laid out all the other ways he is not like the two main candidates for the presidency and there are plenty.

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Libertarian Presidential Candidate Could Influence Election