Ron Paul Earns 21,416 California Write-In Votes in 2012

The California Secretary of State reports that Ron Paul got 21,416 write-in votes for president in 2012.

This is remarkable, considering that Ron Paul only got 17,006 California write-in votes in 2008, when he ran against the Libertarian Party's unpopular Barr/Root ticket.

Despite the LP's 2012 presidential candidate, Gary Johnson, being more popular among libertarians than the Barr/Root ticket -- and a stronger overall candidate -- Paul still increased his vote totals in California.

Perhaps part of the reason was the Johnson was too pro-war. Peacenik libertarians can feel proud denying the LP those additional 21,416 votes.