SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Former Gov. Gary Johnson made a rare appearance at the state Capitol for the opening day of the Legislature.

However, Johnson was outside the statehouse on Tuesday for an anti-tax protest.

The former Republican governor was dressed in a heavy down jacket standing in a snowstorm and carrying a placard that said, "No New Taxes."

Johnson served as governor from 1995 through 2002, and prided himself on holding down state spending.

Johnson said he was outraged that lawmakers and Gov. Bill Richardson are considering raising taxes to plug a hole in the state budget.

The Legislature convenes at noon for a 30-day session. The main business of the opening day is Richardson's State of the State speech.

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