Ron Paul tells Iowans he is a “mainstream candidate” for 2012 | Iowa Caucuses

Ron Paul tells Iowans he is a “mainstream candidate” for 2012 | Iowa Caucuses - William Petroski, May 31, 2011:

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul insisted today he’s no longer a fringe candidate and more Americans are embracing his philosophy of personal liberty and limited government... “We are mainstream if you believe in the things that I believe in,” the Texas Republican told an overflow crowd of about 125 people during a mid-day speech in a banquet room at the Rose Bowl lanes in Mason City....

"Paul maintained today that mainstream American political attitudes are changing, and more people are agreeing with his approach. Increasing numbers of independent-minded people and others who have felt disenfranchised by many American politicians are identifying with the Republican Party, he added.

"Paul spoke for about 30 minutes to a crowd that repeatedly applauded his remarks, warning the nation faces serious problems from a federal government that’s out of control. The situation could lead to steep inflation, higher unemployment and a reduced standard of living for Americans, he said .

"The larger the government, the more rules and regulations and the less prosperity the society will have, he contended."

Read more: http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/05/31/ron-paul-tells-iowans-he-is-a-mainstream-candidate-for-2012/

Gary Johnson: '50 laboratories of innovation' needed for reform

Gary Johnson: '50 laboratories of innovation' needed for reform - Michael Krebs, Digital Journal, May 29, 2011:

"Given Johnson's track record in cutting spending and in not raising taxes, his candidacy tends to be tethered to national fiscal issues, and he is on the record for saying that the country needs to balance the debt immediately.

"'You got to start out by talking about Medicaid and Medicare, and I'll just throw out some suggestions here,' Johnson said. 'There are others, but I'll just throw out that the federal government could cut Medicaid and Medicare by 43 percent. They could block grant the states. And I'm going to say this throughout my campaign: 50 laboratories of innovation. The notion of best practices. Give it to the states to deliver health care to the poor and those over 65, and do away with the strings, do away with the regulations and the bureaucracies.'"

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/307287

Rand Paul, Tea Party ask for debate on Patriot Act

Rand Paul and Tea Party Ask For Debate on Patriot Act Impact On Privacy : NPR - Liz Halloran, May 28, 2011:

"It's been nearly a decade since Congress, in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, hastily approved the USA Patriot Act and its historic expansion of law enforcement and domestic intelligence-gathering powers.... This week, the Senate failed again to have a robust back-and-forth on expiring provisions of the act that allow wide latitude in surveillance of Americans.

"But freshman Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and Tea Party favorite, raised a ruckus with leaders of both parties over the lack of debate, and forced the issue into the spotlight briefly but potently....

"Paul has since been hailed by civil libertarians and privacy activists for reinvigorating the debate over what rights Americans, in the name of counterterrorism, may have sacrificed. 'It is amazing how much he's been able to drive attention to this by breaking the cozy agreement between Republicans who didn't want to revisit the Patriot Act, and Democrats who didn't want to call too much attention to it,' says ... a longtime advocate of Patriot Act reform."

Senate Votes on Senator Rand Paul’s Balanced Budget Resolution

Senate Votes on Senator Rand Paul’s Balanced 

Budget Resolution

25 May 2011  Press Release

0

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate tonight voted on a motion to proceed with Sen. Rand Paul’s balanced budget plan, which he introduced as a privileged resolution last week. (Click here to view the budget in its entirety)

The only Senate budget plan that follows the guidelines set forth in the Balanced Budget Amendment to balance in five years – a goal supported by all 47 Senate Republicans – would also result in a $19 billion surplus upon balancing, and does so without raising any taxes or changing Social Security or Medicare during the budget window. It also maintains funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and overseas military operation at the President’s requested levels.

Sen. Paul issued this statement following the outcome of the vote, which failed 7-90:

“I am heartily disconcerted by the inability of some of my colleagues to see how dire our nation’s current fiscal situation is. In order to defeat our mounting national debt and balance the budget, bold action must be taken to make cuts and rein in spending. We cannot continue down this path and I will do all I can to turn our country around.”

http://www.randpaul2010.com/2011/05/senate-votes-on-senator-rand-paul%E2%80%99s-balanced-budget-resolution/

Supreme Court orders California to release inmates - latimes.com

California inmates: Supreme Court orders California to release inmates - latimes.com - David G. Savage, May 23, 2011:

"The Supreme Court ordered California on Monday to release tens of thousands of its prisoners to relieve overcrowding, saying that 'needless suffering and death' had resulted from putting too many inmates into facilities that cannot hold them in decent conditions.

"Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, speaking for the majority, said California's prisons had 'fallen short of minimum constitutional requirements' because of overcrowding. As many as 200 prisoners may live in gymnasium, he said, and as many as 54 prisoners share a single toilet.

"Kennedy insisted that the state had no choice but to release more prisoners. The justices, however, agreed that California officials should be given more time to make the needed reductions.

In dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia called the ruling 'staggering' and 'absurd.'"

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/sc-dc-0524-court-prisons-web-20110523,0,2337401.story

Patriot Act jumpstarts potential liberal / libertarian coalition

Patriot Act jumpstarts potential liberal/libertarian coalition | theCLog - John Grooms

May 24, 2011 - "Vermont liberal Sen. Patrick Leahy and Kentucky libertarian Rand Paul are joining forces to introduce an amendment to the Patriot Act that would phase out some of the worst parts of the law. The Leahy-Paul amendment would let National Security Letters (NSLs) expire at the end of 2013. NSLs are a type of subpoena used by the federal government, which ... doesn’t need to show probable cause for the NSL, and there is no judicial oversight of the process. If you history buffs out there think this sounds a little like the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, apartheid-era South Africa, or recent Egyptian policy, you’re right.

"Leahy and Paul’s amendment would also mandate that the Justice Dept. audit the issuance of NSLs, and would expand public reporting on the use of NSLs.... Rand Paul said, 'We were so frightened after 9/11 that we readily gave up these freedoms. Not only would I let these expire, but I think we should sunset the entire Patriot Act.'”

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/theclog/2011/05/24/patriot-act-jumpstarts-potential-liberallibertarian-coalition/

Rand Paul’s Balancing Act | The Weekly Standard

Rand Paul’s Balancing Act | The Weekly Standard - Matthew Continetti, May 30, 2011:

"In 2010, as an ophthalmologist who had never run for office, Paul was propelled to victory thanks to connections to his father and the Tea Party. As founder of the Senate Tea Party Caucus, he is perhaps more associated with the movement than any other freshman Republican. He has led opposition to renewal of the Patriot Act, quoted Ayn Rand from his seat on the energy committee, called for $500 billion in cuts in discretionary spending this year, said that to believe in a “right” to health care “means you believe in slavery,” and released a plan to balance the budget in five years....

“'I think he’s been great,' Brian Doherty told me. Doherty’s an editor at Reason magazine and the author of Radicals for Capitalism, a history of American libertarianism. 'He’s been surprisingly excellent as a rhetorician for the ideas.' Doherty’s boss at Reason, editor in chief Matt Welch, has a cover story in the June issue on Paul. 'He has done more to inject libertarian ideas into the Washington debate than any senator I can remember,' writes Welch, 'all within his first three months in office.'”

Read more: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/rand-paul-s-balancing-act_567612.html

Park Ranger Orders Visitor to Leave National Military Park, Citing Objection to Ron Paul Decals on Car

The Rutherford Institute: Free Speech Violation: Park Ranger Orders Visitor to Leave National Military Park, Citing Objection to Ron Paul Decals on Car:

"Jack Faw, whose ancestors fought in the historic battle memorialized at Kings Mountain National Military Park, contacted The Rutherford Institute after being told by a park ranger that the decal promoting a political organization associated with Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), which was displayed on the back window of Faw's car, was not allowed in the park. In a legal letter to Park officials, constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead warned that the ranger's directive, which resulted in Faw being forced to leave the park, violated Faw's First Amendment rights, as well as National Park Service regulations. Whitehead also demanded assurances that Park employees will be properly instructed in how to respect the constitutional rights of visitors to the Park so that Faw and others will not face similar restrictions in the future."

Read more: http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/press_release.asp?article_id=914&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Rep. Amash predicts House GOP won't allow vote on military action in Libya - The Hill's Floor Action Blog

Rep. Amash predicts House GOP won't allow vote on military action in Libya - The Hill's Floor Action Blog - Pete Kasperowicz, May 20, 2011:

"Freshman Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) on Friday predicted that House Republican leaders would not allow a vote to be held on whether the U.S. military should be allowed to continue operations in Libya....

"Amash noted that the War Powers Act (WPA) lets the president commit troops for up to 60 days without permission from Congress, and said the administration would be in violation of the WPA if congressional authorization is not granted after Friday. But he also argued that the WPA only allows troop commitments for reasons related to self-defense, which he said means the WPA was never a legal justification for the U.S. military's participation in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya.

'''In fact, the administration has been violating the WPR from the moment the first bomb dropped on Libya,' he wrote."

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/162459-rep-amash-predicts-house-gop-wont-allow-vote-on-military-action-in-libya

Nelson endorsement goes up in smoke

Willie Nelson Changes His Tune | Teapot Party Blog - Mar. 18, 2011:

"I received the following email from Nelson about Johnson: 'I think we should endorse him.' I informed Johnson’s campaign.... Yesterday, both the Teapot Party and Gary Johnson 2012 sent out press releases announcing the endorsement....

"I sent the press release and coverage links to Nelson. His response took me by surprise: 'My position is it['s] too early for me to endorse anyone. And I think every one should vote their own conscience.'

"I wrote back reminding him that he had approved the endorsement. 'I know I said that,' Nelson replied. 'But I think I will wait and see where he stands on other things. My bad. Sorry. I still think he is a good guy but so Is Dennis [Kucinich] and if he decided to run I would personally vote for him. If it came down to either him or Gary I’m already committed to Dennis. They both have said they support legal pot.'"

Read more:  http://teapotpartyblog.com/?p=77

House Passes Bill by Rep. Amash to End Taxpayer-Funded Abortions | The State Column

House Passes Bill by Rep. Amash to End Taxpayer-Funded Abortions | The State Column - May 10, 2011:

"On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, a bill cosponsored by U.S. Representative Justin Amash (MI-03) to prohibit federal funding of abortions and abortion coverage. The bill passed 251 to 175.

"The bill would make permanent current federal laws that prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions. In addition, the bill would prevent taxpayer dollars from subsidizing insurance providers that include coverage for elective abortions."

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/state_politics/michigan/house-passes-bill-by-rep-amash-to-end-taxpayer-funded-abortions/

Imagine President Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson | Viral Web Ad | Campaign | The Daily Caller - Jeff Winkler, May 18, 2011:

"If the quality of presidential hopefuls’ viral videos directly correlated with their standings in the race, odds would be on Gary Johnson."

Read the rest at: http://dailycaller.com/2011/05/18/gary-johnsons-viral-ad-a-contrast-in-quality-to-other-potential-republican-presidential-candidates/

Imagine President Gary Johnson

Willie Nelson’s Teapot Party Endorses Gary Johnson for President

Willie Nelson’s Teapot Party Endorses Gary Johnson for President | Willie Nelson's Teapot Party:

"May 17, 2011 – American music legend Willie Nelson recently met with former New Mexico Governor and current Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson after a concert in Texas. The result of that historic meeting is today’s endorsement of Johnson by Willie Nelson’s Teapot Party.

“'I am truly gratified to have the endorsement of such an iconic entertainer, philanthropist, innovator and champion for individual rights as Willie Nelson,' Johnson says, accepting the endorsement. 'Not only is he a superstar talent, he is a bold advocate for social change. Americans are demanding the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams without interference from a heavy-handed government, and Willie Nelson lends a tremendous voice to those demands.'"

Read more:

http://teapotpartyblog.com/?p=70

Libertarians Building a War Chest for 2012 - Uncovered Politics

Libertarians Building a War Chest for 2012 - Uncovered Politics - Austin F. Cassidy, May 12, 2011:

"In their most recent FEC report, for the period ending March 31, 2011, the [U.S.] Libertarian Party reported $284,882.95 in cash with $0 in debt. At the same point four years ago, the party claimed it had $21,962.37 in cash with $31,589.74 in debt.

“'Four years ago, we were $10,000 in the red. Now we’re almost $300,000 in the black,' said party Chairman Mark Hinkle. “That’s a big step forward for the LP, and should help us a lot going into the 2012 campaign. If our candidates, volunteers, and donors keep it up, 2012 may be one of the biggest years ever for the Libertarian Party.'

Read more:
http://www.uncoveredpolitics.com/2011/05/libertarians-building-a-war-chest-for-2012/

Bashing Gary Johnson (I)

Bashing Gary Johnson (I) - George Dance, Nolan Chart, May 16, 2011:

"Ron Paul does not launch attack other candidates. Alas, the same cannot be said for all of his supporters."

"Of the first ten stories I read at random, eight led off their coverage of Johnson's politics with his positions on either drugs or war. Strange how they would all focus on the issue Johnson 'downplays' and the one he 'never mentions,' is it not? Were all of them misrepresenting? Or was Rockwell?"

Read more:
http://www.nolanchart.com/article8666_Bashing_Gary_Johnson_I.html

Trucker took on big government in election

Let Freedom Ring: Trucker took on Big Gov't in election - Today's Trucking, the truck news site:

May 12, 2011 - "Trucker Darcy Neal Donnelly may have been the only candidate in this month's federal election who was inspired by the Canadian rock group Trooper to run for public office.

"The cement truck driver from eastern Ontario was motivated to 'raise a little hell' for the Libertarian Party in the riding of Stormont-Dundas and South Glengarry.

'If you know the song "Raise A Little Hell", you'll know it has motivating lyrics,' he says. 'They say, If you don't like what you got, why don't you change it? If your world is all screwed up, then rearrange it. If you see something wrong, why don't you right it.

"'Well, I see something wrong, and I'm doing something about it. I'm protesting in a non-violent way.'"

Read more: http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=26329

Libertarian Party of Canada     http://libertarian.ca

05/05/2011 Ron Paul, Gary Johnson, others in GOP Debate – Full Video :: Liberty Maven

05/05/2011 Ron Paul, Gary Johnson, others in GOP Debate – Full Video :: Liberty Maven - Marc Gallagher, May 6, 2011:

"Ron Paul is on fire. That is my opinion of his performance in this first GOP debate. Of course, I’m biased. Feel free to make your own judgement after watching the entire debate.... There were a few stellar moments from Ron Paul, including his answer when asked about legalizing drugs....

"I don’t agree with a lot of what Herman Cain says, but I have to admit he has charisma that will give him a lot of support.... Gary Johnson did very well with a few odd moments. If I’m looking at him through social-con or neo-con eyes voting for him would likely be impossible....

"Pawlenty seems to be channeling John McCain a bit too much and Santorum just comes off as angry. Both seem to be going after the George W. Bush voting block."

http://libertymaven.com/2011/05/06/05052011-ron-paul-gary-johnson-others-in-gop-debate-full-video/11595/

Ron Paul driving Republicans' White House campaign - TheHill.com

Ron Paul driving Republicans' White House campaign - TheHill.com - Juan Williams:

May 9, 2011 - "Republican politics are being shaped by a 75-year-old, 12-term Texas congressman with a son in the Senate. And incredibly, it is no longer out of the realm of possibility that this outcast of the GOP establishment may win the party’s presidential nomination.

"If you have not been paying attention, it is time to look around and realize that we are living in the political age of Rep. Ron Paul....

"At last week’s debate, put on by my other employer, Fox News Channel, I was struck by the libertarian flair the iconoclast injected into the evening....

"He has been adamantly opposed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning and has called for an immediate pullout of all U.S. troops. He rails against the American 'empire' and argues that U.S. spending on a global military presence should be cut....

"Even when he called for legalization of marijuana, cocaine and heroin at the debate it did not elicit hooting but cheers from South Carolina’s famously right-wing Republicans."

http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/juan-williams/159863-ron-paul-driving-the-republican-campaign

Poll: Majority say they wouldn’t vote for Palin or Trump – CNN Political Ticker

Poll: Majority say they wouldn’t vote for Palin or Trump – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs -Paul Steinhauser, May 4, 2011:

"A Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday indicates that 58 percent of the public says they would never vote for the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, with an equal amount saying the same thing about the billionaire businessman, real estate mogul, and reality TV star.

"Fifteen percent of people questioned say they are enthusiastic about Palin as a candidate and around one in four say they would consider voting for her ... nine percent say they are enthusiastic about Trump as a candidate, with about a quarter saying they would consider voting for him for president."

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/04/poll-majority-say-they-wouldnt-vote-for-palin-or-trump/

CNN Poll: Ron Paul Stands Best Chance Against Obama

CNN Poll: Ron Paul Stands Best Chance Against Obama - Michael Tennant, New American, May 6, 2011:

"'Ron Paul cannot get elected' President, declared Donald Trump at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference. Trump, who has never run for office, let alone won an election, may want to reconsider.... A new CNN poll finds that ... the longtime Texas congressman has the greatest chance of beating Barack Obama, while The Donald comes in dead last.

"In a hypothetical match-up ... Obama beats Paul by only seven percentage points (52 to 45 percent) ... former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee by eight points, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by 11 points, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich by 17 points, former Alaska Governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin by 19 points, and Trump by a whopping 22 points....

"CNN ... hastened to add that such hypothetical match-ups are meaningless."

Read more: http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/7382-cnn-poll-ron-paul-stands-best-chance-against-obama

Gary Johnson’s first GOP debate: “Hey, what about me?”

Gary Johnson’s first GOP debate: “Hey, what about me?” - Rob Nikolewski, May 6, 2011:

"Gary Johnson’s most memorable moment in his first nationally-televised debate of Republican presidential candidates didn’t come from espousing one of his unconventional GOP positions but from a fit of exasperation, accusing the members of the FOX News panel of ignoring him....

"Things didn’t get much better. Near the end of the debate, the panel’s host, Bret Baier, asked Johnson the night’s most off-the-wall question: If you starred in a reality TV show like Donald Trump hosts, what would it be?

“'I’m stumped,' Johnson said after searching for a decent answer.

"It was that kind of night for Johnson, who not only had to compete for attention with four other candidates but also had to find a way to stand out against fellow libertarian Rep. Ron Paul who ran an insurgent campaign in the 2008 presidential campaign and is much better known than Johnson."

http://watchdog.org/9293/gary-johnson%E2%80%99s-first-gop-debate-%E2%80%9Chey-what-about-me%E2%80%9D/

Ron Paul Sees Fund-Raising Windfall on Debate Day - NYTimes.com

Ron Paul Sees Fund-Raising Windfall on Debate Day - NYTimes.com - Michael D. Shear:

May 6, 2011 - "Representative Ron Paul of Texas ... can raise money. According to Mr. Paul’s Web site, his one-day 'money bomb' aimed at collecting funds during Thursday’s Republican debate netted his campaign more than $1 million.... One million dollars is sure to keep Mr. Paul in the campaign throughout the summer....

"Mr. Paul does not typically pander to the Republican establishment or the primary electorate. He says things that are unpopular with most Republicans (like his opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan). And he ignores the political dangers of talking about slashing social programs for the poor and elderly.

"But that approach seems to encourage his supporters to open their wallets."

Read more:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/ron-paul-sees-fund-raising-windfall-during-debate/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul Are Officially Running for President - Chris Good - Politics - The Atlantic

Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul Are Officially Running for President - Chris Good - Politics - The Atlantic - May 5, 2011:

"Both have filed for presidential candidacy in South Carolina -- a requirement for participating in the first GOP primary debate of the 2012 election cycle, cohosted in Greenville, S.C., by Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party. And both candidates were aware that, by doing so, they have officially become presidential candidates in the eyes of the law. Spokesmen for both Pawlenty and Paul acknowledged that filing for candidacy in South Carolina changes their bosses' status in the eyes of the Federal Election Commission....

"'Dr. Paul still has not made a final decision, but he is serious enough to invest $25,000 to keep the door open,' said Paul adviser Jesse Benton, referencing South Carolina's $25,000 filing fee.

"'He'll have a formal and final announcement in coming weeks,' said Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant. 'The filing was required now to participate in the debate.'"

Read more: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/05/tim-pawlenty-and-ron-paul-are-officially-running-for-president/238388/

Justin Amash, Republican Freshman, Bucks His Party - NYTimes.com

Justin Amash, Republican Freshman, Bucks His Party - NYTimes.com - Jennifer Steinhauer, Apr. 14, 2011:

"Mr. Amash, 30, a lawyer and the youngest member of the freshman class, ... has voted against his party on important symbolic measures, like one that would strip financing from Planned Parenthood, and those most minor, like a measure to amend the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act to extend its termination date.

"On Thursday, he voted against an agreement the leaders of his party hatched with Democrats to keep the government open for the rest of the year — and he won’t be the only member to do so....

"Often, when Mr. Amash agrees with the spirit of a measure, but not its constitutional basis, he votes “present,” as he did on a bill to take money from public broadcasting. If baffled colleagues seek an explanation, they can find it on his Facebook page, where he assiduously explains every vote.

'“I follow a set of principles, I follow the Constitution,' said Mr. Amash.... 'And that’s what I base my votes on. Limited government, economic freedom and individual liberty.'"

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/us/politics/15freshman.html

Johnson to take part in televised presidential debate | NMPolitics.net

Johnson to take part in televised presidential debate | NMPolitics.net - Heath Haussaman, May 3, 2011:

"The first debate for Republican presidential candidates of the 2012 election cycle will be held Thursday ... starting at 7 p.m. MST. It’s being held in South Carolina.

"Johnson’s campaign had to pay $25,000 to get on the ballot in South Carolina and be eligible to participate in the debate. This will be Johnson’s first real chance to show a wide audience what he’s about as a presidential candidate...

"Tim Pawlenty is the only 'top-tier' candidate expected to participate. The others expected to participate along with Pawlenty and Johnson are Herman Cain, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum."

http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2011/05/johnson-to-take-part-in-televised-presidential-debate/

Libertarian Canadian Website Information

Libertarian Canadian Website Information - libertarian, Apr. 26, 2011.

"Instead of government dominating the lives of Canadians through taxes and regulations, the Libertarian Party of Canada believes that Canadians should be free to run their own lives....

"Government should exist only to provide a framework that defends individual rights.

"We believe that Canada needs a major reduction in the size and power of government.

"We need a system that addresses the power imbalance between a centrally planned society and individuals.

"We need a system that empowers individuals to defend their lives, health, and property.

"Join us. Here is a two-page brochure:   http://www.libertarian.ca/english/LPC%20Brochure.pdf"

http://tunya-libertarian.org/2011/04/libertarian-canadian-website-information/


Libertarian Party of Canada     http://libertarian.ca

VOTE 2011 Libertarian Party of Canada - YouTube

Libertarian Party of Canada     http://libertarian.ca