"Who is the Tea Party candidate for president?" - NYTimes.com

Tea Party Leaders Look to Bachmann, Paul and Perry - NYTimes.com - Kate Zernicke, June 27, 2011:

"Who is the Tea Party candidate for president? If a gathering of about 100 Tea Party leaders in Washington on Monday gives any indication, it’s Representative Michele Bachmann (who just announced her candidacy), with Representative Ron Paul and Gov. Rick Perry vying for a close second....

"Leaders from Tea Party groups in about 40 states gathered in the Washington offices of FreedomWorks, the libertarian advocacy group that cultivated the Tea Party movement....

"A (completely unscientific) voice-vote straw poll ... found almost no support and even a few groans for Sarah Palin; loud boos drowning out a handful of cheers for Mitt Romney; nays for Jon M. Huntsman Jr.; and support but dismissals that 'he can’t win' for Herman Cain.... Mrs. Bachmann, a Minnesota Republican, seemed to do best among women in the room, while Mr. Perry did best among men, and Mr. Paul, also of Texas, did best among younger people in the room.

"But there was a lot of loud applause for the final candidate: 'undecided.' And there was a lot of debate after the straw poll about whether Tea Party supporters should back the Republican nominee, regardless of whom they support now."

Read more: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/tea-party-leaders-look-to-bachmann-paul-and-perry/

Rep. Ron Paul Ramp Up Efforts to Scale Back Military Commitments | The State Column

Rep. Ron Paul Ramp Up Efforts to Scale Back Military Commitments | The State Column:

"A bipartisan group of six Members of the House of Representatives today released a joint letter calling for a reduction in U.S. military spending by scaling back worldwide military commitments. The letter was signed by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), Congressman John Campbell (R-CA), Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX).

"Members of the bipartisan group, who disagree on a wide range of other issues, express strong agreement that deficit reduction cannot be accomplished without substantial reductions in military spending....

"over the past year the idea that excessive military spending must be reduced as part of a long-term deficit-reduction plan has gained wider acceptance. The President’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform recommended reductions in the budget of the Department of Defense of $100 billion by 2015."

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/texas/rep-ron-paul-ramp-up-efforts-to-scale-back-military-commitments/

Ames Straw Poll: Ron Paul outbids rivals for prime real estate - latimes.com

Ames Straw Poll: Ron Paul outbids rivals for prime real estate at Iowa straw poll - latimes.com - Robin Abcarian, June 24, 2011:

"The Ames Straw Poll, a quadrennial Iowa ritual for Republican presidential candidates, does not take place until Aug. 13. But Thursday, some would-be nominees ... bid for spaces outside the Iowa State University arena where the poll ... takes place.

"The Ames Straw Poll raises money for the Republican Party of Iowa, which requires candidates to spend a minimum of $15,000 for a space in the area outside the arena. The bigger and closer the space, the higher the price.

"Today’s highest bidder, according to Craig Robinson of The Iowa Republican website, was Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Paul, a formidable fundraiser whose libertarian bent guarantees a passionate if modest following, outspent the rest of field with a bid of $31,000."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-iowa-straw-poll-20110623,0,6023685.story?track=rss

Is 2012 Presidential Hopeful Gary Johnson a Libertarian? - FoxNews.com

Is 2012 Presidential Hopeful Gary Johnson a Libertarian? - FoxNews.com - John Stossel, June 23, 2011:

"Someone was missing from last week's Republican presidential debate, and that's too bad.... Gary Johnson....

"When he was governor, he vetoed 750 bills and shed a thousand state jobs. That made Republican and Democratic politicians mad, but in a state with a two-to-one Democratic advantage, this Republican was re-elected.

"'I got re-elected ... by saying no to the government,' he told me. 'I was a penny- pincher.'
His political philosophy comes down to this:

"'The government has a role to protect me against individuals that would do me harm – whether that be property damage or physical harm. The federal government has an obligation to protect us against foreign governments that would raise arms again us. But beyond that, government does way too much.'"

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/06/23/is-2012-presidential-hopeful-gary-johnson-libertarian/

Johnson is worth a listen - Fosters

Johnson is worth a listen - Fosters - June 21, 2011:

"Gary Johnson could have tucked his tail between his legs and headed back to New Mexico after being denied a chance to participate in the June 13 Republican presidential primary debate. He could have thrown a hissy fit during an editorial board meeting the next day with Foster's Daily Democrat.

"Instead he announced the opening this week of a campaign office in Manchester and spent more than a late-afternoon hour with Foster's explaining why he has a shot at winning the GOP nomination.

"While Johnson may not have technically had the poll numbers to make the cut for the CNN/WMUR/Union Leader debate, his track record argues he should have been on the stage.

"Also arguing that he should have been among the chosen is the depth and breadth of ideas that Johnson brings to the primary campaign."

Read more: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110621/GJOPINION_01/706219966/-1/FOSOPINION
"

Ron Paul Issues Statement on ATF Gun Scandal

Second amendment abuses by ATF are ongoing

LAKE JACKSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- June 20, 2011

Today, 2012 GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul commented on the recent revelations about the federal government’s botched program to track gun sales. See statement below.

“The ATF has a long history of abusing our Second Amendment rights, so I was glad to see Congressman Issa demanding answers on the Project “Gunwalker”

“The ATF has a long history of abusing our Second Amendment rights, so I was glad to see Congressman Issa demanding answers on the Project “Gunwalker” scandal.

“My hope is that the recent hearing will further expose the ATF's and Attorney General Eric Holder's assaults on law-abiding gun owners, and more people will start questioning the need for unconstitutional agencies like the ATF that exist solely to infringe on American citizens' God-given right to keep and bear arms.”

For more information on Congressman Ron Paul’s Presidential Campaign visit www.RonPaul2012.com.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110620006788/en/Ron-Paul-Issues-Statement-ATF-Gun-Scandal

Ron Paul wins 2012 Republican straw poll in New Orleans | Reuters

Ron Paul wins 2012 Republican straw poll in New Orleans | Reuters - June 18, 2011:

"Representative Ron Paul easily won a Republican Leadership Conference straw poll of the party's 2012 presidential contenders on Saturday, with former U.S. envoy to China Jon Huntsman finishing second.

"Paul, who brought busloads of supporters to the conference, won with 612 votes in the nonbinding preference poll of nearly 2,000 delegates from 38 states who attended the gathering.

"Huntsman finished second with 382 votes, Representative Michele Bachmann was third with 191 votes and businessman Herman Cain was fourth with 104 votes.

"Huntsman, a former Utah governor, is set [to] announce his bid for the White House on Tuesday."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/18/us-usa-campaign-poll-idUSTRE75H1YX20110618

Gary Johnson Crashes the N.H. Republican Debate - Conor Friedersdorf - Politics - The Atlantic

Gary Johnson Crashes the N.H. Republican Debate - Conor Friedersdorf - Politics - The Atlantic - June 15, 2011:

"It used to be that a YouTube presidential debate consisted of citizens uploading questions so that candidates could answer them. After being excluded from the GOP presidential primary debate held in New Hampshire on Tuesday, however, former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson turned that model on its head, taking the questions from the televised event and splicing them together with answers he recorded and uploaded to the video sharing site. Unlike the other candidates, he got to answer every question!

"This is interesting in that media organizations that host debates can no longer act as gatekeepers"

Read more: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/gary-johnson-crashes-the-nh-republican-debate/240477/

CNN Owes Gary Johnson An Apology and A Prime-Time Appearance | Benzinga.com

CNN Owes Gary Johnson An Apology and A Prime-Time Appearance | Benzinga.com - Luci Morland, June 16, 2011:

"The point of these debates is to introduce candidates and their ideas to Republican primary voters, and let the voters decide whose ideas would best represent them in the election. Eliminating Johnson from contention before the debates defeats the entire purpose of the debates.

"It would be like Major League Baseball deciding the Chicago Cubs were ineligible for the playoffs based on their Spring Training pre-season record. There's a reason baseball teams plays 162 games — to determine who deserves to move on to the playoffs. We don't let ESPN executives sit down at the beginning of the season decide which 8 teams qualify for the baseball playoffs. Why should CNN be afforded that ability for something far more important than baseball?...

"While CNN may not be interested in what Governor Johnson has to say, we at Benzinga think he has a lot to add to the national dialogue, and has a right to be heard. To that end, we will have the governor on Benzinga Radio Wednesday, June 22. Stay tuned to Benzinga for more details."

Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/general/movers-shakers/11/06/1175623/cnn-owes-gary-johnson-an-apology-and-a-prime-time-appearance

Paul endorsements stretch beyond tea party | Iowa Independent

Paul endorsements stretch beyond tea party | Iowa Independent - Meghan Malloy, June 15, 2011:

"GOP candidate and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) collected two more endorsements in Iowa this week, bringing the total to four in the last month.... Paul campaign staffers reported the long-time politician has received backing from Jeremiah Johnson, a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

“'I firmly believe he is the candidate who best understands our economy and has the best plan to get our nation past these difficult economic times,' Johnson, who represents the First Congressional District, said....

Jeff Leucke, organizer of the Dubuque Tea Party, gave the other endorsement.... 'Ron Paul gets it more than any other Republican candidate, and he has the knowledge and electability necessary to take on Obama in November and win,' Leucke said.

"Freshmen legislators Reps. Glen Massie (R-Des Moines) and Kim Pearson (R-Pleasant Hill), both of whom have Tea Party ties and have praised Paul for his stance on the U.S. Constitution, have publicly backed Paul."

Read more: http://iowaindependent.com/57386/paul-endorsements-stretch-beyond-tea-party

Candidate Johnson: I’d abolish the IRS | Iowa Caucuses

Candidate Johnson: I’d abolish the IRS | Iowa Caucuses: William Petroski, June 14, 2011:

"Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson said Monday night he favors steep cuts in the federal budget and would work to abolish the Internal Revenue Service if elected president.

“'I think the biggest issue facing this country right now is that we are bankrupt and on the verge of a financial collapse,' Johnson told about 75 people at an Iowa Tea Party event at the Elks Lodge here.

"Johnson, who announced in April that he would seek the Republican nomination, predicted the nation’s financial troubles will be manifested in a bond market collapse. He vowed to fight for a balanced federal budget to avert such a calamity, adding he would replace federal personal and corporate income taxes with the so-called Fair Tax, in essence a national sales tax."

Read more: http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/06/14/candidate-johnson-id-abolish-the-irs/

Ron Paul v. Michele Bachmann: High noon on the right - The Hill's Pundits Blog

Ron Paul v. Michele Bachmann: High noon on the right - The Hill's Pundits Blog - Brent Budowsky, June 10, 2011:

"Ron Paul can stake a fair claim to being the father of the Tea Party movement. He has made his arguments intelligently and well for many years. Depending on the final field, he could emerge the kingmaker at the convention.... Michele Bachmann is a major league player who should not be underestimated....

"Dr. Paul will have to get past Bachmann to approach the higher end of his potential support. Michele Bachmann will have to get past Paul and become the final candidate of the right.... The battle between Paul and Bachmann for the post position on the right will be one of the big stories in the 2012 campaign, very soon."

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/presidential-campaign/165817-ron-paul-v-michele-bachmann-high-noon-on-the-right

Rep. Justin Amash Seeks Limits on Presidential War-making

Rep. Justin Amash Seeks Limits on Presidential War-making - Thomas R. Eddlem, The New American, May 27, 2011:

"The U.S. House of Representatives failed to remove a provision from the annual Defense Authorization bill that would give the President virtually unlimited war-making power, rejecting an amendment by freshman Republican Justin Amash of Michigan by a 187-234 vote May 26.

"The Amash amendment, supported by 21 conservative Republicans and 166 Democrats, would have removed language that said 'the President has the authority to use all necessary and appropriate force during the current armed conflict with al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces' as well as those who 'have engaged in hostilities or have directly supported hostilities in aid of a nation, organization, or person' that helps al-Qaeda, the Taliban and 'associated forces.'

"Amash charged that this section of the bill, 1034, 'authorizes use of force worldwide, for an indefinite period, against undefined persons who aren’t directly associated with al-Qaeda or the Taliban. And unlike the 9/11 authorization, the President says this expansive authority is not needed to capture terrorists and defeat our enemies.'"

Read more: http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/7648-houses-amash-seeks-limits-on-presidential-war-making

Gary Johnson Assails CNN for New Hampshire Debate Exclusion - Uncovered Politics

Gary Johnson Assails CNN for New Hampshire Debate Exclusion - Uncovered Politics:

"Johnson, who participated in the televised debate in South Carolina on May 5 — the first Republican presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle — is being excluded from Monday’s debate because he failed to garner an average of 2 percent in national polls, or a similar percentage in state-specific polling conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

"Ironically, Johnson’s name wasn’t even included in some of the national polls used in the debate criteria.

"In an interview with Tucker Carlson’s The Daily Caller, the libertarian-leaning former New Mexico governor said that his exclusion was 'really disheartening' and 'really disappointing.'”

Read more: http://www.uncoveredpolitics.com/2011/06/gary-johnson-assails-cnn-for-new-hampshire-debate-exclusion/

The American Spectator : Choosing Ayn Rand or Jesus?

The American Spectator : Choosing Ayn Rand or Jesus?:

June 6, 2011 - "A liberal group is attacking Republican fans of Ayn Rand for supposedly undermining Christianity. 'Christians Must Choose: Ayn Rand or Jesus,' the new campaign by the American Values Network. Specifically it is targeting Congressman Paul Ryan, Senator Rand Paul, Rush Limbaugh and others who have praised Rand's brand of Libertarianism....

"According to the report, the network aims to divide conservative Christians from Libertarian activists, especially in the Tea Party, by highlighting Rand's impieties. Sapp reported that he will mail his anti-Rand video to over 1 million Christians in Wisconsin, presumably in an effort both to weaken Ryan in his home state and to help Democrats overturn Gov. Scott Walker's historic budget as they move to recall Republican state senators who backed it."

Read more: http://spectator.org/archives/2011/06/06/choosing-ayn-rand-or-jesus#

Ron Paul has another million dollar day

Ron Paul has another million dollar day | CAIVN - W.E. Messamore, June 6, 2011:

"In a challenge to Mitt Romney, the Republican Party's frontrunner for the presidential nomination, Texas Congressman Ron Paul raised another million dollars in just 24 hours Sunday, using the online fundraising technique pioneered by his grassroots supporters in 2007 known as the 'money bomb.' The Paul campaign urged his supporters in email updates leading up to the event to help the Texas congressman fight Mitt Romney's special interest donors from 'Wall Street bankers' and the political establishment....

"The official name for the fundraiser was 'The Revolution vs. RomneyCare: Round One.' This is the first major attack by one candidate on another's record so far in the 2012 Republican presidential primary, and subtitling it "Round One" indicates that the Paul campaign isn't finished taking Mitt Romney to task."

Read more: http://caivn.org/article/2011/06/07/ron-paul-has-another-million-dollar-day

The Liberty Papers »Blog Archive » Gary Johnson Excluded from New Hampshire Debate

The Liberty Papers »Blog Archive » Gary Johnson Excluded from New Hampshire Debate - Stephen Littau, June 4, 2011:

"Of 13 candidates ... invited to participate in the June 13th debate in New Hampshire, ... the 7 participants in the debate will be Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum....

"Not invited to participate: 2 term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. Johnson did not meet the 'objective criteria' as determined by CNN, WMUR, and the New Hampshire Union Leader....

"Ron Nielson, a blogger for Johnson’s official campaign website writes:

"In the latest Gallup poll, released one week ago, Governor Johnson’s level of support registered at 3% nationally. This is competitive with candidates like Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum, both of whom have been invited to participate. In fact, I’m not aware of a poll in which Mr. Santorum has out-polled Governor Johnson nationally.

"Nielson encourages Johnson’s supporters to contact CNN, WMUR, and the Union Leader and urge them to change their minds."

Read more: http://www.thelibertypapers.org/2011/06/04/gary-johnson-excluded-from-new-hampshire-debate/

Why Rand Paul's PATRIOT Act 'loss' was an epic win

Why Rand Paul's Recent "Loss" Was an Epic Win | United Liberty | Free Market - Individual Liberty - Limited Government - Rick Fisk, May 31, 2011:

"Rand’s efforts were unsuccessful if you deem passage of the [USA PATRIOT] Act’s extension the sole measure of success. However, Rand did far more than capture the imagination and attention of the country for a suspenseful 36 hours, 7 of which were spent on the Senate floor.

"Rand’s actions were quite shrewd for someone with so little working experience in Washington. If Rand couldn’t achieve a total sunset of the Patriot Act’s 'temporary' provisions, he would settle on a compromise that would allow Senators to propose and debate amendments, having plenty of his own that would be brought forth.

"Harry Reid, a Senator with far more experience in the art of chicanery, had to work overtime to scuttle the upstart’s efforts. But not without first exposing his intent to keep government power in place, and simultaneously his hypocrisy in carrying water for neoconservative Senate Republicans who didn’t want to openly oppose Paul. Rand won that battle and quite possibly the war, the passage of the act notwithstanding."

Read more: http://www.unitedliberty.org/articles/8167-why-rand-pauls-recent-loss-was-an-epic-win