Sunday, January 29, 2012

Brevard Times endorses Ron Paul for GOP nominee

Politics: Brevard Times Endorses Ron Paul For GOP Nominee:

January 28, 2012 - "There has been much talk by the candidates about American exceptionalism. But no candidate, except for Ron Paul, addresses the monetary and liberty issues from which that exceptionalism arose....

"The height of American optimism and futurism, embodied by the 1964 New York World's Fair song 'There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow' and pinnacled by the 1969 Apollo Moon landing, did and could only occur when the U.S. dollar was as good as gold and the U.S. economy was not shackled by the ever expanding corporate and social welfare state that exists today.

"Ever since Richard Nixon took the U.S. dollar off the gold standard in 1971, America has suffered volatile economic swings caused by inflation. The Federal Reserve's ability to dictate the value of the dollar presents an enormous headwind to business in the form of production cost uncertainty and steals wealth from ordinary Americans' investments and savings.

"Ron Paul is the only candidate willing to end this scheme where Florida fixed income seniors suffer the most due to increased food and energy costs while not being able to earn a sufficient return on their investments to keep up with the cost of living because the Federal Reserve artificially keeps interest rates low while at the same time devaluing the dollar."

Read more: http://government.brevardtimes.com/2012/01/brevard-times-endorses-ron-paul-for-gop.html
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Ron Paul to campaign in Colorado on Tuesday

Republican Ron Paul to campaign in Colorado on Tuesday | Denver Post - Kurtis Lee:

January 29, 2012 - "Ron Paul will make a series of campaign stops along the Front Range on Tuesday — one week before Colorado Republicans hold their Feb. 7 caucuses.

"Paul is slated to speak at Colorado State University's Lory Student Center at 10 a.m., before a noon rally at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. His day will end at 2 p.m. with a speech in Colorado Springs at the Colorado Jet Center....

"The Texas congressman is the first out of the field of Republican presidential hopefuls to campaign in the state this year."

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19844794
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Saturday, January 28, 2012

We pick Paul: Independent Florida Alligator endorses Texas congressman

We pick Paul: Editorial Board endorses Texas congressman - The Independent Florida Alligator: Editorials:

January 25, 2012 - "If you plan to vote in the primary, the Editorial Board of the Alligator encourages you to place your vote for Rep. Ron Paul....

"His ideas are why we believe he is an attractive candidate to college students of all political persuasions. Unlike the other Republican candidates, Paul believes in a non-interventionist foreign policy....

"Paul is the only candidate for president, including President Barack Obama, who has questioned the effectiveness of the war on drugs..... First, he believes the government does not have the right to tell us what we can and cannot put into our own bodies. Second, he believes drug prohibition has perpetuated the spread of drugs and the crime associated with it, similar to the prohibition of the 1920s....

"Finally, for college students who have grown up in the post-9/11 era, Paul is the only candidate concerned about the growing infringement of our civil liberties. Even President Obama recently signed the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that could lead to the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens. He also signed an extension of the Patriot Act.

"You may not agree with Ron Paul on many issues, but for college-aged voters in the Florida Republican primary, Paul should be your choice."

Read more: http://www.alligator.org/opinion/editorials/article_ffe61da4-470a-11e1-b4f0-0019bb2963f4.html
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Detroit Democrats told to vote for Ron Paul In GOP primary

Detroit Democrats Told To Vote For Ron Paul In GOP Primary | WCHBNewsDetroit - WCHB 1200:

January 27, 2012 - "Hundreds of Detroit Democrats met Thursday evening at the Triumph Baptist Church in Detroit to hear Mildred Gaddis, host of Inside Detroit on AM 1200/99.9 FM WCHB, strategy for Democrats to use in Michigan to ensure President Obama’s re-election....

"Gaddis told the crowd to vote for U.S. Rep. Ron Paul for president at the Feb. 28 presidential primary.

"By voting for Paul, a Republican, they hope to derail Mitt Romney’s primary performance in his native state and force Paul to stay in the race and run as an independent.

"Because Obama is the lone Democrat on the ballot, there’s no harm to him, and state Democrats plan to officially nominate him at caucuses in May."

Read more: http://wchbnewsdetroit.com/detroit/mildredgaddis/detroit-democrats-told-to-vote-for-ron-paul-in-gop-primary/
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Friday, January 27, 2012

The News Record : Iowa caucus result more than suspicious

The News Record :: Iowa caucus result more than suspicious - Adam Croxton:

January 26, 2012 - "There are several mysterious happenings, perhaps coincidental, surrounding the Iowa Caucus.

"The first oddity is the fact that the Iowa GOP decided to move the final vote-count to an “undisclosed location”.... Another change in the normal Iowa Caucus is shown in the new rules created, allowing caucus-goers to vote and register without a photo ID....

"To see how the political process really works, and how far from a democratic process it actually is, one need only look to the radio interview by Republican strategist Dee Dee Benkie leading up to the Iowa Caucus.

"The host asks: 'Is it possible that the party apparatus here could be silently asking those District Chairmen to start swaying some important caucus members over to the anti-Paul side which may end up being Santorum? Do you see a scenario like that happening?'

"To which Benkie replied: 'I’ve talked to the party officials; I know they’re concerned about it […] Ron Paul doesn’t do us any good in Iowa, doesn’t do the country any good, will never get there, so let’s figure out what we need to do.'"

Read more: http://www.newsrecord.org/index.php/article/2012/01/iowa_caucus_result_more_than_suspicious
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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Ron Paul aims to win Maine caucus, pundits agree he could take the state | Sun Journal

Ron Paul aims to win Maine caucus, pundits agree he could take the state | Sun Journal, Kathryn Skelton:

January 26, 2012 - "Paul Madore ... a longtime Lewiston conservative activist and now state chairman of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul’s campaign, said it’s his candidate's intention to win here.

“'Maine is a very significant state; it always has been, in terms of how it affects the national mood,' Madore said Thursday, on his way back from scoring endorsements at the State House in advance of Paul’s planned visit. 'I think Ron Paul realizes that. He’s got a good organization in Maine and he believes in the fierce independence of Maine people. They’re patriots.'

"Jim Melcher, an associate professor of political science at the University of Maine at Farmington, said Paul could make a strong showing here.

"'I’d even give him a chance of winning (the Maine caucus) if he can get his supporters organized,' Melcher said in an email. 'Being the only major candidate to campaign here recently won't hurt, either.'

"Maine political observers Sandy Maisel and Mark Brewer echoed that: A win is quite possible."

Read more: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/city/2012/01/26/ron-paul-aims-win-maine-caucus-professors-agree-he/1146292
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Why Ron Paul is shivering in Maine instead of cavorting in Florida - CSMonitor.com

Why Ron Paul is shivering in Maine instead of cavorting in Florida - CSMonitor.com - Peter Grier:

January 25, 2012 - "Paul is taking two days this week to ... be in Maine, speaking at Colby College on Friday and the University of Maine’s Gorham campus on Saturday.... The Texas libertarian is focusing on caucus states such as Maine and Nevada, where his fervent supporters can more easily out-organize the competition.

"But here’s something that has been little noticed in the press: Maine’s caucuses actually begin this weekend. So Paul may be pulling something of an end run about his rivals....

"Yes, ... the Maine Republican Party... has established a window of Feb. 4-11 for Maine Republicans to caucus and vote for a presidential nominee and delegates to the state convention [but] party faithful in some towns have ignored this guidance, and are meeting either before or after the February window.

"Lincoln, Lowell, Burlington, Chester, Enfield, Winn, and Howland are holding their joint caucus on Saturday, for example. Millinocket’s is on Sunday."

Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2012/0125/Why-Ron-Paul-is-shivering-in-Maine-instead-of-cavorting-in-Florida
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Boston Bruins goalie skips WH event in protest - CBS News

Boston Bruins goalie skips WH event in protest - CBS News:

January 23, 2012 - "WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama saluted the NHL's Boston Bruins for their 2011 Stanley Cup championship on Monday, but one key member of the team skipped the White House visit in protest.

'I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people,' Goalie Tim Thomas said in a statement. The decision to stay away, Thomas said, 'was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country.'"

Monday, January 23, 2012

Ron Paul Suggests He Might Be Willing to Support Gingrich as the Nominee -- Daily Intel

Ron Paul Suggests He Might Be Willing to Support Gingrich as the Nominee -- Daily Intel - Brett Smiley, New York magazine:

January 23, 2012 - "About 15 minutes into the NBC Republican candidate debate in Florida, Brian Williams ... asked ... if Newt Gingrich emerged as the GOP nominee, would Paul run as a third party candidate. Ron Paul said no. Then Williams ... asked Paul, 'Would you support Newt Gingrich as nominee of the GOP?'

Paul's response: 'He keeps hinting about attacking the Fed, and he talks about gold, and if I could just change him on foreign policy, we might be able to talk business.'"

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Ron Paul gears up for the long haul - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

Ron Paul gears up for the long haul - Political Hotsheet - CBS News - Lucy Madison:

January 21, 2012 - "In South Carolina's key primary contest on Saturday, Ron Paul walked away with fourth place, earning only 13 percent of voter support.... But don't mistake a last-place finish for a signal that the libertarian firebrand has any plans to pack it up anytime soon....

"In an interview with MSNBC Saturday, adviser Doug Wead even sought to portray a Gingrich win as a victory for Paul.

"'The fact that Newt Gingrich could challenge Mitt Romney shows us it's a wide-open race,' Wead said before the race was called. 'There's still going to be money pumped into both of those campaigns -- that's very good for us.'

"As of now, there are 2,286 total delegates in the Republican primary process. A candidate needs to win 1144 delegates to earn the nomination.... Paul's strategy is to determine where he has the best opportunities to pick up delegates (generally in states with proportional or non-binding contests) and selectively invest his resources. Even in the near-certainty that he doesn't get enough delegates to secure the nomination, he could get enough to prevent someone else from doing so -- giving him, and his message, a chance to exert real influence at the Republican convention this summer.

"In other words, Paul is in this thing until the bitter end."

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57363432-503544/ron-paul-gears-up-for-the-long-haul/
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Israeli lobby super PAC targets Ron Paul (video)

Israeli Lobby launch new Super PAC effort to bring down Ron Paul - Patrick Henningson, Center for Research in Globalization:

January 21, 2012 - "On January 13, in the run-up to the pivotal South Carolina GOP primary, the Emergency Committee for Israel, run by neoconservative thinker William Kristol, released an ad in which its Director Gary Bauer makes a plea to voters – not endorsing any candidate, rather, telling conservatives that they must reject Congressman Ron Paul as their GOP candidate, deriding his foreign policy views with respect to America’s ‘special relationship’ with Israel, and fighting the War on Terror – concluding that, “We can do better than Ron Paul”. See their advert here:

Read more: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=28776
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Why Israel BENEFITS with Ron Paul, and Why Jews and Minorities Should Embrace Him | Hustle Bear - by Judd Weiss

Why Israel BENEFITS with Ron Paul, and Why Jews and Minorities Should Embrace Him | Hustle Bear - by Judd Weiss:

December 30, 2011 - "If you walk around Israel and speak with the people about Israeli politics, it’s completely not controversial for everyone to acknowledge that Israel is more or less the puppet of the United States. Many Israelis talked about this with me. Everyone says the same thing.... How can we call Israel a Jewish Homeland when it is ultimately controlled by the whims of the voters of the American population?

"We don't have a homeland yet. Not unless we're independent to make our own decisions. Our sovereignty and our ability to pursue our best interests should be for sale to no one. Certainly not for $3 Billion....

"If Republican Jews are going to remain consistent with their small government principles, they must oppose welfare for their causes just as they oppose welfare towards causes of other groups. As all limited government advocates know: welfare makes one dependent and weak."

Read more: http://hustlebear.com/2011/12/30/why-israel-benefits-with-ron-paul-and-why-jews-and-minorities-should-embrace-him/
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Friday, January 20, 2012

Ron Paul’s Long-Ball Strategy in Minnesota - ABC News

Ron Paul’s Long-Ball Strategy in Minnesota - ABC News - by Chris Good:

January 20 - "Paul’s campaign today announced a 'substantial' purchase of airtime in the mostly ignored caucus state of Minnesota, ... and it follows airtime purchases for four separate TV ads in Nevada, announced in October.

"Paul has already spent money on direct mail in the caucus states of Nevada, Maine, Colorado, North Dakota and Washington, as well as Louisiana, ABC’s Jonathan Karl reported this month....

"Paul’s is the only campaign that is overtly as concerned with delegates and long-term gains as it is with early-state wins and popular momentum. Like Barack Obama in 2008, Paul’s strength lies in dedicated followers who know the rules and can organize at caucuses and the county, congressional-district, and state conventions where caucus states will select their delegates.... 'Ours is the only campaign with the resources, organization and stamina to defeat establishment candidate Mitt Romney in a 50-state race,' Campaign Manager Jesse Benton said....

"Minnesota will send 40 delegates to the August convention - more than every early state except Florida (50) – but none of them will be bound to support any candidate. They’ll be selected through local, congressional-district, and state conventions held later this spring, meaning that to win Minnesota a candidate will have to organize early and elect representatives to those conventions on caucus night."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/ron-pauls-long-ball-strategy-in-minnesota/
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Gary Johnson slams Congress over SOPA: ‘Hands off the Internet’ | The State Column

Gary Johnson slams Congress over SOPA: ‘Hands off the Internet’ | The State Column:

January 19, 20102 - "Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, a 2012 Libertarian presidential candidate, slammed the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Wednesday. “We want the government to keep its hands off the Internet,” Mr. Johnson wrote in a blog post on his official campaign website.... Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination and a Libertarian party candidate in 1988, also slammed SOPA and the Protect Internet Privacy Act (PIPA) Wednesday.

"Mr. Johnson also encouraged his friends on Google plus to sign Google’s 'End Piracy, Not Liberty' petition. “There is no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive, creating millions of U.S. jobs,” the 'End Piracy, Not Liberty' petition read.

"'Kudos to Wikipedia and the thousands of the other sites who took action to let people know of these threats to Internet freedom, the flow of information, and the free market,” Mr. Johnson professed.

"'As I have said, there are NO problems with the Internet that we want the government to try to fix!,' Mr. Johnson added."

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/articles/gary-johnson-slams-congress-over-sopa-hands-off-the-internet/#ixzz1jwwDFOaB
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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Ron Paul slams SOPA: ‘The establishment hopes to censor’ freedom | The State Column

Ron Paul slams SOPA: ‘The establishment hopes to censor’ freedom | The State Column:

Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, slammed the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Wednesday. “My campaign, and the entire freedom movement, would not be as strong as they are today without a free Internet,” Mr. Paul said in a post on his Facebook page. Mr. Paul added that “that’s just one of the reasons why the establishment hopes to censor it with SOPA and PIPA'....


"According to The Los Angeles Times, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representatives Lee Terry (R-NB) and Ben Quayle (R-AZ) have warmed up to Mr. Paul’s anti-SOPA stance. The former co-sponsors of the bills, withdrew their names Wednesday."

"At the end of his Facebook post, Mr. Paul encouraged his supporters to take a stand against SOPA and PIPA. 'I’m proud to see so many taking a stand today. Contact your representative and senators and tell them to oppose these disastrous bills,' Mr. Paul wrote."

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/articles/ron-paul-slams-sopa-the-establishment-hopes-to-censor-freedom/#ixzz1jqvs0u9r
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Ron Paul tied with Romney and Obama — RT

Ron Paul tied with Romney and Obama — RT:

January 17, 2012 - "Just before the five remaining Republican Party candidates debated in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Monday night, the results of a new poll conducted by CNN in conjunction with ORC International were released, and it amplifies what other surveys have suggested ... Obama’s only opponents right now are Mitt Romney and Ron Paul....

In the latest poll, published Monday, a poll of 1,021 registered voters say that in a two-person race, there is a 48 percent chance that they’d put Romney in the White House, while only 47 percent say they’d endorse Barack Obama for another term. If the candidates up against one another were Obama and Congressman Paul, the latest polling suggests a statistical tie, with Obama claiming 48 percent to Paul’s 46. It should be noted, however, that in both hypothetical races there is a 3 percentage point margin of error."

Read more: http://rt.com/usa/news/paul-romney-obama-poll-009/
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Monday, January 16, 2012

Canada's Liberal Party votes to support legalizing marijuana

Canada's Liberal Party votes to support legalizing marijuana - Marcus Hondro, Digital Journal:

January 15, 2012 - "The Canadian Liberal Party, at a biannual Party convention, voted on Jan 15 to support the legalization of marijuana....

"'There is no doubt that there’s a strong will from the membership to have this part of our election platform,' Samuel Lavoie, the president of the Young Liberals of Canada, told reporters on the convention floor in Ottawa. 'As to whether it will be a platform commitment in 2015, we will see....'

"Lavoie and his group ... were pleased with the 77 percent support it got. As Lavoie's remarks suggest, the vote does not mean legalizing marijuana will become part of the Liberal Party's official platform in 2015 but as they review it further it may well be. Had the resolution failed it almost certainly would not have."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/317936
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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Ron Paul returns to SC after 4-day absence

Ron Paul returns to South Carolina after four-day absence - Mackenzie Weinger - POLITICO.com:

January 15, 2011 - "Ron Paul returned from a four-day absence from the trail Sunday with what his campaign dubbed a 'game-changing' endorsement: A local state senator ... Tom Davis, a well-known fiscal conservative who served as chief of staff under Gov. Mark Sanford before being elected to the legislature....

"Davis said he’d met with all of the major Republican contenders — he particularly called out Jon Huntsman as a 'fine man' — but his decision stemmed from Paul’s focus on the debt....

"'Dr. Paul is somebody that I’ve watched for the past 26 years and I’ve always admired the principled stands he’s taken in Congress,' Davis told the overflowing crowd at the rally here Sunday that was Paul’s only stop of the day.

"Paul, who gave [his] typical stump speech focused on economics and personal liberty, told the cheering crowd he had heard Davis was a 'very popular senator, and now I believe that.... I really appreciate his vote of confidence in giving me this wonderful endorsement.'”

Saturday, January 14, 2012

South Carolina and beyond money bomb Jan. 14

As we look ahead to the next primary, South Carolina, I hope I can count on you to rise to the challenge once again.

Dedicated staff and volunteers in South Carolina have been working around the clock for victory, but they’ll need all the reinforcement I can give them in these final days before voters head to the polls.

Our campaign is fueled by active duty military, small business owners, stay-at-home moms, students fighting to keep their dreams alive, workers who long to finally get out from under Big Labor’s thumb, and other everyday Americans who just want a government that sticks to the Constitution.

That's why we need to make the January 14th South Carolina Money Bomb a massive success.

I hope you'll pledge to contribute as generously as you can AND commit to calling at least three of your friends to urge them to contribute, as well!

John Tate
Campaign Manager
Ron Paul 2012

Pledge here: https://secure.ronpaul2012.com/?sr=redscdp

Ron Paul picks up major evangelical endorsement heading into South Carolina

Ron Paul picks up major evangelical endorsement heading into South Carolina - Free Republic:

January 13, 2012 - "Ron Paul picked up a major endorsement from an evangelical leader when Dr. James Linzey, president and founder of the Military Bible Association, endorsed the candidate.

"Lizney, who served as a military chaplain for over 24 years and retired with an honorable discharge, has hosted Operation Freedom, a television program in Europe....

"Lizney said, 'Having thoroughly examined your political philosophy and finding that your platform is 100% in line with the Constitution of the United States of America, and examining your political record to find that you have consistently upheld the Constitution and thereby faithfully represented your constituency, and studying your statement of faith to find that your faith and religious experience is 100% compatible with Evangelical Christianity and Orthodox Christianity, I hereby endorse you for the Office of the President of the United States of America. I wish you Godspeed!'

"He went on to say that while Texas governor, Rick Perry, was also an evangelical, the deciding factor for his endorsement was fidelity to the Constitution. 'The tell-tale sign of being qualified for the presidency is not faith, but loyalty to the Constitution which defends the open expression of faith. Ron Paul seems to be the candidate most loyal to the Constitution according to the records.'"

Read more: http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2832799/posts
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Friday, January 13, 2012

Politics: Ron Paul Surges To Third Place In South Carolina Primary Poll

Politics: Ron Paul Surges To Third Place In South Carolina Primary Poll - Brevard Times

January 13, 2012 - "Texas Congressman Ron Paul has surged to third place in South Carolina according to a poll released by the the American Research Group today. Two separate polls were conducted by the American Research Group on January 4-5 and January 11-12. The ARG poll has Romney at 29%, Gingrich at 25%, and Paul at 20%.

"The Ron Paul 2012 campaign appears to be gaining traction in the South Carolina Presidential Republican Primary in another poll released by Rasmussen Reports today. Two separate polls were conducted by Rasmussen on January 5 and January 12.

Ron Paul enjoyed the largest jump in the polls amongst all of the GOP presidential candidates, where he rose from 9% to 20% (ARG) and 11% to 16% (Rasmussen) in that one week time period.

"Rick Santorum suffered the largest decline.... Santorum's polling numbers have fallen 17 (ARG) and 8 (Rasmussen) percentage points in one week.

Read more: http://government.brevardtimes.com/2012/01/ron-paul-surges-to-third-place-in-south.html
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Thursday, January 12, 2012

01/10/2012 South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee Endorses Gary Johnson

01/10/2012 South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee Endorses Gary Johnson - Las Vegas TSG Business News:

"Whereas, the South Carolina Libertarian Party supports the libertarian principles demonstrated by Gary Johnson and appreciates the efforts the candidate has been making to bring the message of libertarian ideas of personal and financial freedom to the voting public.

"Resolved, that the following South Carolina Libertarian Party Executive Committee members endorse Gary Johnson for his bid for the Libertarian Party’s nomination for the Office of President of the United States at the upcoming national convention in May of 2012 and we encourage our delegation to support him."

Read more: http://www.lvtsg.com/imho/2012/01/south-carolina-libertarian-executive-committee-endorses-gary-johnson/
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

What’s next for Ron Paul – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs

What’s next for Ron Paul – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs - Dana Bash & Deirdre Walsh:

January 11, 2012 - "Fresh of his strong second place showing in New Hampshire, Ron Paul's campaign charted a path Wednesday to try to keep momentum going, which includes spending big money in South Carolina.

"Paul campaign chairman Jesse Benton told CNN they plan to spend about $1 million in South Carolina, which is a significant amount in a state where television advertising isn't all that expensive.

"Benton said in addition to television and radio ads, they have also started their direct mail operation in the Palmetto State."

Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/11/whats-next-for-ron-paul/

Ron Paul finishes second in New Hampshire

Ron Paul Finishes Second in NH, Says ‘I Didn’t Know You Were Out There’ - ABC News:

January 11, 2012 - "Ron Paul managed to hold on to expectations, finishing a strong second tonight in the New Hampshire primary.

"It was validation for the 76-year-old congressmen who has spent an entire political career preaching his free market ideas and non-interventionist ideology, mostly toiling in the confines of political obscurity....

"It was in New Hampshire that Paul launched his bid for president.... He subsequently made more than 50 campaign stops, augmented with a strong ground game that included a small army of volunteers from around the country and also supported by $2 million worth of television advertising....

"The campaign is already looking forward to South Carolina, which votes on Jan. 21. The congressman is scheduled to hold a rally Wednesday afternoon in Columbia. Paul’s foreign policy views and antiwar positions might be expected to hurt him in a state with large military institutions and a heavy defense industry, but Paul says that he receives more money from members of the military than all the other candidates combined."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/ron-paul-finishes-second-in-nh-says-i-didnt-know-you-were-out-there/
'via Blog this'

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Poll puts Ron Paul neck-and-neck with Obama — RT

Poll puts Ron Paul neck-and-neck with Obama — RT:

January 10, 2012 - "No matter which GOP hopeful walks away from New Hampshire with this win Wednesday morning, the frontrunners in the race for the Republican Party now all pose a viable threat to President Barack Obama according to the latest polling from CBS News ... following last week’s slim win for Mitt Romney during the Iowa caucus....

"In the imagined match-up between Obama and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, the two are at a statistical tie.... 45 percent say that they would vote Ron Paul in a two-person race for the presidency against Barack Obama. The current commander-in-chief only managed to poll in 46 percent favoritism, putting the two in a statistical tie given the margin of error of 3 percentage points.... Paul also secures 10 percent of the Democratic vote, even if running as a Republican. The congressman also surpasses the president in popularity among independent voters, garnering 47 percent of the vote from that group to Obama’s 40.

"President Obama is guaranteed the victor in all of the other two-person match-ups imagined by CBS, except in the case of Obama against Mitt Romney. In such a race, the pool of voters polled give Romney the win with 47 percentage points to Obama’s 45, still putting a win for either a clear possibility given the 3 point margin of error."

Monday, January 9, 2012

Ron Paul’s relationship with press getting testy - The Washington Post

Ron Paul’s relationship with press getting testy - The Washington Post - Rachel Weiner, The Fix:

January 9, 2011 - "For months, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and his supporters complained about being ignored by the mainstream media despite his strong poll numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire. Now that the press is all over him, the iconoclastic candidate appears to be struggling with the onslaught of attention.
"On Monday morning, Paul cut off an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash while campaign manager Jesse Benton shouted at the journalist.

"'We have a very friendly relation with Ms. Bash and have a good history with her,' Benton told The Fix. 'Staff simply ended an interview today after a few questions so we could begin our event on time.'

"A few hours earlier, Paul left a diner in Manchester early, without answering questions. Reporters chased him to his car.

"The press 'created a mob-like atmosphere that was deemed to be unsafe,' Benton in a statement on the diner event. 'Mrs. Paul herself, attempting to campaign alongside her husband, was shoved aside by one reporter and told to "get out of the way".'"

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/ron-pauls-relationship-with-press-getting-testy/2012/01/09/gIQAhhP9lP_blog.html
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

In New Hampshire, The Race For Second Place | Fox News

In New Hampshire, The Race For Second Place | Fox News - Tony Sayegh:

January 8, 2012 - "Manchester, NH - Speaking frankly, few things happened in last night’s GOP presidential debate that would seem to alter the inevitability of a Mitt Romney win here in Tuesday’s primary. In fact, a strong argument can be made that it was perhaps Romney’s best performance yet....

"Barring a major Romney gaffe, most observers were watching the debate to see who would challenge Congressman Ron Paul for second place.... For Paul, New Hampshire will likely be the final place in which his civil libertarian message will keep him in the top tier of the GOP field, but local political experts I talk to expect Paul to perform extremely well in the Granite State.  Jack Heath, a prominent conservative radio host in the state, predicts Paul will gain nearly 20 percent of the vote.

"Also after tonight, it also appears the candidates in pursuit of knocking Paul off his perch will likely be unsuccessful, though their strong efforts could very well make a third place finish equally valuable."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/01/08/in-new-hampshire-race-for-second-place/#ixzz1it8ZqWVg
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Saturday, January 7, 2012

Ron Paul Attacks Santorum as Spendthrift in New Hampshire Swing - Businessweek

Ron Paul Attacks Santorum as Spendthrift in New Hampshire Swing - Businessweek - Julie Hirschfield Davis:

January 7, 2012 - "Arriving in the state yesterday to try to harness momentum from his close third-place finish in the Iowa caucuses for a strong showing in New Hampshire’s Jan. 10 primary, Paul criticized Santorum for supporting increased spending on education, a federal prescription drug benefit and legislation to boost the debt limit.

“'He talks about being for the Balanced Budget Amendment -- he never did anything about it,' Paul, 76, told reporters in Nashua. “Four or five times he voted to raise the national debt, so that tells you how conservative he is.'

Looking to the next contest in South Carolina, a primary on Jan. 21, Paul’s campaign announced it would run television ads there branding Santorum a “serial hypocrite who can’t be trusted” and charging he has a “record of betrayal” of conservative principles."

Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-07/ron-paul-attacks-santorum-as-spendthrift-in-new-hampshire-swing.html
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Portugal's drug decriminalization shows positive results

5 Years After: Portugal's Drug Decriminalization Policy Shows Positive Results: Scientific American:

April 7, 2009 - "In the face of a growing number of deaths and cases of HIV linked to drug abuse, the Portuguese government in 2001 tried a new tack to get a handle on the problem — it decriminalized the use and possession of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, LSD and other illicit street drugs....

"Five years later, the number of deaths from street drug overdoses dropped from around 400 to 290 annually, and the number of new HIV cases caused by using dirty needles to inject heroin, cocaine and other illegal substances plummeted from nearly 1,400 in 2000 to about 400 in 2006, according to a report released recently by the Cato Institute, a Washington, D.C, libertarian think tank."

Under the Portuguese plan, penalties for people caught dealing and trafficking drugs are unchanged; dealers are still jailed and subjected to fines depending on the crime. But people caught using or possessing small amounts—defined as the amount needed for 10 days of personal use—are brought before what's known as a "Dissuasion Commission," an administrative body created by the 2001 law.

Each three-person commission includes at least one lawyer or judge and one health care or social services worker. The panel has the option of recommending treatment, a small fine, or no sanction.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Gary Johnson picks up endorsement from Nebraska Libertarians

Gary Johnson picks up key endorsement from Nebraska Libertarians - West Palm Beach Libertarian | Examiner.com - Karl Dickey:

January 6, 2012 - "The Libertarian Party of Nebraska's Central Committee has officially endorsed Gary Johnson for President.... Party Chairman Gene Siadek issued the following statement:

"'After Governor Johnson’s December 28th announcement that he was going to seek the Libertarian Party’s nomination for President of the United States, I called a meeting of the State Central Committee in accordance with our Party bylaws to discuss and vote on endorsing his candidacy.

“'I am happy to announce today, the Libertarian Party of Nebraska’s Central Committee has voted to endorse Governor Johnson as the Libertarian candidate for President of the United States.  I believe we are the first state committee to do so and we are happy to announce our endorsement on Governor Johnson’s birthday.'"

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/libertarian-in-west-palm-beach/gary-johnson-picks-up-key-endorsement-from-nebraska-libertarians
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Ron Paul is still a contender in New Hampshire – Telegraph Blogs

Despite the disappointment of Iowa, Ron Paul is still a contender in New Hampshire – Telegraph Blogs - Dr. Tim Stanley:

Jan. 6, 2012 - "Considering that he is loathed by his party’s establishment and had to deal with a nasty 'racist newsletter' buzz a few days before the vote, Paul did pretty darn well. He doubled his 2008 result and placed within four thousand votes of winning. He also took as many counties as Romney. His voters were far poorer and youthful than Romney or Santorum’s, and less conservative than you might think. He took 44 percent of independents. The demographics of Paul’s support suggest he still is the best pick to appeal to disaffected Democrats – even liberals.

"And Iowa did give Paul a New Hampshire bounce. According to Zogby, the candidate jumped a few points to 24 percent: still way behind Romney (who has fallen a bit to 38 percent) but enough to make him the clear favourite for second place. Santorum may have leapt into third position, but he still only has 11 percent."

Read more: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100127705/despite-the-disappointment-of-iowa-ron-paul-is-still-a-contender-in-new-hampshire/
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Thursday, January 5, 2012

Ron Paul: A Most Brilliant Oddball - Honduras Weekly

Ron Paul: A Most Brilliant Oddball - Marco Caceres, Honduras Weekly:

January 5, 2012 - "Mr. Paul is a libertarian who preaches more limited government than even the most conservative Tea Partiers and a kind of military isolationism and non-interference in other countries' affairs that would put to shame even the most liberal pacifists.

"Mr. Paul advocates ... eliminating the Federal Reserve System and most federal government agencies, abolishing the federal income tax, and withdrawing from regional military alliances (including NATO). He opposes almost all federal regulations, believing either that regulations should be left to state governments or that the free market should be allowed to determine things....

"Mr. Paul ... is original, authentic, intelligent, consistent, honest, and serious -- which is why he has a attracted such a passionate following, especially among young adults. But his support is limited and will not be enough to make him a serious contender in most Primaries.... For Honduras, this is too bad, because Mr. Paul is the only candidate -- Republican or Democrat -- who supports ending federal criminalization of drug use. He has long believed that the US government's so-called 'war on drugs' is a massive failure that has only served to empower criminals and cause a great deal of violence and death... as we've become all too familiar with in Honduras. "

Read more: http://hondurasweekly.com/ron-paul:-a-most-brilliant-oddball-201201054686/
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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Gary Johnson encourages Iowa supporters to back Ron Paul

ABQJournal Online » Gary Johnson Encourages Iowa Supporters to Back Ron Paul - Michael Coleman:

January 3, 2012 - "Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, who abandoned his bid for the Republican presidential nomination last month, is encouraging voters in today’s Iowa caucuses to support Rep. Ron Paul instead.

"Johnson is now seeking the Libertarian nomination for president, but he has strongly endorsed Paul in the GOP contest. Johnson also endorsed Paul’s presidential bid in 2008.

"'While Ron Paul and I are both libertarians, we don’t necessarily agree on every single issue,' Johnson said in a statement issued New Year’s Eve. 'However, on the over-riding issues of restoring our economy by cutting out-of-control spending and the need to get back to Constitutional principles in our government, Ron Paul and I are in lock-step.

"'The cause of individual liberty and freedom is bigger and more important than any candidate or campaign,' Johnson added. 'I am hopeful that in urging my supporters in Iowa to vote for Ron Paul in the upcoming Caucuses, a victory for the principles we share can be won.”'

Read more: http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/01/03/politics/gary-johnson-encourages-iowa-supporters-to-back-ron-paul.html
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Sunday, January 1, 2012

Rand Paul: Ron Paul surging at the right time - CBS News

Rand Paul: Ron Paul surging at the right time - CBS News - Kevin Hechtkopf:

January 1, 2012 - "(CBS News) Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said his father, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, is surging at the right time.... 'I think this is the best time to be surging to the top,' Rand Paul said on 'Face the Nation.' 'Ron Paul has surged probably as much as anyone in the last two or three weeks and has been the frontrunner or near being the frontrunner in Iowa. He's closing the gap in New Hampshire. So I think he's surging at precisely the right time....'

"Rand Paul also addressed the conventional wisdom that, despite a recent rise in the polls, his father would be unable to win the Republican nomination, or the general election.

"'Who is scoring the best with Independents and Democrats among Republicans? Ron Paul is the only one getting significant Independent vote, and Democrat vote,' he said.... 'Look at the crowds... Ron Paul is having these big huge crowds in Iowa and really exciting a lot of young people and new people. I think there is a lot of momentum. I think he could win by bringing in the Independents.'"