Amash defends Congress' only Libertarian seat

Justin Amash Defends Congress' Only Libertarian Seat - Reason.com - Garrett Quinn:

May 30, 2012 - "Rep. Justin Amash (R-Michigan), who rode to Congress in 2010 on the national wave of outrage over Obamacare and government spending, could face a tough challenge to his seat this November.

Amash scored a commanding win in a five-way Republican primary in 2010, and went on to win easily in the general election. Michigan's Third Congressional District was heavily Republican and had a history of favoring libertarian Republicans like Amash.

Now the district has been redrawn with more Democrats, and Amash's principled voting record in the House has alienated some members of his own party. Amash, who is described by many (including Reason.com) as the next Ron Paul, is looking at a potentially tough reelection fight in Michigan."

Read more: http://reason.com/archives/2012/05/30/justin-amashs-first-reelection-fight
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Romney will not clinch the nomination in Texas primary: NPR

Even After Texas Primary, Romney Will Remain The 'Presumptive' Nominee : It's All Politics : NPR:

May 29, 2012 - "Romney will not have the 'bound' delegates he would need to win the GOP nomination, regardless of how well he does Tuesday night.

 "According to the count by the website thegreenpapers.com, Romney goes into Texas with 907 bound delegates — those who are required by rules to vote for him through at least the first ballot.

"Texas awards its 152 available delegates proportionally to the popular vote. So even if Romney were to win 75 percent of the vote, that would provide him 114 more delegates — giving him a total of 1,021. That would mean he couldn't get to 1,144 until June 5, when California, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota all hold primaries."

Read more: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/05/29/153932754/even-after-texas-primary-romney-will-remain-the-presumptive-nominee
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Libertarian Party releases first ad featuring Gary Johnson | KOB.com

Libertarian Party releases first ad featuring Gary Johnson - Stuart Dyson, KOB Eyewitness News 4:

May 24, 2012 - "The new ad for the Libertarian Party candidate is so simple and direct, that it's almost staggering in today's political climate.

"It’s the stuff politicos call 'red meat'.

"The ad does a slow pull from a crowd of people and tilts its perspective to reveal the peace symbol - the image that galvanized the antiwar movement in Johnson's own youth more than 40 years ago.

"It's an unmistakable message that reverberates with millions of Americans - yet you won't see it in the mainstream campaigns of Democrats and Republicans.

"It's a message Johnson has stuck with since his switch from republican to Libertarian last December, and his successful quest for that party's presidential nomination.

"'I'm doing this today because this is [an] agenda that I think resonates with most Americans,' Johnson said in his formal Libertarian announcement last December. 'It's an agenda that's not being addressed by either political party.'"




Read more: http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2632159.shtml?cat=504
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Romney woos Senator Paul - National Review Online

Romney Woos Senator Paul - By Robert Costa - The Corner - National Review Online:

May 24, 2012 - "Sources close to Senator Rand Paul tell National Review Online that Paul and Mitt Romney had a private meeting on Wednesday. Details of the topics discussed are hazy, but Paul — the son of Texas congressman (and presidential candidate) Ron Paul — reportedly found the meeting productive.

"The one-on-one conversation in the nation’s capital lasted 30 minutes. Sources say the tone was cordial but it wasn’t meant to be an exchange of pleasantries. The Kentucky Republican focused his questions on policy.

"Senator Paul is one of the GOP’s rising stars. Many of his father’s followers are wary of Romney, the presumptive nominee."

Read more: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/301001/romney-woos-senator-paul-robert-costa#'
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Newt Gingrich-Bound Georgia Delegates Sit in Waiting - ABC News

Newt Gingrich-Bound Georgia Delegates Sit in Waiting - ABC News - Elicia Dover:

May 24, 2012 - "Former Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich won 52 Georgia delegates in March. Even though he dropped from the race, those bound delegates must vote for Gingrich this summer at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., until he releases them to the presumptive nominee, Mitt Romney. Gingrich has yet to do that.

"Waiting to release the delegates until the convention could prevent questions of where those newly unbound delegates will go. With Ron Paul in the race all the way to the convention, the Gingrich campaign holding on to the delegates actually could help Romney because there is no stigma or question of Romney not being able to line up unbound delegates.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/05/newt-gingrich-bound-georgia-delegates-sit-in-waiting/
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Grandfather’s Millions Make Paul Fan a Political Player - Bloomberg

Grandfather’s Millions Make Paul Fan a Political Player - Bloomberg - Greg Giroux:

May 23, 2012 - "John Ramsey became old enough to buy a Carlsberg nine months ago. The 21-year-old college student from east Texas isn’t old enough to serve in Congress. His intellectual role model, U.S. Texas Representative Ron Paul, has been in Congress 22 years -- longer than Ramsey has been alive.

"Yet, Ramsey is leaving a mark on U.S. politics that may outlast his political mentor and presidential candidate, Paul. The college senior spent $1.3 million of his own money to create a super-political action committee, Liberty for All Super PAC, that backs candidates who endorse what Ramsey calls “freedom philosophy.” The dogma includes policies championed by Paul, such as supporting free-market economics, protecting civil liberties, slashing government spending and opposing most U.S. military action.

"Ramsey’s super-PAC passed its first test on May 22. It spent more than $561,000 on television and radio ads to help Tom Massie, a Kentucky engineer, defeat two experienced politicians in a House Republican primary election. Ramsey’s super-PAC spent more than any of the candidates."

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-24/grandfather-s-millions-make-paul-fan-a-political-player.html
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Ron Paul fans work to put on festival just before Republican National Convention - Tampa Bay Times

Ron Paul fans work to put on festival just before Republican National Convention - Tampa Bay Times - Richard Danielson:

May 22, 2012 - "TAMPA - Supporters of presidential candidate Ron Paul are negotiating to hold a three-day festival of music, entertainment and activism at the Florida State Fairgrounds immediately before the Republican National Convention.

"Paul Festival 2012 would run from Aug. 24-26, ending the day before the convention begins.

"Details like ticket prices and who would be on stage have not been announced, but the festival could draw 20,000 or more people a day, estimated Deborah Robinet, an organizer who lives near San Diego, California."

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/ron-paul-fans-work-to-put-on-festival-just-before-republican-national/1231487
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PRESS RELEASE

May 20, 2012, 2:15 p.m. EDT

Ron Paul Decisively Wins Minnesota and Carries Delegates in Multiple Other States

Gains in Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Virginia Affirm Delegate-Attainment Strategy

LAKE JACKSON, Texas, May 20, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Supporters of 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul have propelled him to an historic win in Minnesota this weekend, with delegate gains having occurred in multiple other states as well. The recent achievements affirm Paul's delegate-attainment strategy, and support the notion that he and his platform will be featured prominently at the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August.

In Minnesota, Paul organizers won a decisive 12 of 13 delegates to the RNC at the Rivers Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, wrapping up the North Star State's two-tier nominating contest. Earlier this spring, Paul supporters won 20 of 24 delegates at district conventions. In all, the Paul camp has swept the state of Minnesota winning 32 of the state's 40 national delegates.

In addition to Paul's consequential victory in Minnesota, Paul organizers won delegates in Mitt Romney's home state of Michigan. There, Paul supporters estimate that they have won eight voting slots plus one non-voting delegate and 11 alternates. Of the 14 Congressional District voting contests held this weekend, Paul organizers won RNC delegates in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 9th Districts, denying Detroit-born Romney a clean sweep of his home state. The Michigan victory occurred despite a heavy Romney campaign presence promoting a win for the establishment pick and presumptive nominee.

At the Vermont Republican State Convention this weekend, Ron Paul supporters won two of 14 national delegates, with two more considered potential allies, and they won 10 of 14 alternates. In all, Vermont has 17 delegates including super delegates.

Finally in Virginia, 11 district conventions have been taking place in recent weeks and have ended this weekend. In those contests Ron Paul supporters won 17 of 33 national delegates selected, with the remainder of the state's 49 delegates including super delegates to be selected at the June 16th state convention. Also in Virginia, Paul supporters elected a Republican Congressional District Chair in the Third District, over a dozen liberty-oriented Republican State Central Committee Members five of whom are Ron Paul supporters, dozens of Republican county and city committee chairs, and hundreds of county and city committee members.

"Victories in Minnesota and other states demonstrate that Ron Paul supporters possess the adaptability, organizational muscle, and unmatched enthusiasm required to continue winning delegates in upcoming contests," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Manager John Tate.

"We're also pleased to see Ron Paul supporters engaged in party-building to broaden the activist and voting base that will advance Republican majorities for many years to come," added Mr. Tate."

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com

SOURCE: Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

Ron Paul supporters dominate Minnesota GOP convention | Worthington Daily Globe

Worthington Daily Globe | Worthington, Minnesota - Patrick Condon, Associated Press::

May 19, 2012: "Ron Paul scored the bigger win Saturday at Minnesota's state Republican Convention.... The Texas congressman's backers seized control of the state convention, claiming 12 of 13 open delegate slots to the GOP national convention in August. The 13th slot went to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who failed to win it on the first ballot. Her opponent, a Paul supporter, conceded out of respect.

"Previously, 27 delegates were chosen. In all, 32 of Minnesota's 40 delegates are confirmed to support Paul over Romney.

"Paul appeared at the convention on both Friday and Saturday. He's no longer actively campaigning against Romney, but has said he intends to make a last stand at the national GOP convention in Tampa. His supporters hope to secure him a more prominent role there and also gain greater support within the GOP for his libertarian-leaning views."

Read more: http://www.dglobe.com/event/apArticle/id/D9US0MAG1/
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Ron Paul backers continue 2012 revolution

Ron Paul backers continue 2012 revolution - POLITICO.com - Emily Shultheis & Maggie Haberman:

May 19, 2012 - "In what amounts to public pleading with his passionate supporters, Paul’s campaign has made clear that he wants them to tamp down the rhetoric, and to be respectful of Mitt Romney at the national convention in August when Romney is crowned the GOP nominee. That isn’t sitting well with some Paulites....

"Since Paul effectively declared the end of his campaign, missives posted on the fan page DailyPaul.com have been brutal about Paul national campaign Chairman Jesse Benton, who declared, to some supporters’ disgust, that the retiring congressman simply can’t mathematically secure the GOP nomination. Benton has pleaded for “decorum” from Paul’s notoriously raucous backers....

“'Jesse acknowledges we have stealth Ron Paul supporters among the Romney delegates,' wrote one supporter on the DailyPaul.com, whose cyber-handle is Bob-45. 'He knows delegates can abstain or may even be unbound. This chops the legs off the Ron Paul campaign at a critical juncture. I no longer have any confidence in Jesse Benton; and, if Ron Paul keeps him after this, I will have lost a great deal of confidence in Ron Paul.'

"Adam Kokesh, a radio host and head of Veterans for Ron Paul, went further in a web video this week, first reported by BuzzFeed, in which he said, “It’s been extremely disappointing to see that the official campaign — Jesse Benton, John Tate — have failed to contest this with the Republican Party. We didn’t come here to play nice.'

"Kokesh, who the campaign was once close to but says it’s split from, urges Paulites to convince delegates to flip at the national convention.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76505.html#ixzz1vKcyvRKb
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Ron Paul gets raucous reception at Minnesota Republican convention - TwinCities.com

Ron Paul gets raucous reception at Minnesota Republican convention - TwinCities.com - Megan Boldt:

May 18, 2012 - "Ron Paul ... The libertarian Texas Congressman found a raucous and receptive audience for his message of personal liberty and curbing the scope of government when he addressed the state convention in St. Cloud on Friday night, May 18....

"Paul congratulated Minnesota delegates for joining the revolution, saying it proves that the message is resonating. And it's not just striking a chord with Republicans -- independents and Democrats understand our country would do better if we had more personal liberty, less war and did away with the Federal Reserve, he said.

"'When government gets bigger, your liberties are diminished,' Paul said.

"Paul supporters dominated the Minnesota GOP convention, capturing almost half of the more than 2,000 delegate slots and ultimately endorsing Paul-backer state Rep. Kurt Bills to take on U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election....

"This past winter, Paul came in a strong second at Minnesota's caucuses, garnering about 26 percent of the vote.... Estimates show Paul has 20 of the 24 delegates to the national convention already selected in Minnesota. Another 13 will be elected Saturday at the GOP convention."

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20658048/ron-paul-gets-raucous-reception-at-minnesota-republican
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What Does Ron Paul Have Against Gary Johnson? - The Daily Beast

What Does Ron Paul Have Against Gary Johnson? - The Daily Beast - Ben Jacobs:

May 15, 2012 - "On a campaign conference call today, campaign spokesperson Jesse Benton said that Paul would not back Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson under any circumstances. This was the most definitive language used by Benton on a call laced with caveats. Benton said that Paul was 'not likely' to endorse Romney and was 'extremely unlikely' to back any third party candidate. But, when it came to Gary Johnson, the answer was a quick and simple no.

"Johnson may be the most ideologically similar candidate to Paul but there are major differences between the former New Mexico governor and the longtime Texas congressman. Johnson is far more rooted in modern libertarianism than Paul, who is many ways a candidate of what his biographer, Brian Doherty, calls the “Old Right.” While Johnson is pro gay marriage and pro-drug reform, Paul is still wedded to bugaboos about gold money and combines his laissez-faire economic approach with a streak of social conservatism."

Read more: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/15/what-does-ron-paul-have-against-gary-johnson.html
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Paul says 'no plans' for third-party White House run | theSundaily

Paul says 'no plans' for third-party White House run | theSundaily:

May 17. 2012 - "US Representative Ron Paul made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill Wednesday after announcing he was winding down his presidential campaign, saying he was not mulling a third-party White House run.

"'I don't have any plans to do that,' the veteran Republican told AFP in brief comments after joining other congressmen in support of a defense authorization amendment.

"When pressed if he had unequivocally ruled out such a run, he reiterated that he had no plans to join another ticket or launch an independent bid. 'That's what I've been saying for six months,' he said.

"On Monday, Paul announced he was suspending all active campaigning, clearing the way for the Republican flagbearer Mitt Romney to become the party's nominee to challenge President Barack Obama in November.

"But the Libertarian-leaning Paul, a passionate defender of constitutional principles and small government, said his campaign will continue to pursue all-important delegates to the Republican convention in Tampa, Florida in late August."

Read more: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/381483
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Ron Paul Delegates Set to Mount First Ballot Upset at GOP Convention - Independent Voter Network

Ron Paul Delegates Set to Mount First Ballot Upset at GOP National Convention - Independent Voter Network - W.E. Messamore::

May 16, 2012 - "Ron Paul supporters and a few good investigative journalists have been digging deeper into the RNC’s rules for its nominating process on the floor of the national convention in Tampa. What they’ve unearthed is the possibility that Ron Paul doesn’t even need a brokered convention..... His covert supporters ... who will attend the convention as bound Romney delegates, but who are actually Ron Paul supporters ... may not be bound to vote for Mitt Romney on the first ballot after all. It’s all in the RNC’s Rule 38, which says:

"'No delegate or alternate delegate shall be bound by any attempt of any state or Congressional district to impose the unit rule'...

"Rule 38 has already been interpreted by the RNC’s own legal council to mean that the national party rules do not recognize state laws or procedures that bind delegates to vote for a particular candidate, but that they are free to vote for their individual preference on the floor of the national convention."

Read more: http://ivn.us/2012/05/16/a-first-ballot-rebellion-in-tampa/
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Ron Paul To Stop Spending On Republican Primaries

Ron Paul To Stop Spending On Republican Primaries - RTT News:

May 14, 2012 - "Ron Paul effectively ended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination Monday, with the Libertarian-leaning Texas Congressman announcing that he will no longer spend money campaigning in states with upcoming primaries.

"While Paul said that he would not longer spend money campaigning, he said the campaign would continue to work in the state convention process.

"'We will continue to take leadership positions, win delegates, and carry a strong message to the Republican National Convention that Liberty is the way of the future,' Paul said.... 'I hope all supporters of Liberty will remain deeply involved - become delegates, win office, and take leadership positions. I will be right there with you.'"

Read more: http://www.rttnews.com/1885620/ron-paul-to-stop-spending-on-republican-primaries.aspx?type=ts
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Johnson 'profoundly disappointed" with Obama's gay marriage position

Presidential Candidate says Obama statement on gay marriage changes nothing - West Palm Beach Libertarian | Examiner.com - Karl Dickey:

May 12, 2012 - "Libertarian nominee for President and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson today said he’s 'disappointed' with President Obama’s position on gay marriage. Obama told ABC Wednesday he would let each individual state decide the gay marriage question instead of seeking federal protection of the right to marry. Johnson noted that more than 30 states already ban same sex marriage in one way or another....

"In a statement, Gary Johnson said, 'Instead of insisting on equality as a U.S. Constitutional guarantee, the President has thrown this question back to the states. When the smoke clears, Gay Americans will realize the President’s words have gained them nothing today, and that millions of Americans in most states will continue to be denied true marriage equality . I guess the President is still more worried about losing Ohio, Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia than he is in doing the right thing.... Where is the leadership? While I commend him for supporting the concept of gay marriage equality, I am profoundly disappointed in the President.'"

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/article/presidential-candidate-says-obama-statement-on-gay-marriage-changes-nothing
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Don't look at the Ron Paul people as enemies, son says | Des Moines Register

Don't look at the Ron Paul people as enemies, son says | Des Moines Register  - Kathie Obradovich:

May 11, 2012 - "U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Friday urged Iowa Republican leaders to end hostilities over the influx of Ron Paul supporters into party leadership.

“'I know not everybody here voted for my dad, but what I will say from a personal perspective is, don’t look at the Ron Paul people or the Rand Paul people as your enemy,' the Kentucky senator said at a small reception before a conservative Republican fundraiser in Waukee....

"Paul spoke to about 350 people at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition dinner at Point of Grace Church in Waukee and earlier spoke at an Americans for Prosperity event in Des Moines.

"Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, echoed Paul’s remarks on the GOP’s internal issues. 'There’s been a lot of negativity that’s come across on blogs and emails, character assassination, slander, you name it, in trying to demean individuals, trying to demean the movement and people coming into the party.'

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120512/NEWS09/305120022/Don-t-look-at-the-Ron-Paul-people-as-enemies-son-says?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews
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Paul to speak at state's GOP convention | StarTribune.com

Paul to speak at state's GOP convention | StarTribune.com:

May 9, 2012 - "Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul will address the Minnesota Republican convention in St. Cloud May 18, the party announced Wednesday.

"Four years ago, the Texas congressman was not permitted to address the state convention. This time around he is being welcomed to the stage.

"'Having the congressman speak will highlight our common Republican purpose of restoring limited government and individual liberty by electing Republican candidates who believe in those core party principles,' Republican chairman Pat Shortridge said. 'It will also establish the Republican Party as the growing party that is welcoming new people and new ideas and preparing to be a long-term, conservative governing majority.'

"In addition to earning 20 of the 24 delegates to the national convention already selected in Minnesota, Paul also is thought to have at least 40 percent of the delegates to the state convention.

"He is the only remaining challenger to Mitt Romney for the GOP nomination."

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/150877975.html
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Mohave Daily News > Ron Paul nabs Nevada delegates from Romney

Mohave Daily News > News > State > Ron Paul nabs Nevada delegates from Romney:

May 7, 2012 - "SPARKS, Nev. (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul trumped presumptive nominee Mitt Romney in Nevada’s national delegate count Sunday, but he will only be able to parlay those supporters into votes for his longshot bid at the national GOP convention if Romney fails to win the nomination in the first round.

"Of Nevada’s 25 delegates elected Sunday to go to the national convention, 22 openly support Paul and three back Romney. The state’s three other delegates are state party officials.... Paul supporters were successful not only in winning the lion’s share of national delegates but in outing the state’s national committeeman and committeewoman and replacing them with supporters of the Texas congressman....

"Under party rules adopted last fall, Romney was to get 20 of Nevada’s 28 delegates for the national convention, and Paul was to get eight.... Paul loyalists and state convention officials said Nevada’s national delegates will abide by that allocation in the first round of balloting in August at the national convention in Tampa."

Read more: http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2012/05/07/news/state/doc4fa787d406c45960947181.txt
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Ron Paul takes majority of delegates in Maine - Associated Press

Ron Paul takes majority of delegates in Maine - Glenn Adams, Associated Press:

May 7, 2012 - "AUGUSTA, Maine - With Mitt Romney's GOP presidential nomination all but decided, Ron Paul supporters took control of the Maine Republican Convention and elected a majority slate supporting the Texas congressman to the GOP national convention, party officials said....

"In votes leading to the close of the two-day Maine convention, Paul supporters were elected to 21 of the 24 delegate spots from Maine to the GOP national convention in Tampa, Fla. The 24th delegate's seat goes to party chairman Charles Webster, who has remained uncommitted throughout the process.

"Making the Paul takeover complete was the election of Paul supporters to a majority of the state committee seats.....

"Paul, the last challenger to remain in the contest, finished a close second behind Romney in Maine's GOP caucuses in February, but those results were nonbinding."

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/150379615.html
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New Ron Paul Draws 5,600 Voters to Final of Three Campaign Events in California this Week

New Ron Paul Draws 5,600 Voters to Final of Three Campaign Events in California this Week: " Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul continued his pattern of attracting large crowds of supporters and undecided voters to his town hall meetings, this time drawing 5,600-plus people to an event at the University of California at San Diego.

"The UC – San Diego event with 5,600-plus people was the third of three such events the 12-term Congressman from Texas held in the Golden State this week. On Wednesday Ron Paul drew a remarkable 4,000-plus crowd to Cal State – Fullerton, and last night Dr. Paul drew 5,000-plus people to UC – Davis."

Read more: http://politicalnews.me/?id=13939
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Ron Paul supporters take over Maine GOP convention - chicagotribune.com

Ron Paul supporters take over Maine GOP convention - chicagotribune.com:

May 5, 2012 - "AUGUSTA - Ron Paul supporters narrowly won the chairmanship of the convention.... Brent Tweed edged Charles Cragin 1,118 to 1,114.... Paul supporters [also] elected Ron Morrell [who] got 1,119 votes out of 2,204 to be elected convention secretary....

"Ron Paul supporters are here in large numbers, with more than 500 having attended an organizational meeting last night and even more here today, said Matthew McDonald, a Waldo delegate and Paul supporter.

"Those who support Paul are hoping to get 13 delegates, which would be a majority of those chosen for the national convention. The convention is already more than two hours behind schedule, having started late due to the large number of attendees."

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-mct-ron-paul-supporters-take-over-maine-gop-convention-20120505,0,6916611.story
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Ron Paul supporters: 'It's not over yet' - Saturday, May 5, 2012 | 8:44 p.m. - Las Vegas Sun

Ron Paul supporters: 'It's not over yet' - Saturday, May 5, 2012 | 8:44 p.m. - Las Vegas Sun - Anjeanette Damon:

May 5, 2012 - "The divided Nevada Republican Convention descended into a sheer battle of wills late Saturday as those fighting to keep Ron Paul’s long-shot candidacy alive faced off against those intent on ensuring Mitt Romney wasn’t embarrassed by a lack of support.

"Balloting for the national delegates didn’t begin until after 7 p.m., pushing the marathon convention into the early morning hours of Sunday....

Paul’s supporters, driven by four years of planning and persistence, vowed to outlast the so-called Republican establishment that is trying desperately to close ranks around Romney.... Their hope: to elect enough Paul supporters to influence the national convention in August....

Romney supporters, on the other hand, were still smarting from four years ago when Paul supporters captured the state convention. Romney’s supporters voiced equal determination to see the convention through despite the maddeningly slow process.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/may/05/passionate-supporters-stretch-out-republican-conve/
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Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Nod for President - Washington Wire - WSJ

Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Nod for President - Washington Wire - WSJ - Danny Yadron::

May 5, 2012 - "Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, who ditched his Republican bid for president in December, captured the Libertarian Party’s nomination on Saturday.... Johnson appeared to be the clear favorite at the Libertarian convention in Las Vegas, pulling 74% of the vote on the first ballot, the Associated Press reported. The wire service noted that in 2008, the party needed six rounds of voting to settle on former Rep. Bob Barr as its nominee....

"A recent survey by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic firm, found that three-quarters of registered voters have no clear opinion of Mr. Johnson.

"When the poll asked voters to choose between Messrs. Romney and Obama, 49% went with the president and 46% sided with his Republican opponent. When Mr. Johnson was included in the poll, Mr. Obama led with 47%, Mr. Romney trailed at 42% and Mr. Johnson managed 6%. The survey’s margin of error was 3.3 percentage points."

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/05/05/gary-johnson-wins-libertarian-nod-for-president/
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Libertarians Nominate Judge Jim Gray for Vice-President

Libertarians Nominate Judge Jim Gray for Vice-President - Austin Cassidy:

May 5, 2012 - "With nearly 60% of the vote on the first ballot, former Superior Court Judge and marijuana legalization activist Jim Gray has been selected by the Libertarian Party as Gary Johnson’s running mate.   Gray defeated former presidential candidate Lee Wrights, who won the support of about 38% of delegates voting.

"Johnson had endorsed and campaigned for Gray, while speaking highly of Wrights as an advocate for Libertarian principles.

"For the first time in history, this year’s Libertarian ticket arguably contains more substantial elected and private sector experience than either of the major party choices."

Read more: http://www.uncoveredpolitics.com/2012/05/05/libertarians-nominate-judge-jim-gray-for-vice-president/
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How Ron Paul's far-reaching delegate strategy is starting to pay off | World news | guardian.co.uk

How Ron Paul's far-reaching delegate strategy is starting to pay off | World news | guardian.co.uk:

"Paul's strategy relies on using his campaign's enthusiastic followers and impressive organisation to dominate the complex and time-consuming delegate selection process in ways the Romney campaign struggles with. That means in some states the number of delegates Paul gets often far outweighs the percentage of people who voted for him in the state's caucus or primary. 'It is working more effectively than many people would have thought likely a few months ago,' said Professor Josh Putnam, a political scientist at Davidson College who also runs the Frontloading HQ blog that tracks the delegate process....

"For example, in Massachusetts, ... Paul could get about 16 of the state's 41 delegates, despite getting just 9% of the vote. In Minnesota, Paul picked up perhaps 20 of 24 delegates available at the congressional district level.... In Iowa – where the popular vote win was first given to Romney and then to Santorum – Paul now looks set to win the actual delegate count. In Louisiana Paul supporters made 74% of delegates emerging from the state's congressional district caucuses. That ensures they will dominate the coming Louisiana state convention that picks the delegates to send to Tampa. Paul's supporters are also waging a strong and successful campaign in Colorado and other states, like Nevada."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/04/ron-paul-delegate-strategy-gop-nomination?newsfeed=true
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Gary Johnson and the End of Marijuana As a Fringe Issue - The Atlantic

Gary Johnson and the End of Marijuana As a Fringe Issue - Conor Friedersdorf - Politics - The Atlantic:

May 1, 2012 - "The new reality: 70 percent of Americans favor legal medical marijuana, and half think the drug should just be legal. As Gallup notes, 'Support for legalizing marijuana is directly and inversely proportional to age, ranging from 62% approval among those 18 to 29 down to 31% among those 65 and older.' Eventually, the drug warriors are going to lose, and the country is going to win ... which brings us to Gary Johnson.

"Widely expected to emerge from this weekend's Libertarian Party convention as its presidential nominee, the former New Mexico governor has announced that he wants Judge Jim Gray to be his running mate.

"It's an opportune moment for a libertarian ticket to offer a serious, forceful critique of drug policy, for beyond fortuitous changes in public opinion, there's an incumbent with broken promises and a lackluster record on the issue; and a Republican challenger who is even more of a drug warrior in his avowed positions and such a teetotaller personally that he eschews even caffeine.

"Are Johnson and Gray the right team to make this critique? Whatever their shortcomings, they're ideal in this respect: one is an extreme athlete and health nut; the other is a veteran, former prosecutor, and judge who used to be a drug warrior and switched sides based on what he saw in his own courtroom. "

Read more: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/05/gary-johnson-and-the-end-of-marijuana-as-a-fringe-issue/256565/
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