Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Party of Georgia Presidential Debate Straw Poll - The Weekly Online!

Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Party of Georgia Presidential Debate Straw Poll - The Weekly Online!:

February 29, 2012 - "On Saturday, February 25th, the Libertarian Party of Georgia hosted five Presidential candidates as participants in a debate as part of their 2012 annual state convention at the University of Georgia Hotel and Conference Center in Athens. Candidates ... participated in a debate live-streamed and archived at the Libertarian Party of Georgia’s website, LPGeorgia.com.

"Following the debate, the Libertarian Party of Georgia invited all attendees to participate in a straw poll to indicate their support of each candidate present. Governor Gary Johnson secured first place with 79% of the vote, followed by Bill Still, R. Lee Wrights, Leroy Saunders, and Carl Person, respectively."

Read more: http://www.theweekly.com/news/2012/February/29/Gary_Johnson.html
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Ron Paul Tells Bernanke He Killed The Dollar, Silver Coin In Hand - Forbes

Ron Paul Tells Bernanke He Killed The Dollar, Silver Coin In Hand - Forbes - Agustinho Fontevecchia:

Feb. 29, 2012 - "Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke had an interesting morning over on Capitol Hill.... Bernanke ... was put on the spot by Ron Paul who pulled out a silver eagle and accused him of debasing the currency and destroying America’s wealth.

"Ron Paul first asked Bernanke if he did his own grocery shopping, to which the Fed Chairman responded with a 'yes.' Paul immediately cut him off and said 'no one believes the 2% inflation rate,' claiming it was actually closer to 9%. 'Someone is stealing wealth,' said Ron Paul, in full campaign mode.

He then pulled out a silver eagle, a silver coin that has nominal face value of one dollar that is legal tender. Ron Paul told Bernanke that in 2006, as he took the top spot at the Federal Reserve, an ounce of silver bought about 4 gallons of gas. Today, said Paul, it buys about 11."

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/afontevecchia/2012/02/29/ron-paul-tells-bernanke-he-killed-the-dollar-silver-coin-in-hand/
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Monday, February 27, 2012

GOP candidate Ron Paul holds town hall in Detroit

GOP candidate Ron Paul holds town hall in Detroit | Seattle Times - Mike Householder, Associated Press:

February 27, 2012 - "Ron Paul brought his limited-government message to the Democratic stronghold of Detroit on the eve of the Michigan Republican presidential primary, where he hoped to continue his strategy of earning delegates in states that hold non-winner-take-all nominating contests....

"More than 3,000 students and other supporters cheered him at a Monday afternoon rally at Michigan State University in East Lansing.... Hundreds of college students attended a Paul campaign rally Saturday in Mount Pleasant, and some couldn't get in because the auditorium reached capacity. That wasn't the case Monday at Little Rock Baptist, where pews were not filled to hear the candidate speak.

"Still, he earned raucous applause after some lines and a standing ovation after describing as 'not fair' statistics that indicate minorities disproportionately are arrested, convicted and imprisoned in the United States."

Read more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017612779_apmipaulmichigan5thldwritethru.html
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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Ron Paul gets enthusiastic reception in central Michigan - thenewsherald.com

Ron Paul gets enthusiastic reception in central Michigan - thenewsherald.com:

February 26, 2012 - "MT. PLEASANT - A wildly enthusiastic, overflow crowd packed Central Michigan University’s Plachta Auditorium Saturday, cheering Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul.

"Waving signs reading things like 'Peace, Gold, Freedom' and 'End the Fed,' the mostly young crowd greeted the 76-year-old Texas physician warmly, chanting 'President Paul! President Paul!'

"Flanked by about three dozen military veterans on stage, Paul called for an end to wars, repeal of the Patriot Act, an audit of the Federal Reserve and an end to the war on drugs.

"'The way we’re fighting around the Middle East and around the world makes no sense,' Paul said. 'War is never of economic benefit to anybody.'

But he said he hears 'war drums beating' again, this time against Iran."

Read more: http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/02/26/news/doc4f4a44454f36c101397463.txt
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Ron Paul: Santorum is "desperate" - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

Ron Paul: Santorum is "desperate" - Political Hotsheet - CBS News - Lindsay Boerma:

February 26, 2012 - "MT. PLEASANT, MI - Ron Paul on Saturday laughed off remarks made by fellow GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum earlier in the day speculating that Paul and Mitt Romney have a backroom running mate deal going.

"'I don't know what all that meant,' Paul chuckled backstage of a rally he held here at Central Michigan University. 'No, we've never had a conversation, anything like that ... but he's a family person, I've known him for five years, so it is a little bit different. But I don't agree with [him on] hardly anything, probably.'

Santorum has openly speculated that Paul and Romney are working together. He vented his frustration at multiple events on Saturday that 'in 20 debates, Ron Paul never attacked Mitt Romney.' During last week's debate in Arizona, Santorum said, "I felt like messages were being slipped behind my chair.'

"As for the Texas Congressman's attack ads, which have been harsh on Santorum but absent on Romney, particularly in Michigan, Paul said that 'right now the anti-Romney candidate is Santorum, so I have to get his votes, as I did at one time with Gingrich.'"

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57385332-503544/ron-paul-santorum-is-desperate/
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Saturday, February 25, 2012

GOP trickster Roger Stone defects to Libertarian Party - The Reliable Source - Washington Post

GOP trickster Roger Stone defects to Libertarian party - The Reliable Source - Washington Post - Roxanne Roberts and Amy Argetsinger:

February 16, 2012 - "The Grand Old Party has lost Roger Stone.... 'On Monday, I left the Republican Party changing my Florida voter registration to the Libertarian Party,' he wrote Wednesday on his “Stone Zone” blog. '. . .To put it bluntly the Republican Party is hopelessly [expletive] up.'

"His withering assesment of the GOP extends to its top contenders for president: Mitt Romney 'converted to conservatism' to run; Newt Gingrich is a 'thrice married ego-maniac with delusions of grandeur'; Rick Santorum 'a religious fanatic who would tell other people how to live.'

"Stone, 59, was one of the most sought-after party insiders back in the day: He worked for Richard Nixon’s Committee to Re-elect the President and administration (and has a tattoo of Nixon on his back), Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign, teamed up with famed political consultant Lee Atwater and had a hand in the 2000 Florida recount circus."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/gop-trickster-roger-stone-defects-to-libertarian-party/2012/02/16/gIQASIvUIR_blog.html
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Jim Rogers Picks Obama to Win Election but Prefers Ron Paul

Jim Rogers Picks Obama to Win Election but Prefers Ron Paul - Joyce Hanson, AdvisorOne:

February 24, 2012 - "Famed international investor Jim Rogers says that if he were a betting man, he’d pick Barack Obama to win the 2012 presidential election. Only the multimillionaire Quantum Fund founder isn’t a betting man, so it looks like his vote this year will be going to libertarian Ron Paul.

"Leading presidential hopefuls Obama, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum 'don’t have a clue what’s going on', Rogers told Reuters in a televised interview on Thursday ... but he added that 'the only one that understands' is Ron Paul....

"'A pox on both their houses, the Democrats and Republicans,' Rogers said. 'In this election if Ron Paul gets anywhere close to a nomination, I will certainly support him.'"

Read more: http://www.advisorone.com/2012/02/24/jim-rogers-picks-obama-to-win-election-but-prefers
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Friday, February 24, 2012

No conspiracy: Ron Paul just dislikes Santorum - Right Turn - Washington Post

No conspiracy: Ron Paul just dislikes Santorum - Right Turn - The Washington Post - Jennifer Rubin:

February 24, 2012 - "When your candidate has a really rotten debate, the temptation is great to create a distraction. However, if the distraction is harebrained and unflattering to your candidate, you wind up making things worse.

"That is essentially what happened yesterday when Rick Santorum and his team came out with a conspiracy theory that Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) and Mitt Romney were in cahoots. A source close to the Paul campaign told me last night that the Paul camp sees this as an effort by senior Santorum adviser John Brabender to distract the media from the fact that his candidate was 'not ready for primetime.' The Romney camp did not return a request for comment. (Romney staffers no doubt believe in the adage that you should never get in the way when your opponent is doing harm to himself.)

"Indeed, on one hand, you can say it was foolish for Santorum to cook up an excuse for his dismal outing. Santorum already has a reputation for being thin-skinned and peevish. This tactic certainly made him seem like a poor sport.

"To some extent, however, the gambit worked."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/no-conspiracy-ron-paul-just-dislikes-santorum/2012/02/23/gIQAMbLaXR_blog.html?tid=pm_opinions_pop
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Debt Boosted Under Leading Republicans’ Plans, Report Says - Businessweek

Debt Boosted Under Leading Republicans’ Plans, Report Says - Businessweek - Brian Faler:

February 23, 2012 - "The plans of Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney would each add trillions of dollars to the debt over the next decade, according to an analysis released today by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget in Washington. The Republican contenders criticize President Barack Obama for spending programs that contributed to a trillion-dollar budget deficit.

"Ron Paul is the only major candidate whose policies would reduce U.S. debt, according to the report.

"The primary reason is tax cuts. Each candidate, except for Paul, has proposed breaks that would drain far more revenue from the treasury than the candidates propose to save through spending cuts, the report said.

"It is the first independent analysis of what the candidates’ campaign promises would mean for the government’s $15.4 trillion debt."

Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-23/debt-boosted-under-leading-republicans-plans-report-says.html
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

U.S. officials tell Tories war on drugs has failed

U.S. officials tell Tories war on drugs has failed - Douglas Quan, Postmedia News:

February 22, 2012 - "A high-profile group of current and former U.S. law enforcement officials has written to the Conservative government with a surprising message: Take it from us, the war on drugs has been a 'costly failure.'

"The officials are urging Canada to reconsider mandatory minimum sentences for 'minor' marijuana offences under its 'tough-on-crime bill' and say a better approach would be to legalize marijuana under a policy of taxation and regulation.

"'We are … extremely concerned that Canada is implementing mandatory minimum sentencing legislation for minor marijuana-related offences similar to those that have been such costly failures in the United States,' their letter reads. 'These policies have bankrupted state budgets as limited tax dollars pay to imprison non-violent drug offenders at record rates instead of programs that can actually improve community safety.'"

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/officials+tell+Tories+drugs+failed/6188247/story.html
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Ron Paul Raised $4.5 Million In January

Ron Paul Raised $4.5 Million In January - RTT News:

February 21, 2012 - "Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul raised $4.5 million in January, putting the Texas congressman on track to exceed his Q4 fundraising total of $13.3 million.

"Currently, the Paul campaign has $1.6 million in cash on hand. The amount raised in January excludes more than $1.7 million that the campaign has so far raised via its online fundraising event, or 'money bomb.' Paul now appears to be prepared for the long haul in the 2012 presidential campaign"

Read more: http://www.rttnews.com/1824989/ron-paul-raised-4-5-million-in-january.aspx?type=pn&Node=B1
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Monday, February 20, 2012

Ron Paul only one who would defeat Obama in Iowa general election matchup - Washington Post

Ron Paul would best Obama in Iowa general election matchup - Election 2012 - The Washington Post - Felicia Sonmez:

February 18, 2012 - "A new Des Moines Register poll ... which surveyed 611 likely Iowa voters over Feb. 12-15 and had a margin of error of 4 percentage points, [shows that Ron] Paul would take 49 percent to Obama’s 42 percent.

"He is the only one of the GOP White House hopefuls who would defeat Obama in Iowa if the election were held today, according to the survey.

"Former senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) would be in a dead heat with Obama, taking 48 percent to Obama’s 44 percent, as would former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R), who would take 46 percent to 44 percent for Obama. Both candidates are within the margin of error....

"The poll shows Obama with a wide lead over former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). Obama would take 51 percent to Gingrich’s 37 percent in Iowa if the election were held today."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/ron-paul-would-best-obama-in-iowa-general-election-matchup/2012/02/18/gIQABoeUMR_blog.html
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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Ron Paul scores big wins in Hancock and Washington counties but statewide total doesn’t top Romney — Politics — Bangor Daily News

Ron Paul scores big wins in Hancock and Washington counties but statewide total doesn’t top Romney — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine - Tom Welch:

February 18, 2012 - "Texas Congressman Ron Paul was the top choice by a two-to-one margin in four presidential preference polls conducted by Republicans in Maine on Saturday.... In Washington County’s supercaucus, Paul attracted 163 votes to Mitt Romney’s 80, and in the town of Hancock, in the county of the same name, Paul received 41 votes to Romney’s 16. Paul also picked up four more votes to Romney’s two in Clinton, which also caucused Saturday morning, and 19 votes to Romney’s seven in Eastbrook.

"The numbers weren’t enough to overcome Paul’s 239-vote deficit statewide, but the poll is nonbinding.... However, the decisive wins might cool the momentum Romney claimed after he was declared the winner in Maine a week ago.

"Paul’s Saturday wins put him 117 votes behind Romney statewide, according to an unofficial tabulation by the Bangor Daily News."

Ron Paul lashes Obama and gets an enthusiastic Idaho welcome at Saturday's Boise rally | Politics | Idahostatesman.com

Ron Paul lashes Obama and gets an enthusiastic Idaho welcome at Saturday's Boise rally | Politics | Idahostatesman.com - Rocky Barker:

February 19, 2012 - "Presidential candidate Ron Paul took the hardest shot at President Obama of any of the three Republicans who campaigned in Idaho this week, accusing Obama of assassinating a 16-year-old U.S. citizen last fall.... The administration fired missiles from drones in Yemen and killed three citizens, including Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, a Denver native and the son of ... Anwar al-Awlaki.

"'Just because someone seems to be a bad person is no justification,' Paul told his audience at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. 'The worse a person is, the more important it is they get justice so we get justice.'

"Paul’s unconventional campaign for economic and civil liberties attracted 2,000 people. Chanting 'President Paul,' they responded with several standing ovations to his call for a return to the gold standard, an end to the war on drugs — and dramatically smaller government."

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/02/19/2000932/a-message-of-liberty-small-government.html#storylink=cpy

Saturday, February 18, 2012

GOP candidate Ron Paul hits Tri-Cities - Northwest McClatchy

GOP candidate Ron Paul hits Tri-Cities - Northwest McClatchy - Michelle Dupler, Bellingham Herald:

February 18, 2012 - "The reaction Paul's appearance elicited from supporters on Friday was more like a rock star than a politician. About 1,500 people turned out at the hotel to see him.... At one point, a fire marshal instructed the campaign to thin out the crowd in the ballroom so people could get through the aisles in case of an emergency.

"For the hour leading up to his taking the stage, the crowd chanted his name and campaign slogans like 'End the Fed' -- prompting Paul himself later to joke, 'You're stealing my lines now.'

"In Richland on Friday, a blue jeans-clad Paul spoke for about 45 minutes on a central theme of returning to the rights and principles in the U.S. Constitution, which he said he believes is the best way to ensure freedom, peace and prosperity for Americans.

He stopped to give a shortened version of his speech to the people outside before leaving for events in Idaho and Spokane later in the day."

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/02/18/2399353/gop-candidate-ron-paul-hits-tri.html#storylink=cpy
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Gary Johnson Is Winning Over the Libertarian Party, But Can He Win Over The Rest of America? - Reason Magazine

Gary Johnson Is Winning Over the Libertarian Party, But Can He Win Over The Rest of America? - Reason Magazine - Mike Riggs:

February 17, 2012 - "The former two-term governor of New Mexico, an experienced coalition-builder, is having a hard time coralling people who lean libertarian, but aren't quite.

"Take, for instance, his appeals to marijuana voters.... Johnson has 'done so many events with marijuana. So many marijuana events. Basically, nothing comes out of it other than for an enthusiasm for what I say. No money comes out of it.'

"That’s not to say that marijuana policy reform advocates are broke, or cheap.... But what weed money there is, isn’t flowing to Johnson. So he’s going back to the basics: Cutting the size of government. But even that can prove difficult. In a 2012 election in which Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is promising to cut spending by $1 trillion, Johnson is still searching for a way to earn media attention....

"Reducing the size and scope of government is not a new mantra for Johnson. He vetoed bills with abandon while governor and left New Mexico with a budget surplus. His struggle to get traction at the national level occasionally makes him wonder what’s changed."

Read more: http://reason.com/archives/2012/02/17/gary-johnson-is-winning-over-the-liberta
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ron Paul’s ‘No One But Paul’ money bomb raises more than $1 million | The State Column

Ron Paul’s ‘No One But Paul’ money bomb raises more than $1 million | The State Column:

February 16, 2012 - "Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul’s “No One But Paul” money bomb has raised more than $1 million since launching on February 14th. Mr. Paul’s “No One But Paul” money bomb is the Texas congressman’s latest effort to fill his campaign coffers as the Super Tuesday elections approach.

"'Every day, more and more Americans are realizing how deeply our out-of-control government has devastated our nation, and they’re angry,' Mr. Paul posited in an email to supporters Wednesday.... 'They’re looking for answers, and my staff is ready to ramp up our efforts even more to reach them with our solutions – through more hard-hitting ads, direct mail and email, more boots on the ground, and more personal phone calls'....
"Paul revolutionized the world of online fundraising when he launched a series of money bombs during his 2008 presidential campaign."

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/articles/2012/02/16/ron-pauls-no-one-but-paul-money-bomb-raises-more-than-1-million/#ixzz1maj5O08j
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Should Ron Paul demand a new vote count in Maine? - CSMonitor.com

Should Ron Paul demand a new vote count in Maine? - CSMonitor.com - Peter Grier:

February 15, 2012 - "On Feb. 12, state GOP officials announced that Mitt Romney had won the Pine Tree State confabs by a narrow 194 votes. But since then there’s been increasing evidence that Romney’s margin of victory was somewhat notional.

"Maine’s Washington County canceled its caucuses due to weather, yet the state party went ahead and called the election without them, for instance. A few other towns had previously scheduled their caucuses for the post-Feb. 12 period, and their totals weren’t included either.

"Now it appears that some towns which did caucus did not have their vote totals listed in the state’s final count. The vote for most Waldo County towns was entered as “0,” pointed out the Bangor Daily News on Feb. 14. Waterville’s numbers were similarly omitted."

Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2012/0215/Should-Ron-Paul-demand-a-new-vote-count-in-Maine
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Canada News: Vic Toews accuses bill’s opponents of siding with child pornographers - thestar.com

Canada News: Vic Toews accuses bill’s opponents of siding with child pornographers - thestar.com:

February 13, 2012 - "The government says anyone who opposes federal plans to make electronic surveillance easier for police and spies is siding with child pornographers....

"Tuesday ... the government reintroduces legislation that would expand online monitoring powers.... Asked Monday in the House of Commons about the coming bill, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews told a Liberal MP he could either stand with the government or 'with the child pornographers' prowling online.

"Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart has warned against simply resurrecting a trio of previous federal bills to expand surveillance powers.... Of particular concern to the privacy commissioner are provisions that would allow authorities access to Internet subscriber information without first getting a court’s go-ahead."

Read more: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1130846--against-enhanced-electronic-surveillance-you-must-be-for-child-pornography
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Monday, February 13, 2012

OpEdNews - Article: Occupy Movement and Libertarians, Tea Partiers Find Common Cause in Fight Against NDAA

OpEdNews - Article: Occupy Movement and Libertarians, Tea Partiers Find Common Cause in Fight Against NDAA - John Iacovelli:

February 12, 2012: "A coalition of three Southern Oregon Occupy Movements is joining forces with a local libertarian/Tea Party goup called Wake Up America Southern Oregon for a Monday February 13th protest in Medford against the National Defense Authorization Act. This is one of the first cooperative efforts between such groups. A statement noted that the joint action will 'show that united we can begin to stand up to the problems which face us as a nation and a people."

Read more: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Occupy-Movement-and-Libert-by-John-Iacovelli-120212-711.html
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Libertarian POTUS candidates in Orlando debate

Libertarian presidential debate: Libertarian presidential candidates preach more freedom, less government in Orlando debate - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com - Stephen Hudak:

February 11, 2012 - "With little fanfare Saturday in Orlando, six candidates vying to be the presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party — a growing third party advocating 'more freedom, less government' — championed ideas that would make most politicians quake.

"Legalize drugs. Abolish the tax system. Slash the defense budget. Overhaul Medicaid....

"Gary Johnson, the former two-term governor of New Mexico and former Republican presidential candidate ... is the Libertarian Party's front-runner. 'I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think there was a possibility of actually winning. Maybe that just sounds crazy to everybody sitting here,' Johnson said....

"'Naturally someone who already has a certain amount of media appeal is going to be appealing to the delegates,' said Lee Wrights, 53, a lifelong member of the Libertarian Party and a rival presidential candidate who has made ending 'all war' a key plank of his platform. 'Gary Johnson is doing a good thing. But we still need to be Libertarians, stay on message, stay on point.…'

"The other candidates included Leroy Saunders, 42, a chauffeur in Georgia ... Bill Still, 64, an author and filmmaker; Carl Person, 75, a New York attorney who previously ran for Attorney General in New York; and R.J. Harris, 39, a native American from Oklahoma and a career Army National Guard officer."

Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-libertarian-presidential-debate-orlando-20120211,0,7339460.story
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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Ron Paul Iowa Chairman to head state party

Ron Paul Iowa Chairman to Head Iowa Republican Party - ABC News:

"Ron Paul’s Iowa co -chairman A.J. Spiker is the new chairman of the Iowa Republican Party.

"The position had been vacated with the resignation of Matt Strawn.

"Spiker, a former Story County GOP chairman and the 4th Congressional District state central committee member, was elected to fill the remainder of Strawn’s term, which expires in January 2013."

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/ron-paul-iowa-chairman-to-head-iowa-republican-party/
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Mitt Romney wins Maine caucuses with narrow victory over Ron Paul | World news | guardian.co.uk

Mitt Romney wins Maine caucuses with narrow victory over Ron Paul | World news | guardian.co.uk - Ewan MacAskill:

February 12, 2012 - "Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has got his campaign back on track by winning the Maine caucuses, holding off a strong challenge from the outsider, Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

"Although Romney will be relieved to have chalked up a victory after losing three contests in mid-week, he saw a huge 31% majority from the 2008 Republican nominating race shrink to just 3%....

"With 95% of the votes counted – some caucuses had to be delayed by snow – Romney took 39%, 2,190 votes, to Paul's 36% with 1,996 votes. Santorum took 18% and Gingrich 6%. Neither Santorum or Gingrich campaigned in Maine.

"Romney won Maine by a large margin in 2008, with 52% of the vote, with Paul coming third on 18% behind the eventual Republican nominee John McCain on 21%. There are 24 delegates at stake in Maine."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/12/mitt-romney-maine-caucuses-victory?newsfeed=true
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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Libertarian Presidential Candidate Makes Pitch to Florida Voters | NBC 6 Miami

Libertarian Presidential Candidate Makes Pitch to Florida Voters | NBC 6 Miami - Edward. B. Colby:

February 8, 2012 - "Gary Johnson ... promises to submit a balanced budget to Congress his first year in office. The Libertarian Party candidate views runaway deficits as 'the single greatest threat to our national security,' and says that he would end bloated stimulus programs and earmarks, do 'responsible entitlement reform,' and repeal the signature healthcare policies of the past two presidents....

"In December, after getting miniscule support and media attention in the Republican primary race, he left the GOP and launched his Libertarian campaign.

"He is the best-known candidate in the lengthy Libertarian field; the party will choose its nominee at its national convention in Las Vegas in May."

Read more: http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/elections/Former-New-Mexico-Governor-on-Florida-Campaign-Swing-Focuses-on-Balanced-Budget-138975479.html
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Libertarian economist endorses Lee Wrights

Libertarian Strategy Monthly » Libertarian Economist Endorses Wrights- Jake Porter:

February 9, 2012 - "According to a press release issued by the Lee Wrights 2012 Presidential campaign, Ken Schoolland, a long-term board member of the International Society for Individual Liberty and associate professor at Hawaii Pacific University, has endorsed Lee Wrights and has also joined the campaign as economic advisor.

"Schoolland is ... the author of the animated video “The Philosophy of Liberty” popular on the Internet. He wrote ... “The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A FreeMarket Odyssey,” which has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Schoolland, who was Hawaii Libertarian Party chair for five years ... issued this statement:

"'I like Ron Paul. I like Gary Johnson.... But liking someone isn’t a reason to vote for them. When I became a member of the Libertarian Party back in 1976 I signed a non-aggression pledge. I take that pledge very seriously....

"'I simply don’t vote for anyone who compromises on that principle.... I applaud Ron Paul and Gary Johnson for promoting the libertarian program, but if people don’t grasp the underlying principle, then gains will turn to losses in an instant of mob passion. No compromise with principle....'"

Read more: http://libertarianstrategymonthly.com/2012/02/09/libertarian-economist-endorses-wrights/
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ron Paul camp: We’re poised to win delegates - Election 2012 - The Washington Post

Ron Paul camp: We’re poised to win delegates - Election 2012 - The Washington Post - Felicia Sonmez:

February 8, 2012 - "Paul’s national campaign manager, John Tate, writes in a memo Wednesday afternoon that Team Paul is 'thrilled' with Tuesday’s results....

Tate argues that there are three 'significant takeaways' from Tuesday’s trio of contests, namely that 1) Missouri’s primary was a 'beauty contest' that does not play a role in the delegate-selection process; 2) Paul 'will have good numbers among the actual delegates awarded' in Colorado and Nevada; and 3) Paul will 'also have a strong majority of the state convention delegates' in Minnesota, where he placed second Tuesday."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/ron-paul-camp-were-poised-to-win-delegates/2012/02/08/gIQAAFxVzQ_blog.html
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Libertarian Toronto-Danforth candidate talks election, issues (Includes interview)

Libertarian Toronto-Danforth candidate talks election, issues - Andrew Moran, Digital Journal:

February 6, 2012 - "John Recker, a Libertarian candidate in the Toronto-Danforth federal by-election, wants to offer an alternative to the mainstream Canadian political parties. New to the libertarian philosophy, Recker is promoting a 'just and voluntary society'....

"Recker’s campaign approach will be grassroots by presenting a strong message, providing the facts and correcting the notion that the government has the solutions to all of our problems.

"'Small business in Canada has taken it on the chin for too long and is starting come to us because of the stifling interference in a variety of markets,' said Recker. 'There's also the average citizen who works hard, and deserves to offer their children a voluntary and prosperous community we can all be proud of. Canadians are demanding more than a growing government with diminishing returns'....

"Utilizing his education in criminology, Recker wants to end the criminalization of addiction, mental illness and poverty. He also wants to implement measures that would change the criminal justice system by using an 'evidence-based approach' to corrections. The present policy of tough on crime has created a monstrosity of costs and ineffectiveness....

"'Because political influence can be bought, it is very unlikely that legislation will compel corporations to act morally,' noted Recker. 'Only punishing irresponsible leaders directly can provide the necessary deterrent, and prevent corporations from engaging in the crony capitalism and back-room deals we see today'....

"Recker believes strongly in social services, but not through government. Instead, he wants to take a non-governmental and not-for-profit method because they have 'the best rate of return on helping end-users'....

"'These are the social service items to eliminate: bureaucracy, wasteful central planning and a one-size-fits-all program.'"

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/319111
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Monday, February 6, 2012

Rep. Paul: ‘Freedom Is a Young Idea’ - Washington Wire - WSJ

Rep. Paul: ‘Freedom Is a Young Idea’ - Washington Wire - WSJ - Michael Crittenden::

February 6, 2012 - "ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Rep. Ron Paul made a plea Monday to Minnesota’s younger voters for support, attributing his popularity among 20-somethings to his focus on personal liberties.

“'There is a good reason why young people are more open to it … Freedom is a young idea,' Mr. Paul told a sizable crowd here. 'Young minds are not muddled up' by conventional wisdom and the media, he added.

"It was the first of two events Mr. Paul scheduled for Monday in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, which holds its caucuses Tuesday night. Polls suggest that the state might be competitive....

"Mr. Paul has been able to improve his campaign results from 2008 in every state that has held nominating contests this year."

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/02/06/rep-paul-freedom-is-a-young-idea/?mod=google_news_blog
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Ron Paul brings a breath of fresh air | mndaily.com - Serving the University of Minnesota Community Since 1900

Ron Paul brings a breath of fresh air | mndaily.com - Serving the University of Minnesota Community Since 1900:

February 6, 2012 - "Tomorrow, Minnesota will hold its Republican caucus where the party will choose how to allot its delegates for a presidential nominee. The only candidate that really resonates with most students is Ron Paul. Paul’s inclusion in the very public nominee-selection process has been a breath of fresh air. Where most politicians calibrate their beliefs to their intended audience, stretch the truth and often lie outright, and are willing to do almost anything to get elected, Paul has proved honest and straightforward.

"Despite being the oldest candidate, he has proven to be the only one that has a grasp on a changing culture among young people that is increasingly anti-war, concerned about an expanding security state, accepting of homosexuals and aware of the damage that the War on Drugs has done, especially to minority communities."

Read more: http://www.mndaily.com/2012/02/06/ron-paul-brings-breath-fresh-air
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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Gary Johnson Braves the ACLU - Reason Magazine

Gary Johnson Braves the ACLU - Reason Magazine - Mike Riggs:

January 31, 2012 - "On January 29 ... the American Civil Liberties Union ... invited the GOP field to its annual staff convention in Orlando.... ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero introduced Johnson to a crowd of 100 or so ACLU staffers.... Johnson [has] dropped out of the GOP and joined the Libertarian Party, where he is, for the first time since his days as a gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico, a frontrunner. 'I’m polling at 73 percent among libertarians,' Johnson told me before his speech....

"Johnson started his speech the same way he starts most of his speeches: by describing his commitment to cutting federal spending by 43 percent. As a result, the ACLU audience barely made a peep for the first 12 minutes of Johnson’s speech.... It wasn’t until he got started on legalizing marijuana that the crowd (figuratively) lit up. A steady stream of applause followed Johnson’s declarations after that.

“'I support gay marriage equality. I support repealing the PATRIOT Act. I would have vetoed the Department of Homeland Security, because I think it’s redundant. I would’ve never established the department of—the TSA agency. I think we should end the practices of torture. Period. I can understand the complexities in the following, but I think we should end the practices of detainment without being charged. There is nothing I want to see the government come in and fix with the Internet.'”

"Johnson also made a point throughout the evening of highlighting the differences between himself and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), who sought and received Johnson’s endorsement in 2008.

“'I don’t think that Ron Paul is going to win the Republican nomination. For the most part, we are talking about the same message, but we do have differences. And when he drops out, or finds an end to the Republican primary, I don’t see this agenda moving forward,' Johnson said."

Read more: http://reason.com/archives/2012/01/31/gary-johnson-braves-the-aclu
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Romney Wins Nevada Republican Caucuses While Gingrich Pledges to Press On - Bloomberg

Romney Wins Nevada Republican Caucuses While Gingrich Pledges to Press On - Bloomberg:

February 5, 2002 - "Mitt Romney won yesterday’s Nevada caucuses, solidifying his front-runner status in the Republican presidential race....

"Romney had 43 percent of the vote, with 45 percent of precincts reporting, according to an Associated Press tally early today. Gingrich had 26 percent, followed by U.S. Representative Ron Paul of Texas with 19 percent and former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania with 13 percent....

"Entrance polls showed 26 percent of the Republican caucus- goers were Mormons, as is Romney, and he won 91 percent of that vote....

"Romney ... spent about $488,460 on broadcast ads in the state through Feb. 2, according to New York-based Kantar Media’s CMAG, which tracks advertising.... Paul, who finished second to Romney in the 2008 Nevada caucuses, spent $158,590 to air ads last summer and again in late January in the state."

Read more:
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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Presidential hopeful Paul gets rock star welcome | Colorado Statesman

Presidential hopeful Paul gets rock star welcome | Colorado Statesman - Ernest Luning:

February 3, 2012 - "More than 1,100 passionate supporters crammed a hotel ballroom to welcome long-shot presidential candidate Ron Paul to Denver on Tuesday as the Texas congressman became the first Republican to land in Colorado ahead of next week’s caucuses.

"Vowing to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget during his first year in office, Paul said he would deliver on his promise of smaller government if elected president....

"It was the second stop on Paul’s whirlwind tour through Colorado on Tuesday. That morning, he spoke to an enthusiastic crowd on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, and he finished with a rally at the Colorado Springs airport before boarding a jet for Nevada, which holds its caucuses Saturday."

Read more: http://coloradostatesman.com/content/993290-presidential-hopeful-paul-gets-rock-star-welcome
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Ron Paul on Donald Trump: ‘I was the only candidate who didn’t kiss his ring’

Ron Paul on Donald Trump: ‘I was the only candidate who didn’t kiss his ring’ | The State Column:

February 3, 2012 - "With the exception of former Utah Republican Governor Jon Huntsman, all of Mr. Paul’s rival candidates held meetings with Mr. Trump in 2011. The meetings were viewed as each candidate’s attempt to obtain an endorsement from Mr. Trump.... Mr. Huntsman and Mr. Paul were also two of the most vocal critics of Mr. Trump, objecting to participation in a presidential debate ... that would be moderated by Mr. Trump. Following that refusal, Mr. Trump has continuously slammed Mr. Paul and Mr. Huntsman when asked about them....

"'I can’t imagine why anybody talks about him, why do you talk about him?' said Mr. Paul Friday in an interview with Utah based Fox 13 News. 'I don’t think he has that much credibility. I think I was the only candidate that didn’t ask for you know, a chance to kiss his ring. I never went up to see him. I don’t understand why people pay any attention to him.'"

Read more: http://www.thestatecolumn.com/articles/ron-paul-on-donald-trump-i-was-the-only-candidate-who-didnt-kiss-his-ring/#ixzz1lQSMKjz5
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Friday, February 3, 2012

Ron Paul Rallies Voters From Idaho, Nevada in Elko

Ron Paul Rallies Voters From Idaho, Nevada in Elko - Adella Harding and Andrea Glover, Elko Daily Free Press:

February 3, 2012 - "A boisterous gathering of roughly 400 people cheered Thursday as Republican presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, said the middle class is under attack.

"Paul also told the crowd 'Nevada is a place where there are 'people who actually believe in liberty,' and he expects to do well in the Nevada Republican caucuses on Saturday.

"Later, Paul told reporters he believed Western issues could best be tackled by returning public land to the states.

"Stressing his theme that the United States needs drastic change, he said he would cut government spending by $1 trillion the first year....

“'We’re destroying the middle class. It’s shrinking and poorer. The wealth has transferred from the middle class to a select few. Who got the bailouts -- banks and big corporations. We’re self-destructing,' he said.

“'If I am elected president, I would be devoted to the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States. Why don’t we try obeying the Constitution and reduce spending?' Paul asked."

Read more: http://magicvalley.com/news/local/state-and-regional/ron-paul-rallies-voters-from-idaho-nevada-in-elko/article_f3aaa84a-7a41-517b-a3d0-61918b7e9984.html
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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Ron Paul's Big Caucus Gamble Begins in Nevada | Fox News Latino

Ron Paul's Big Caucus Gamble Begins in Nevada | Fox News Latino:

"'Our goal is to win. And you win by getting the maximum number of delegates,' Paul said at a news conference Wednesday in Las Vegas, where he is campaigning ahead of the Saturday's Nevada caucuses. 'I'm delighted Nevada makes it fair, where we can compete for the votes. When we get the delegates and build up momentum, we can win.'

"Eric Herzik, a political science professor at the University of Nevada-Reno, predicted Romney would win the caucuses but Paul would come out strong.

"'Nevada has a libertarian streak in politics. Our economy is based on gambling and drinking and low social service provision,' Herzik said. 'That speaks to this kind of limited government, individual liberty approach to politics that Ron Paul favors.'"

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/02/02/ron-pauls-big-caucus-gamble-begins-in-nevada/#ixzz1lHaDv7nd
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