A physician by profession, Texas Congressman Ronald Earnest "Ron" Paul is considered by many to be a long shot to win the 2008 presidential election. Nevertheless, in the Nov. 28 (2007) CNN/YouTube debate, he voiced his committment to seeking the Republican nomination, carefully sidestepping the question of whether he would run as an independent if he doesn't win the primary. This is Paul's second campaign for president -- he ran on the Libertarian ticket in 1988.
Political Views
Ronald Earnest "Ron" Paul, 72, is a strict constitutionalist and refuses to vote for any bill that isn't expressly permitted by the US Constitution. As a Congressman, he is the only 2008 presidential candidate who did not vote in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in 2002, and his foreign policy is one of non-intervention. He also believes the US should withdraw from the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Paul calls himself a staunch pro-life conservative and remains consistently Constitutional in his belief that it is up to individual states to decide how abortion should be dealt with. He remains fervently opposed to abortion of any kind (voting in favor of the partial birth abortion ban in 2003), and steadfastly believes the federal government should not make decisions regarding the abortion issue.
Paul is not fundamentally opposed to same-sex marriage, but again believes individual states should decide how marriage should be recognized. He has remained consistent on this point throughout his 10 years as a US lawmaker.
Paul believes in securing American borders and legalizing immigration to create more taxpayers. He maintains that terrorists should be sought as individual criminals and opposes a global war on terror.
In his 2006 essay, "The Worldwide Gun Control Movement," Paul is not shy about voicing his pro-gun views. He believes that the Second Amendment applies to individuals, not groups like militias.
Personal
Paul is married to his high-school sweetheart, Carolyn Paul, and the couple has five children. The family is Episcopalian. He was a flight surgeon in the US Air Force during the Cuban Missle Crisis and served in Korea during the early years of the Vietnam War.
Career Highlights
Paul began his political career in 1974, losing his first Congressional bid. His first win came in 1978, and he has served off and on ever since. His terms in office are marked by his practice of delivering his constiuents babies.
Political Views
Ronald Earnest "Ron" Paul, 72, is a strict constitutionalist and refuses to vote for any bill that isn't expressly permitted by the US Constitution. As a Congressman, he is the only 2008 presidential candidate who did not vote in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in 2002, and his foreign policy is one of non-intervention. He also believes the US should withdraw from the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Paul calls himself a staunch pro-life conservative and remains consistently Constitutional in his belief that it is up to individual states to decide how abortion should be dealt with. He remains fervently opposed to abortion of any kind (voting in favor of the partial birth abortion ban in 2003), and steadfastly believes the federal government should not make decisions regarding the abortion issue.
Paul is not fundamentally opposed to same-sex marriage, but again believes individual states should decide how marriage should be recognized. He has remained consistent on this point throughout his 10 years as a US lawmaker.
Paul believes in securing American borders and legalizing immigration to create more taxpayers. He maintains that terrorists should be sought as individual criminals and opposes a global war on terror.
In his 2006 essay, "The Worldwide Gun Control Movement," Paul is not shy about voicing his pro-gun views. He believes that the Second Amendment applies to individuals, not groups like militias.
Personal
Paul is married to his high-school sweetheart, Carolyn Paul, and the couple has five children. The family is Episcopalian. He was a flight surgeon in the US Air Force during the Cuban Missle Crisis and served in Korea during the early years of the Vietnam War.
Career Highlights
Paul began his political career in 1974, losing his first Congressional bid. His first win came in 1978, and he has served off and on ever since. His terms in office are marked by his practice of delivering his constiuents babies.