Freeport, Maine (CNN) - Linda Bean, an heiress to famed Maine outfitter L.L. Bean, came out in support of Ron Paul on Saturday as the candidate made a campaign swing through the state.
Bean, who is a part owner of her family's company and sits on its board, said she is a longtime supporter of the Texas congressman. She backed his 2008 presidential bid, but hasn't made a public endorsement in the current race until now.
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"I've been for Ron Paul for years," Bean said. "I watched his House races in Texas, and he's just true blue. He doesn't waver from the Constitution and I like that very much."
Bean made her endorsement at the lobster restaurant she owns in Freeport, situated across the road from L.L. Bean’s large flagship store. She singled out Paul's appeal across the political spectrum as a reason for her support.
"He's very electable, he crosses all ideological lines because of his strong message," Bean said. "He's for the gold standard. I think people want stability in this country. He's for helping America domestically, and staying out of aggressive wars. We're just spending ourselves down the drain in these countries year after year with occupation."
When asked why she wasn't supporting fellow New Englander Mitt Romney, Bean said, "I've always been for Ron Paul."
Bean ran for Congress herself in 1988 but lost the Republican primary. She ran again in 1992, winning the nomination but going on to lose the general election to Democrat Thomas Andrews.
Paul is campaigning in Maine while his rival GOP presidential candidates focus on Florida ahead of its presidential primary Tuesday. Maine holds presidential caucuses, which the state GOP recommends take place between February 4 and February 11. Some towns and municipalities, however, are holding their caucuses as early as this weekend.
Maine’s presidential preference vote, which will determine the allocation of the state’s 24 delegates, will be announced February 11.
Rather than hitting all of the early voting states, Paul’s campaign is focusing on states that hold presidential caucuses, including Maine, Nevada and Minnesota. This Tuesday, when Florida holds its primary, Paul will be in Colorado. That state holds caucuses February 7.
Also see:
Romney: Gingrich debates complaints like 'Goldilocks'
From CNN Politics
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Why would anyone care? I happen to like Bill Clinton a lot, but if he backed Romney would I vote for the man? NO! I'ver read all I need to know about him on my own. As for this endorsement- so Paul has someone with money that likes him- so what?
C'mon Maine!
so the daughter of a guy who made a clothing company likes Ron Paul (or WHOEVER). Why does her opinion matter one infinitesimal bit?
Go Ron Paul!
Maybe she sees the Paul crowd as a potential market.
It matters in Maine. Many generations have worked for that company.
Come on now when Oprah came out an endorsed Obama it was huge news. At least Ms. Bean has run for public office. And as to the reason it matters is because of it he got publicity in terms of this ad.
Stupid, racist move by a rich, crazy lady. Still gonna buy stuff from LL Bean – they got great stuff! Paul is still a senile, paranoid white supremist, and has absolutely zero chance at the nomination. Thank goodness.
bc LL Bean is the largest employer in the state.
They USED to be a good company, and they do still make a lot of their things in the USA, but a lot of it is bought from China and still has the pricey tag on it. They don't even say it's made in China. It just shows up with that small tag that says so, after they have your money.
I don't buy from them any more. Too bad.
AWWWW RON PAUL GETS ENDORSED so everyone has to whine and cry about it.
Know why you can't get rid of him? BECAUSE HE'S GOT SUBSTANCE and is ELECTABLE.
He stands STRONG and talks the FACTS while the others just make total fools out of their snobby selves.
Argue all you want, Ron Paul stands for real change and anyone that argues with that is naive, ignorant, or dependent on the government. TRUTH.
RON PAUL 2012 go cry some more babies
Ron Paul has even less chance than Newt. I saw some of the debate and Rick and Ron were window dressing to the stars, Newt and Romney. Dr. Paul seems like nice enough old man, but he reminds me of a slightly nutty but harmelss uncle.
im from maine and i dont need the owner of LL bean to tell me to vote for ron paul im going to vote for ron paul because 4 years of political science and common sense tells me to. our countrys dieing and everyones to ignorant to understand it because they only care about someone elses opinion like bill o riley instead of actually studying society and history to form there own opinion.
Two people below clearly dont understand the point of the news I geuss. This lady even though not known in the US is known in Maine, and the primarys there opened this weekend. Thus making an endorment from anyone known in that state news to be reported. I do not personally give alot of weight to endorsments but some people do.
Ron Paul 2012!
A couple more of her family members, and the establishment and media could be right about something – Ron Paul is FINALLY full of Beans
Ron Paul For Peace and an end to Lobbyist, mismanaged federal programs and the FED!
Linda Bean's support of Ron Paul may not influence others' support of Paul, but it certainly influences my support of LL Bean- which is to say, I'll buy more!
Go Ron, go!
Vets 4 Dr Paul
I'm waiting to see who Paris Hilton endorses. She is quite wealthy and therefore capable of judging the leadership potential of politicians...
Linda Bean knows her politic and is doing her part to support the right man for the job. Way to go Linda! Everyone counts when any American stand up for what they believe in.
The make nice shirts...........
If I was a rich heir or heiress I would support the candidate whose policies would allow me to abuse the workers who are responsible for my fortune.
I will not be shopping at L.L. Bean, I don't want any of my money going to Ron Paul's campaign.
Linda is wise to choose right person. Great job!!!
Just another sane logical citizen, one who has noticed Ron Paul's consistent message over the years. The thing to note here is that Linda Bean, who is clearly a loyal Republican, has chosen NOT to call Dr Paul a wacko, a non-electable grouch, but rather to lend her support to his candidacy in the state of Maine.
No its not big news, but nonetheless, I am glad to hear of this support.
Ms Bean, like me, has decided that Dr Paul is the best way out of the mess our nation is in. His well reasoned arguments for smaller government and fiscal responsibility have captured the minds of many Republicans, Independents, and most likely even some Democrats as well.
Thanks Linda Bean for taking a stand on this issue – I hope it leads to more folks taking an interest and eventually supporting Dr Paul.
Among the people I know in Maine, the large majority of them are voting for Ron Paul.
@sick of. Because she holds political clout. She ran for Congress herself, twice.
her opinion matters as much as yours
she happens to be very popular amongst Maine republicans.
She is a citizen with a little weight on who she supports. So, "sick of repub phonies" she has a voice and a opinion and it matters to the ones who care. I care and I support Ron Paul. She voice let's me know as well informs folks in the USA there are more of us out there then the media wants us to know. RON PAUL2012!!!!!
I will never buy anything from LLBean again.
as for Ron Paul’s foreign policy – Thomas Jefferson said the same things when he ran , yet he was the first president to send the marines into an Islamic nation to instigate regime change. Congressman Abe Lincoln almost destroyed the fledgling Republican party by being the lone voice calling for an investigation into whether the Alamo was actually on side of the border
Maine isn't particularly riddled with prominent citizens and their caucus is in a week. PS: RON PAUL 2012 or BUST.
First, I am loyal customer of LL Bean and a holder of their Visa card because of their support to Ron Paul and because they make a great product. Second, I love Maine – it really is a beautiful state and I've camped at Moose Head Lake when I first got married.
Finally, I'm for Ron Paul because he is pro-freedom, pro-peace and anti-bailouts. I served four years active duty and our troops deserve better than neocon chickenhawks like Gingrich, Romney and Santorum.
It actually does matter because its about Maine. Its not about the entire country. State by State people. LL Bean is big in the Maine Community so all the employees and people who like LL Bean will listen now.
Stop thinking nationally every time something happens.
It's too bad he's not gonna go that far – I'm a registered democrat that currently lives in a republican state – If his name is on the ticket in november, (which I doubt it will) I would actually Vote for ron paul. I really hate to vote for obama – I voted for him in '08' – - but I honestly could not vote for any of the 3 other candidates – I've never voted republican my whole life – Just could never bring myself to ever do it. I guess if you're a 'blue collar' worker, and all you've had was 'blue collar' Jobs all your life, no wonder most of us type of people could never bring ourselves to vote for a republican.
Larry in Houston
He's not going anywhere anyway,just like in 08,still doesn't have a clue.He's the last guy at a party to get the joke.He sits in the debate ,waiting for his cue to say something,but you know what,they forgot the cue cards,O well...Maybe in 2016,he'll only be 81 years young.
Maybe the reason that you haven't read much about Dr. Paul is the reason you don't understand that this means something. ALL other presidential candidates (including Obama) are backed up by major banks, billionaires, and huge corporations. Ron Paul gets his donations from the people (gets more money from the men and women in the military than all other candidates combined), so when this lady backs him, that's good news for "Paulbots". Her opinion doesn't matter more than anyone else's, but she does help the cause a bit more than the average Joe can.
Who does Paris H back? Not that it matters but at least she's decent looking.
A supporter of Ron Paul in 2008 ? -what a smart woman. I always liked L.L. Bean products. It really makes me feel good that people realize that Ron Paul is the best candidate for the White House in this critical period in our history. I have studied Ron Paul for some time and he is a true American patriot, has common sense and does not bow to special interest groups-he is one of the few that are good for our country. Thank you , Lady Bean.
I would so love to see Ron Paul come in through the back door and win the Nomination. The GOP would have a hissy fit.
Why do any of your opinions matter? ^^^
sick of republican phonies
so the daughter of a guy who made a clothing company likes Ron Paul (or WHOEVER). Why does her opinion matter one infinitesimal bit?
----------------------------------------------–
I believe the same thing could be said about your opinion. Though to separate you from Linda Bean not only does she own a wealthy company but also won the Republican nomination for a congress seat before falling to Democrat Thomas Andrews. So there you go two things you'll never do and two reasons why she is used in a news story. Please go hide back under a rock or the Obama wealth and unemployment checks your hide under.
This is big, because it shows that LL Bean is a great American company and their management and owners understand and desire what is good for real productive businesses and America.
RON PAUL for president 2012!!!
at least she knows how to pick a winner,the rest are bought and payed for new world order shill's
I would also like to endorce Ron Paul.
-Laura
Wow. Apparently being rich does nothing for ones looks OR common sense. Old rich white people scratching the backs of old rich white people...this is news?!!
Go Maine! Ron Paul is the best choice we have. He's the only one offering real spending cuts, lower taxes and freedom for this country! We need a President who will vetoe bills like SOPA which congress are trying so desperatly to pass.
Thank goodness for people like Linda Bean that can think for herself and knows that Ron Paul has stood strong and has not swayed on issues. He has fought for liberty for years. You can vote for the status quo, but we will be able to tell our children we tried our best.
****************************"Let it not be said that we did nothing." Ron Paul*************************************************
Former GE CEO's 4 kids endorse Ron Paul , while the parents endorse Romney.
How fabulous that a company owner that is not part of corporate elite and knows what it is like to do business in America and employee Americans would endorse Ron Paul as the person who can bring this country back to prosperity . Kudos Ms. Bean.
I'm glad that Ms. Bean expressed her opinion even if it might not be popular with some people. For every customer she loses because she endorsed Ron Paul, she will gain twenty supporters because of it. Ask Kelly Clarkson how her endorsement of Ron Paul worked out... her album sales on Amazon shot from #17 to #1 in two days. Go Linda!
It matters because it shows more and more people from all walks of life support Ron Paul.
(Not just college kids and "paulbots".)
Well, her company will be seeing more money from me tonight. I just ordered two backpacks and two lunchboxes and 2 jackets for my nephews! Ron Paul supporters know how to treat the endorsers right. Look what happened to Kelly Clarkson.
Matters nothing to me; so what, he got an endorsement, they all have endorsements.
Linda Bean is a smart woman.....RON PAUL 2012
She's not "just the daughter of a guy", she's a local politician that won the Republican primary in 1992 for congress... as the article says.
People in Maine who supported her probably respect her opinion.
Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of moral fiber would vote for Paul.
Wow, this endorsement has clearly made up my mind who to vote for in the GOP race. Now make me a flannel shirt Ms. Bean.
Hey thanks from a Ron Paul fan. I appreciate the endorsement for an honest politician.
I now feel inclined to purcahse some L. L. Bean clothing this year.
Ron Paul = Freedom
t is very good that this lady has expressed her support for Ron Paul. In her position she can do a lot of good to the Ron Paul campaign. The endorsement of this lady only shows that Paul's message is popular among all social status!
Another peon [sp] making an irrelevant endorsement!!
Obama 2012!!
Iowa was stolen from Ron Paul. His entrance polls showed he won. The final count showed Paul was the only one to lose percentage from his entrance poll compared to the actual vote. Ron Paul winning the first event would have been a total nightmare for the media. It would not have fit into their storyline up until that point. STOLEN VOTES PEOPLE. Maybe a couple more endorsements will help for a comeback.
She's a Republican activist in Maine, guys. Relax. Lol.
Why? Because every vote counts! That's why!
Woohoo, Ron Paul! We're with you!
The real question, why does YOUR opinion matter one bit? You have one vote. This lady controls numerous votes through her popularity and likeability. Maybe one day when you have actually accomplished something with your life (you know, like open your own popular lobster restaurarant) people will care about what YOU have to say on any given subject.
It doesn't matter to you, but to people in Maine it probably matters. Support for a campaign never hurts, only helps, and Paul is able to use this to support himself.
Meh ~She's obviously highly intelligent. One must be to arrive at this conclusion. Kudos to her for seeking -and finding the truth. Welcome aboard Linda.
She had some intelligent and thought-provoking things to say, and she clearly cares about politics and staying true to America's values. She probably left politics after being discouraged by the rampant corruption, and admires Ron Paul for his courage in battling it so nearly single-handedly (of course, Rand Paul helps, too!). She is brave for coming out in support of Ron Paul in lieu of the mainstream media's consistant and relentless smear campaign and effort to discredit Dr. Paul's good name. Good for her. God bless her, and God bless America!
Ron Paul is my homeboy.
I read that the reason it is important is because she is a leader of the tea Party in Main so her endorsement will carry weight with them.
Ron Paul > CNN, Fox News, abc, MSNBC, Goldman Sachs, GE, Obama, Romney, Newt
LOL sick of republican phonies? Paul is the real deal pal. Do your reason before you spout off looking like a moej. You're posting on this board, does your opinion matter even an "infinitesimal bit?"
I could care less who it is, but it is another vote for my candidate. Ron Paul 2012.
For those who dislike Ron Pau. Ron Paull has integrity and is genuine. Can you say that about the other guys?
Ron Paul will win Maine.
Political endorsements by people who are not politicians real don't say much; however, when one politician backs a another you know who is getting a favor.
It's nice to see people are finally speaking out for their support of Ron Paul, and it's nice that CNN actually reported it.
President Paul – 2012
It may not matter to most people but to me it matters because this is what it takes to get CNN to write an article about Ron Paul. I would have voted for him any way but I like reading stuff like this. Thanks CNN for the nice article.
She's obviously highly intelligent. One must be to arrive at this conclusion. Kudos to her for seeking -and finding the truth. Welcome aboard Linda.
Why her opinion matters more than yours is because she's an established businessperson and obviously must know at least a fair amount about economics and business infrastructure, and you are just some random noface nobody on the internet.
Obviously her opinion DOESN'T matter; CNN, note- only 3 people interested enough to comment (expressing their disinterest). ENOUGH NON-NEWS DRESSED UP AS NEWS!
Re: sick of republican phonies
why does your opinion matter one infinitesimal bit?
I'm happy to see any endorsement for Dr. Paul. Endorsements can lead to votes, votes lead to delegates, and getting delegates is how we win.
Linda Bean, thanks for the endorsement of Ron Paul. Hope your sales go u[up like Kelly Clarkson's album sales. I feel a win coming on.
I'm voting for Ron Paul because he's the best choice for president. I don't care who endorses him.
Now there's a woman with some smarts! RON PAUL 2012!
She is right - he is electable and he is true blue! He is obviously the only candidate with the honor and wisdom to do what is right for our country. Our whole family will be voting for Ron Paul no matter what the GOP does, the first time we've all agreed on politics, ever Ron Paul knows what we need to do to solve our woes for the long haul and he will do it.
Good deal ! Thank you Ms.Bean.Ron Pauls support will have to come from the heart and soul of America. The big money industrial contributors will all stick with their old line "Owned Politicians"Big daddy WARBUCKs wants the money train to stay on track!.
I truly believe Dr. Paul has a shot in these caucus states. He's going to do well. It seems like he's changed his debate/speech approach, as he is a little bit more charming. I'm 22 years old with an education, and I am definitely supporting Dr. Paul because he is the only contender who is planning for my generation's future. To add, I also support his stance on shrinking government. As a teacher, I love discussing the issue of Enumerated v. Reserved powers with my students. Government has its nose in too much of our lives, and we need to give the states the power to deal with controversial and privacy issues.
How about Lands end, Joe A bank, or Charles Tyrwhitt, etc, ha..ha..ha..ha...sears, jcpenny, Macy's....ha.
Sooooo, does that mean she's going to stop IMPORTING all their clothes from China??? I'm serious. Look at their catalog. Everything is "made in China".