Paul suspends presidential campaign; forms new organization
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/06/12/art.paul.gi.jpg caption="Ron Paul is suspending his presidential campaign."]WASHINGTON (CNN) – Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced Thursday he is suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to focus his time on building an organization to help recruit and elect “limited government Republicans.”
“We want to elect constitutionalists, limited government Republicans across the country at the state and federal level,” said Paul spokesman Jesse Benton.
The congressman will speak about his political plans at the Texas Republican State Convention being held in Houston. Late Thursday afternoon, Paul launched a Web site for his new organization where he explained the decision to suspend his presidential campaign and form “Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty.”
“With the primary season now over, the presidential campaign is at an end,” Paul said in the letter. “But the larger campaign for freedom is just getting started.”
Arizona Sen. John McCain locked up the GOP nomination back in March, but unlike his fellow Republicans running for president, Paul never abandoned his White House bid.
Paul’s decision to leave the race is an acknowledgment he had no chance of winning the GOP nomination. But even in loss, Paul is one of a handful of candidates who walked away from this presidential contest a winner. His presidential campaign had a broad base of support that included traditionally fiscal and socially conservative Republicans to young people who were angry about the U.S. decision to wage war against Iraq.
The Internet helped to tie together his group of supporters who joined the “Ron Paul Revolution.”
“The work of the Campaign for Liberty will take many forms,” Paul wrote in the letter posted on his Web site. “We will educate our fellow Americans in freedom, sound money, non-interventionism, and free markets. We’ll have our own commentaries and videos on the news of the day. I’ll work with friends I respect to design materials for homeschoolers."
He added, “Politically, we’ll expand the great work of our precinct leader program. We’ll make our presence felt at every level of government, where just a few people with our level of enthusiasm can make a world of difference. We’ll keep an eye on Congress and lobby against legislation that threatens us. We’ll identify and support political candidates who champion our great ideas against the empty suits the party establishments offer the public.”
Paul will not endorse McCain, unless the Arizona senator “wants to change some of his positions,” Benton said. But Benton added that this effort in no way is intended to hurt McCain in November.
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If I lived on another planet, I might vote for the radical Representative. Then again if I lived on another planet, I wouldn't have to put up with all this election year BS.
There's no way Ron Paul would endorse Sen. McCain. Why would he?
I'm disappointed he dropped out. Not that he had a chance in hell of winning but if he did, I'd vote for him over Obama. Obama's next best, in my book.
I originally backed Paul, but he should leave the republican party. He should simply bond with the idependents. I love his message though, always have. If he were a major contender he would have my vote.
Still the smartest, most experienced candidate out there. Hopefully some of his ideas will rub off on the others.
It was about time!
to the REAL REPUBLICANS out there:
why arent you fighting to take back your party? the neocons have hijacked and destroyed your name!
mccain is NOT a republican (and neither is bush), he is a NEOCON.
ron paul is too smart to endorse mccain.
to Angus, Ron Paul would not be caught dead on McCain's ticket. Obviously you aren't really educated on Paul's platforms.
Anybody who thinks Ron Paul would want to be VP to John McCain, or that he has any interest in staying in the media for the sake of it knows nothing about Ron Paul. He's doing exactly what he said he would do; work to reform the Republican party in order to attempt to return it to its original principles and end this version of Republicanism, which is a shadow of its former self.
The media doesn't want to acknowledge the seeds that have already been planted for transformation of the party and the public's perception of government. Hopefully, there is enough hope left out there to understand and believe that there can be positive change in the political process and the hopelessness which has crippled this country into accepting whatever the 2 parties shovel out as fact can be beaten back to begin to change the foundation of Republican principles in this country. Our view of government must change if we are to preserve our freedom, improve international relations, protect our borders, sustain our economy, and provide for ourselves.
Sounds like Ron Paul has made a lasting impression politics.
Who cares???
The reveloution will continue.
I suggest Mr. Paul NOT endorse BORAK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!
Ron Paul is the only true republican out of that host of pretenders that started th primaries.
I THOUGHT I felt something... as if a dozen voices cried out in terror... and were suddenly silenced.
Ron who?
So THAT'S all Ron Paul had to do to get media attention–withdraw. So much for the objective American media.
Mr. Magoo for McCain's VP is the right choice...
Ron Paul is for freedom of choice and expression. Which means he would legalize gay marriage.
Ron Paul is for the immediate withdrawl of troops in Iraq and all nations deemed "unnecessary." This would save the country hundreds of billions annually.
Ron Paul is for the demolition of the IRS. The IRS is a violation of privacy and illegally taxes Americans every year.
Ron Paul is for changing the role of the Federal Reserve. Ron Paul understands economic principles and how the printing of money with no backing in gold or silver is a recipe for diaster, or what we are currently doing to ourselves.
Ron Paul is for defending the Constitution.
Seriously, how bad does that sound? Let the Revolution begin!
Too bad Paul threw in the towel.
No one has guts in the Republican Party any more.
What ever you do, DO NOT endorse McCane. You will lose everyone's respect. Do not dip your hand in the blood of our troops along side Bush and McCane.
Angus, you fool. Ron Paul has emphasized time after time that he cannot and will not be the VP of a candidate that does not share his principles. Did you even read this article? Dr. Paul wants to help elect Republicans who advocate limited government and constitutional principles. These parameters exclude any dealing with McCain whatsoever!
Paul as McCain's VP? Are you insane? Ron Paul would not be caught dead on the same ticket as McCain.
"STLL FOR HILL" – I can guaranty that you are not a democrat. Just like others before you, who are very transparent. Again, why would a true democrat be so critical of every democrat except for Hillary Clinton? Also, your comments about anything always lean extremelely to the right.
I think I've got it. STLL FOR HILL is actually Sharon Minnesota back for round two of this "i'm a life-long democrat" act. Man, it must really be tought o be a republican when you're too embarrased to come on these blogs and admit that you are one. GET LOST!!!!!
Its about time. It is weird how Paul had a huge following with the youth. Anywho now it is time to reach out to Clinton supporters. We need them to win in November. We CAN get them. we WILL get them, YES WE CAN. Then Obama will lose in November. He doesnt deserve the Presidency. McCain will lead this country to victory in Iraq, yes he will!
"The work of the Campaign for Liberty"
I am beginning to wonder if this great experiment we call democracy is within decades of major alternation.
paul who?