U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), yesterday, called on voters to “reject the two-party system” and cast their ballots for one of four “non-establishment, principled candidates” who have indicated their support for Paul’s positions on four issues: war, civil liberties, deficits, and the Federal Reserve.
At a National Press Club news conference, Paul said he has refused to endorse GOP nominee John McCain and could not support Democrat Barack Obama. The presidential candidates of the Libertarian, Constitution, and Green parties — as well as independent Ralph Nader, have signed on to the four issue positions approved by Paul.
After a historic Republican primary campaign which injected youthful energy and limited government ideas into his GOP campaign, Paul has taken the unusual step of outright opposition to the party nominee and endorsement of candidates whose positions include massive expansion of the welfare state, tax increases, nationalization of industries, limitations on free trade, and degradation of United States sovereignty.
Dr. Paul will keep his promise not to run as a presidential candidate in any third party, but he appears to have abandoned the Republican Party as a vehicle for his efforts. His public support for opposing candidates may put his congressional seat in jeopardy under Texas law. Some provisions give the parties discretion to remove their nominated candidates from the ballot. Paul won the 14th Congressional District party endorsement and has no Democratic opposition in November, but recently transferred over $3 million dollars of his Presidential campaign donations to his own Congressional campaign account.
Some supporters consider Paul’s announcement to be a repudiation of his assurances that he would remain in the Republican Party and work toward reforming its policies and positions. The objective of Paul’s new organization “Campaign for Liberty” had been described as an effort to “take back the GOP” by working within the party, although its mission statement is non-partisan.
The Republican Liberty Caucus stands by its purpose of reclaiming the GOP as a party dedicated to protecting individual rights, limited government, and private enterprise. The RLC has endorsed Ron Paul for Congress in all of his campaigns and hope that he will be re-elected in November.
However, if his announcement signals his abandonment of the Republican Party, we are disappointed, but we will continue our efforts to elect party officials and support Republican candidates across the country who can be counted on to defend liberty.
(material contributed by Phil Blumel, Bill Westmiller and Dave Nalle)
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