In case you still had any doubts about the power of the Internet, look no further than Ron Paul to dispel those doubts. The Texas Representative has found thousands of believers in his libertarian platform online, catapulting him to impressive fundraising numbers. A hard-line fiscal conservative, Paul supports cutting back in virtually every federal department, especially the Department of Education, and bills himself as the protector of the Constitution. His message of fiscal responsibility, as well as being the only Republican who is vocally opposed to the war in Iraq (his exit strategy: “Just leave.”), have brought him much support from young, disenchanted Republican voters. Supporters’ online fundraising blitzes included a 5th of November event that brought in over $4 million. While he doesn’t have the traditional support and organization that most pundits focus on, he could still have quite an impact on such a crowded race.
Biography
Paul was elected to the House of Representatives from Texas in 1976, and has served three distinct terms since then: 1976 to 1977, 1979 to 1985, and 1997 to the present. He was also the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee in 1988. Paul served in the Air Force, and later the Air National Guard, during the 1960s. Before being elected to the House for his most recent stint, Paul was an obstetrician and gynecologist in Lake Jackson, Texas.