A Republican Primary candidate in 2008, Ron Paul commands a devoted libertarian following and has proven a fundraising contender in the 2012 race. A Congressman from Texas’ 22nd district, he is a devoted libertarian committed to reducing the size and scope of the federal government, auditing the federal reserve and returning rights back to the states and individuals. He is a presidential candidate for 2012.
History
Paul was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1935. He earned a BS degree in Biology from Gettysburg College in 1955. In 1961 he earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He moved with his wife to Michigan as a medical intern and then served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1963 through 1965. After studying obstetrics and gynaecology he opened a private practice.
Political Career
On August 15, 1971 after President Richard Nixon “closed the gold window” departing US currency from the gold standard completely, Ron Paul decided to enter politics.
In 1974 Paul ran for Congress in Texas’ 22nd district. He lost to incumbent Robert R. Casey. Paul later won a 1976 special election to replace Casey who was appointed Federal Maritime Commissioner by President Gerald Ford. He then lost the general election. He then went on to win in 1978, 1980 and 1982.
Paul returned to Congress in 1997 and has served until the present day. On July 12, 2011 he announced he would not seek re-election and would instead focus his energy on the 2012 election.
Books
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