Ron Paul visits Iowa in sign of another Presidential run

November 13, 12:41 PMDes Moines Conservative ExaminerKevin Hall

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Ron Paul's son, Rand, is running for U.S. Senate in Kentucky
AP Photo/Daniel R. Patmore, file

Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul built a nationwide army of fiercely loyal, enthusiastic,  young supporters during his 2008 Presidential run.  It appears Paul is hoping to expand upon that base and possibly gear up for another run in 2012.  Paul visits Ames tonight for speech at Iowa State University, then attends a campaign fundraiser for Iowa House representative Kent Sorenson on Saturday in Des Moines. 

Although Paul says it is too early to begin thinking about the 2012 race, a visit to the first-in-the-nation caucus state is an indicator that he is laying the groundwork for a potential run.  Paul is not alone.  Potential GOP 2012 contenders Mike Huckabee, Tim Pawlenty, and George Pataki all made appearances in Iowa during the past week.

Paul did manage to win one county in the 2008 Iowa Caucuses, beating Mike Huckabee by 35 votes in Jefferson County.  He placed fifth statewide.  While his libertarian message connects with a lot of young, primarily male voters, Paul's views on foreign policy are out of the mainstream with most Republicans.  He does not support U.S. intervention in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Paul disagrees with our financial support for Israel and he wants all U.S. troops brought home from bases in Korea, Japan and Europe.  Paul's representative at the Iowa Caucuses in ultra-conservative Sioux Center, Iowa, told the crowd, "We all know the United States is no longer a great country."  Less than a handful of those in attendance agreed.

Paul, 74, might be too old for another run at the Presidency.  However, his son Rand holds almost the exact same views as his libertarian father. Rand Paul is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky.  He spent much of 2007-08 campaigning with his father.  The younger Paul could become the new leader of the libertarian army built by his father.  While the chances of winning the GOP Presidential nomination are virtually nil, either Paul could make a significant impact as third party candidate.

Tonight's Ron Paul appearance in Ames its organized by the Iowa State chapter of Young Americans for Liberty.  It begins at 7 pm in the Scheman Building, located next to Hilton Coliseum.  The event is free and open to the public.