Ron Paul On The Verge Of Going 3rd Party
By Eric Dondero
January 8, 2008
Page 4 of 4
Eric Garris soliciting top LP members to sign a letter urging Ron Paul to run on the Libertarian ticket is also no accident. Garris works directly for Lew Rockwell as his web designer and as one of his top political operatives. It's hard to imagine Garris making such a step without Rockwell's encouragement.
The Libertarian Party has won ballot access in 27 states so far. The Libertarian Party National Convention will be held in Denver, May 22-26.
On Meet the Press with Tim Russert Sunday, Dec. 22, Ron Paul responded that he "needed a little wiggle room" on the question of running as a 3rd party candidate. This could possibly signal that much like 1992, he plans to utilize the New Hampshire primary as a launching pad for a 3rd party effort either on the Constitution or Libertarian tickets, or possibly as a fusion candidate or Independent candidate with support from both parties.
The Libertarian Party or Constitution Party route still seems to still be up in the air. Ron Paul, famously a ditherer right up until the end, may not even know the answer to that question himself right now. Ballot access wise, the Libertarian Party makes more sense for Paul. But ideologically the CP and other Constitutionalist Parties are a better fit. But with $18.8 million raised for his effort, one thing is sure; the likelihood of Paul just quietly pulling out of the race after a few losses in early GOP primaries is very slim.
One wonders though, given Paul's track record with past presidential runs, will the race end up with expectations met for the Ron Paul supporters and donors? Not to mention a full accounting of the funds raised? Or, will it end with disappointing vote totals and money spent unwisely as in his past efforts?
UPDATE: Ron Paul told the Washington Post yesterday that a third party bid would depend on "if the money is there..."
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*Note - Eric Dondero served on Paul's Congressional staff 1997 - 2003 as Senior District Aide & Scheduler. Eric Dondero is a US Navy Veteran, former Libertarian Party National Committeeman, Founder of the Republican Liberty Caucus and fmr. Senior Aide to US Congressman Ron Paul R-TX. He is now a national Republican Political Consultant based in Houston, Texas.
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA. >> Back -- Page 1 2 3 4
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