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  • Take the quiz at 2012 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector
    		• SelectSmart.com Ron Paul
    (Born 20 August 1935) Republican Congressman from Texas. Obstetrician-gynecologist, author.
  • The St. Petersburg Times' Politifact researched and rated the truthfulness of this politician's statements. On average, the Truth-O-Meter determined that his statements are "Mostly True".
  • Foreign policy and war issues: Rep. Ron Paul of Texas said the U.S. should bring troops home, not seeking more war in Iran or elsewhere. "I'm afraid what's going on right now is similar to the war propaganda that went on against Iraq," Mr. Paul said. "They didn't have weapons of mass destruction." Source.
    Voted against "Use of Military Force Against Iraq" (10/10/2002). Voted with Democrats in rebuking Bush's management of Iraq War, saying, "We all know, in time, the war will be de-funded one way or another and the troops will come home. So why not now?" Source
    Paul has offered legislation (H.R. 3216) to authorize Bush to issue “letters of marque and reprisal” to those private citizens or entities that want “to seize outside the geographic boundaries of the United States and its territories the person and property of Osama bin Laden, of any al Qaeda co-conspirator, and of any conspirator with Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda who are responsible for the air piratical aggressions and depredations perpetrated upon the United States of America on September 11, 2001,” or future attacks. Source.
    “Israel is our close friend. While President Obama’s demand that Israel make hard concessions in her border conflicts may very well be in her long-term interest, only Israel can make that determination on her own, without pressure from the United States or coercion by the United Nations. “Unlike this President, I do not believe it is our place to dictate how Israel runs her affairs. There can only be peace in the region if those sides work out their differences among one another. We should respect Israel’s sovereignty and not try to dictate her policy from Washington. Source
  • Security/liberties: Has consistently voted "no" on civil liberty curtailing issues, and generally "no" on security issues for similar reasons.
    GOP debate: all but Ron Paul want Patriot Act extended. Views expressed the Heritage Foundation/AEI/CNN debate (Nov. 22, 2011) Source
    Opposes waterboarding of terrorism suspects considering it "torture". Source.
  • Social Security: As former Libertarian, favors privatizing Social Security.
  • Stem cell research: Opposes federal funding of expansion of stem cell research.
  • Same sex issues: Supports civil unions for same sex couples.
  • Trade issues: Paul is an ardent free-trader.
  • Budget issues: Ron Paul voted against the Stimulus Bill. The balanced budget championing Concord Coalition gave Representative Paul a rating of 99 percent in their most recent report card.
    MR. SIEGEL: But since we do have a tax system, you would say do away with the preferential rate for investment income?
    REP. PAUL: No, I wouldn't do away with it. I would just realize that there's some problems with it. If you want it equitable, we should lower everybody's rate down to the investment rate so it –
    MR. SIEGEL: To 15 percent or so.
    REP. PAUL: Yeah, I mean if – if the investment rate or the capital gains rate's 15 [percent] and somebody else is paying 30 [percent], I wouldn't go for equity by raising everybody to 30 [percent]; I would want to lower everybody to 15 [percent]. Source
  • Business & labor issues: Favors pro-business positions.
  • Abortion issues: Strongly pro-life.
  • Capital punishment: Opposes capital punishment.
  • Marijuana, illegal street drugs: Received a 100% score from the DPA (Drug Policy Alliance) DPA is the nation's leading organization working to end the war on drugs. We envision new drug policies based on science, compassion, health and human rights and a just society in which the fears, prejudices and punitive prohibitions of today are no more. Usually supports the interests of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), receiving a 30 score (their highest)from that organization on issues they deemed important in 2006. NORML considers him a "NORML friendly candidate", source.
  • Gun control: Strongly opposes gun control laws.
  • Minimum wage: Has consistently voted against minimum wage increases.
  • Health care: Has a mixed voting record on health issues..
  • Prescription drugs: Voted "yes" to pass a bill that requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices for part D drugs for people enrolled in a prescription drug plan through part D.
  • Environmental issues: Paul gets low marks from environmental groups such as the League of conservation voters. Source
  • Climate change: Ron Paul While it is evident that the human right to produce and use energy does not extend to activities that actually endanger the climate of the Earth upon which we all depend, bogus claims about climate dangers should not be used as a justification to further limit the American people's freedom. — Speech on House floor opposing cap-and-trade legislation, June 4, 2009 Source
  • Immigration issues: Rated 100% by FAIR, indicating a voting record restricting immigration. (Dec 2003) Source
    Congressman Ron Paul said that he 'had some reservations' about Arizona's new immigration law, SB 1070. 'I have some reservations about that law, but not its' intent'. Source
    Generally opposes amnesty/permanent legalization for illegal aliens. Opposes temporary legalization for illegal aiens as guestworkers Source
  • Education issues: Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998) Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997) Source
  • Net Neutrality: No Source
  • Link to voting records and special interest group ratings. (If available).

  • Congressional website