AP: Ron Paul’s Republican Legacy Growing

David Streeter — January 15, 2013 – 3:26 pm | Rand Paul | Republicans | Ron Paul Comments (0) Add a comment

The Associated Press reported what NJDC has been saying for months: anti-Israel former Representative Ron Paul’s legacy within the Republican Party is only growing. The AP reported:

Ron Paul is exiting the political stage, but his legions of followers insist they are only getting started.

Libertarian-leaning loyalists of the two-time Republican presidential candidate have quietly taken over key-state GOP organizations, ensuring future fights with the GOP’s establishment and laying the groundwork for a future presidential candidate.

Their new relevance, especially in early caucus states Iowa and Nevada, could clear the way for such a candidate, perhaps Paul’s son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. It’s the next step in the group’s ongoing development, from rambunctious malcontents of just a few years ago into more serious party activists bent on reshaping a party they say has drifted from its conservative roots….

Iowa’s state Republican governing body this month voted to re-elect as chairman and vice chairman two of Paul’s top 2012 Iowa caucus campaign aides. Last year, Nevada Republicans similarly elected top Paul supporters to its two spots on the Republican National Committee….

Paul backers also have made inroads into Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, in part vestiges of his 2012 presidential campaign.

Indeed, across the country, thousands of Paul’s followers, many disillusioned after fighting in vain for his failed bid of 2008, regrouped in 2012 and dove head-first into the behind-the-scenes Republican Party delegate elections, fighting tooth and nail with old-guard GOP establishment activists for national convention seats.

And while Paul retired from Congress this month, his disciples picked up House seats in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan and Texas last year….

National party leaders are reaching out to these new leaders.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus, elected in 2011 to resuscitate the RNC’s fundraising, has sought out Paul supporters as he seeks re-election.

And the view is emerging within the broader national party that it’s better to have them inside the GOP organization, where they will be expected to perform in fundraising and, ultimately, winning elections.

‘The bottom line is they want to be part of the process. It’s good more of them are in charge,’ Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Given Paul’s appeal to younger voters, the broader Republican Party would be wise to listen, Paul advisers and supporters say.

Click here to read the AP’s full report. 

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