Campaign support grows

Texas congressman has garnered following in Las Vegas Valley

View File photoRep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, who is running for president, talks to a supporter after a campaign rally inside the Paris Las Vegas, July 7. Advertisement

There is a new American revolution on the horizon.

That was the assertion of a small group of passionate Las Vegas voters when they were questioned about the country's current political climate.

The revolution, one member said, comes in the form of 2008 presidential candidate hopeful and Libertarian-leaning U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas.

Members from the southeast Las Vegas-based Ron Paul Meetup Group banded together one month ago, starting with 12 members on the networking site, www.meetup.com. The group is now almost 200 strong.

That, said southwest resident and group founder Mark Matthews, 38, is a testament to the Paul's viability and popularity.

"I have never been one to vote," Matthews said. "In fact, I have never voted. There was never anyone who I thought represented what I thought was important. Then I heard that Ron Paul was running for president and knew I had to get involved."

Matthews became acquainted with Paul's politics almost 20 years ago when he heard Paul speak at a public function in Arizona.

"His speech made me realize that my political leanings were very Libertarian," Matthews said. "And his stances really appealed to me. His record and attitudes speak for themselves."

Paul spoke to more than 300 constituents at the 2007 Freedom Fest Conference held at the Paris Las Vegas on July 5, where he was met by cheers and applause.

"He is very down to earth," Matthews said. "But he really knows how to get a crowd going. He's enthusiastic and knows what he's talking about. Something we haven't seen in this country in a long time."

According to Paul's campaign Web site, www.ronpaul2008.com, the congressman's major platform issues are immigration, the war in Iraq, and staying true to the Constitution.

"He has never voted to raise taxes, restrict gun ownership, increase the power of the Executive Branch or increase congressional pay," Matthews said. "He understands the complex issues that we're facing. He voted against the Patriot Act, regulating the Internet and the war. I believe that he is the only hope this country has because I believe that we're heading for a major depression. And he can stop it, or at least soften the blow."

Group member Jesse Law of Green Valley likes the fact that Paul is "pro-Constitution."

"When the Patriot Act was passed, we had basic liberties stripped away," Law said. "The government can infringe on your privacy without cause or warning. Search warrants are no longer required. Wire-tapping is rampant. Those are just a few of the issues that really bother me. When I heard Ron Paul talk about his platform and how there's a real need to get back to basics, it struck a chord with me."