Weekend Event Shatters Reublican & Libertarian Party hopes for 2012

[Lloyd Danforth]

Neither of those parties will be running Ron Paul. 


(CNN) -- U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, a stalwart foe of government spending, won a blowout victory Saturday in the annual Conservative Political Action Conference presidential straw poll.

With participants naming "reducing the size of federal government" as their top issue, the 74-year old libertarian hero captured 31 percent of the 2,400 votes cast in the annual contest, usually seen as a barometer of how the GOP's conservative wing regards their potential presidential candidates.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney finished second with 22 percent of the vote, ending a three-year winning streak at CPAC. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin finished third with 7 percent of the vote, followed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty at 6 percent and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence at 5 percent.

They were followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who tied at 4 percent. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour rounded out the results.

Five percent of participants voted for "Other" and 6 percent was undecided.

The announcement of Paul's win, a surprise victory unlikely to have a major impact on the 2012 presidential contest, drew a volley of loud boos from the CPAC audience.

That discontent could be seen in the poll results: A majority of participants said they wished the Republican Party had a better field of candidates to choose from.

But Paul's victory might be seen, in part, as a result of his support among anti-establishment Tea Party activists -- who turned out in force at this year's conference and expressed some frustration with the Republican Party.

Reflecting the college atmosphere of the annual event, young people dominated the voting: 54 percent of participants were between the ages of 18 and 25.

The poll also contained a bit of bad news for Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who made an under-the-radar appearance at CPAC late Friday.

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CNNPolitics/cpac

Participants were asked to rate their opinions of several top political figures, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner, both of whom received a majority favorable rating.

But Steele was the only Republican to garner an upside-down rating, with 44 percent giving him an unfavorable rating and 42 percent rating him favorably.

The three-day meeting Saturday that has featured speeches by Republican leaders, training sessions for local political activists and a renewed purpose to stand firm behind their principles heading into the midterm elections.

[Russell Kanning]

some conservative group has been voting for romney instead of paul up until now? sounds goofy .... one of them wants to conserve the republic under the constitution .... or is that idea too radical?

he would be the best candidate, since he is good in debates .... he doesn't have to remember what lies to tell and when

[Pat K]

You have to be a war monger for the conservatives
to like.

Not that you have been or actually would go to war yourself,
just send others folks kids to it.

[tremendoustie]

he would be the best candidate, since he is good in debates .... he doesn't have to remember what lies to tell and when

Lol, yep. That's the easiest way to be a good debater. Seldom used technique though, in politics.

[Lloyd Danforth]

You have to be a war monger for the conservatives
to like.

Not that you have been or actually would go to war yourself,
just send others folks kids to it.

For all I care all the dems and reps can eat poopy and die, but while the reps are known as war mongers, the dems have started a few and, when they re-assume the presidency, always seem to accept the 'ball' and run with it.

[lildog]

he would be the best candidate, since he is good in debates .... he doesn't have to remember what lies to tell and when

You don't even need to remember any more... no one holds politicians accountable for what they say any more.

[Sam A. Robrin]

I spontaneously blurted out the pun, so the parody had to follow:

OH, WHO? RON PAUL!  ("Da Doo Ron Ron"--The Crystals)
Da Doo Ron Ron-The Crystals
COPYRIGHT JA 2010 by Sam A. Robrin or whoever the hell it is who writes these things. Go ahead and use it (hey,I lifted th melody), but if you make a little money on it, I want some!

Always re-elected, but an honest man.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
Runs (but doesn't act) like a Republican.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
      Yes, an honest man.
      Yes, Republican.
         Heeeee stands for liberty.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.

Tops the list in popular opinion polls
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
Swells the count in voter registration rolls
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
      Tops opinion polls.
      Swells the voter rolls.
         Heeeee stands for liberty.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.

What a change that someone represents me now!
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
Want to help elect him, better find out how.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.
      Represented now
      Help him--find out how!
         Heeeee stands for liberty.
   Oh, who?  Ron, Ron Paul, That's who, Ron Paul.


This is not to be construed as an endorsement for any particular political process!

[jerry]

he would be the best candidate, since he is good in debates .... he doesn't have to remember what lies to tell and when

You don't even need to remember any more... no one holds politicians accountable for what they say any more.

I recall a court case in Michigan where someone tried to sue a politician for all the blatant lies he told during the campaign.  The court ruled that it was OK for politicians to lie.

[PattyLee loves dogs]

I celebrate the recognition of Ron Paul who has dedicated a lifetime to political justice. 

(except for the border barrier) No individual is illegal! (dilemma)  but I know he wants to first dismantle big govt. I know he respects the plight of all individuals.  Ron Paul!!!!

[PattyLee loves dogs]

Thank You OUR hero RON PAUL!!! Stands up against endless military occupation with the attached human rights violations. I am starting now to believe in progress with your leadership. Good luck to Rand to turn upside down the corrupt old boy network of my home state KY!!! Stunning.
WE LOVE YOU!!! WE CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!    WHOHOOOO!!!!!!   
Patty Lee and Bill Walker (now of the Free State Project, NH)

[PattyLee loves dogs]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/02/21/2010-02-21_ron_paul_for_prez_say_rightwingers.html

[Russell Kanning]

i am really getting excited about RON PAUL
is there someplace i can VOTE for him right NOW?

[Free libertarian]

i am really getting excited about RON PAUL
is there someplace i can VOTE for him right NOW?

Probably not at 3:34 A.M.   

[Lloyd Danforth]