By Andrew Morgan

I would like to offer an opinion as to this year's Presidential election and provide an informative look at a great candidate, no matter your party affiliation. Meet Ron Paul. By now I hope this is not the first you have heard of Dr. Paul and I do hope that you allow me the opportunity to lay out why we need to elect this fine Congressman from Texas. I have been a supporter of Congressman Paul since 2001. He has cast some votes that leave many scratching their head, but after hearing his explanation, one can only be left feeling proud to have this man in office. He does not vote with his party or his district. He votes in line with the Constitution. If Congress or the President wish to do something they lack the authority to do, he votes nay. He votes against wasteful spending and against improper government intrusions into the lives of the people. Unlike most in DC, he takes his Oath of Office literally.

First off, Congressman Paul represents ideals most wish to see in elected representatives. He has never been on a lobbyist sponsored trip, he has received 99% of his Presidential campaign donations from individuals, he has never voted to raise Congressional pay, he has never voted to raise your taxes, take your guns or vote for an unbalanced budget. He leads Republican Presidential candidates in military donations, he votes to secure our borders, protect our religious freedoms and he is a persistent advocate for cutting federal spending. These are just a few things that Congressman Ron Paul has done while in office.

Now, what does this mean and why should you vote for him? Well, Ron Paul is in this race to help bring America back to its core values. These are the same values and principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. In a year where Republican candidates are clamoring to be the next Ronald Reagan, Ron Paul is the only candidate espousing the same values that Ronald Reagan laid out in his "Shining City on a Hill" speech announcing his intent to run for President. He believes that the American people are best capable of solving their own problems and that the federal government's involvement in most matters today are not only unconstitutional, but better handled by the private market. Of course, Ron Paul was one of only four Republican Congressmen to endorse Ronald Reagan in his 1976 bid for the presidential nomination.

Some of the issues Ron Paul advocates may not sound familiar in today's political climate. He wants a return to the gold standard, which would help in scaling back the national debt, reducing inflation and raising the value of the dollar. As a constitutionalist, he wants to return the bulk of current federal government functions to the states and the private market as directed in the 10^th Amendment. By eliminating unconstitutional federal departments and programs, state and local governments and the private market can better work to raise education standards, help the poor and deal with the healthcare problems facing this nation. These issues fell out of favor in Washington because they serve to diminish the power of the federal government and special interests, while allowing more freedom to the public to live their lives without intrusion.

Many have discounted the gentleman from Texas and his "dark horse" bid for the Presidency. However, he shocked the media, Washington and many citizens by raising over $4.2 million in 24 hours on November 5^th, setting a record for the most online donations in one day. Speaking of donations, he has consistently received more donations than any other Republican candidate from military personnel. His numbers are rising in New Hampshire and he is on course to surpass his goal of raising $12 million this quarter. Recently, GQ magazine named him one of their "Men of the Year."

Ron Paul is on the move and with the steady decline Fred Thompson has been facing of late and the lack of a true fiscal and social conservative in the race, Ron Paul's support can only continue to increase. John McCain lacks the charm that his 2000 campaign commanded and the polls show it. Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani have historically supported abortion and gun control, while Mike Huckabee has a horrendous record of raising taxes and a deep love of social programs, so only one attractive option remains. Vote Paul. 

I implore you to take a deeper look at Ron Paul and see for yourself that he is the best candidate for Republicans, Democrats and Independents. You may not agree with everything the man says or believes, but you will know exactly where he stands. You will be hard pressed to find an elected official who is more consistent or honest than Ron Paul. Do some research and see what this fine Congressman has to offer. He is a welcome change from the typical politicians we have running for the highest office in the land. Give Ron Paul your vote and together we can put this shining city back on top of the hill.

God Bless America!

Andrew Morgan ran for state representative for the 24^th District in 2004. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis School of Law.
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