Paul makes first trip to NH exploring presidency

DERRY, N.H. – Texas Congressman Ron Paul, a Republican, made his first visit to New Hampshire over the weekend since announcing that he had formed an exploratory presidential committee.

Paul, who has run previously for president as a Libertarian, was the keynote speaker at a Libertarian convention in Manchester that drew 300 people. He also met with a Derry taxpayer group and went to a well-attended house party.

As a Libertarian, Paul wants to end US involvement in Iraq and abolish the Internal Revenue Service. Paul said that nowhere in the US Constitution does it say that the country should be involved in significant foreign policy. He also wants a smaller government and says the IRS has no constitutional right to collect taxes.

Speaking before 20 people in Derry, Paul’s message was well received, according to some in attendance. His soft-spoken style was more like that of a professor than a hero of individual rights, some who heard him said afterward.

For now, Paul said he is still unsure whether or not he will run for president.

“Though I suppose if this campaign were to get any support it would be in the Live Free or Die state,” Paul said of New Hampshire, which is expected to hold the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.