AP: Republican presidential candidate drops out of race; says he’ll continue to spread his message
Story Transcript
JOHN BELMONT, ASSOCIATED PRESS: It may have taken longer than expected, but Ron Paul is officially no longer in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Paul dropped out Thursday, making the announcement to supporters attending the Republican state convention in Texas. Despite winning few delegates, the 72-year-old Texas congressman has an immensely loyal following. Paul told supporters his campaign is shifting gears, and said it’s actually going to accelerate and get much bigger. His campaign says it has nearly $5 million in the bank, and will use that as part of Paul’s new efforts, which include speaking out against the United Nations and the federal income tax. As proof that his overarching campaign is not over, Paul will host a mini-convention in early September in Minnesota that will be at the same time as the Republican National Convention, which is taking place in St. Paul. Ron Paul has refused to endorse presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, saying the two differ too much on the issues. Instead, Paul says he will continue to spread his message by working to help elect libertarian-leaning Republicans to public office. John Belmont, The Associated Press.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that TRNN transcripts are typed from a recording of the program; The Real News Network cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.
Story Transcript
JOHN BELMONT, ASSOCIATED PRESS: It may have taken longer than expected, but Ron Paul is officially no longer in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Paul dropped out Thursday, making the announcement to supporters attending the Republican state convention in Texas. Despite winning few delegates, the 72-year-old Texas congressman has an immensely loyal following. Paul told supporters his campaign is shifting gears, and said it’s actually going to accelerate and get much bigger. His campaign says it has nearly $5 million in the bank, and will use that as part of Paul’s new efforts, which include speaking out against the United Nations and the federal income tax. As proof that his overarching campaign is not over, Paul will host a mini-convention in early September in Minnesota that will be at the same time as the Republican National Convention, which is taking place in St. Paul. Ron Paul has refused to endorse presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, saying the two differ too much on the issues. Instead, Paul says he will continue to spread his message by working to help elect libertarian-leaning Republicans to public office. John Belmont, The Associated Press.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that TRNN transcripts are typed from a recording of the program; The Real News Network cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.