Politics

Ron Paul Says He Will Retire From Congress

Ron Paul Says He Will Retire From CongressAUSTIN, Texas (The Blaze/AP) — Texas Rep. Ron Paul says he will retire from Congress when his term runs out in 2012 and will focus on his campaign for president.

The 75-year-old Republican said Tuesday that he has been criticized in the past for running for Congress and the presidency at the same time. He says he believes he can fight for the issues he believes in from outside of Congress.

“I felt it was better that I concentrate on one election,” Paul told The Facts in Lake Jackson, TX. “It’s about that time when I should change tactics.”

Ron Paul Says He Will Retire From Congress

“I didn’t want to hold off until in December [to make an announcement],” he said. “I thought it shouldn’t be any later than now.”

Paul, a doctor, has served 12 terms in Congress. He will serve out his term through December 2012.

Comments (84)

1 2
  • dissentnow
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 5:08pm

    The closest thing to a founding father that we have in Washington. Thanks for defending the constitution, sir.

    Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 8:36pm

      Sad but True

      besides maybe he will be the next President

      if not Rand Paul is waiting in the wings

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 9:42pm

      And now he is going to be our President!!! Its him or no one. We have to support him and the next money bomb on July 19th!!!

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • sambachico
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:08am

      He’s been my adopted congressman now for about 4 years. My congressman does not represent me or my belief in liberty, independence and freedom. Ron Paul does and I have financially supported him. I have never given money to any politician ever. I don’t consider Dr. Paul a politician but a statesman. When I am older and my children are older, people will talk about Ron Paul being our second Thomas Jefferson after he’s our 45th President of the Republic of the United States.

      Report Post » sambachico  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:49pm

      Thank you for your service, Sir.

      Personally, I do not believe he can be elected President.

      I like him, and he is correct on pretty close to everything I have personally heard him speak about.

      But, his appearance and demeanor, I believe, make him unelectable to most Americans.
      Sad, but true.

      On the other hand, I cannot imagine a more versed, staunch defender of the Constitution.
      As such, he would be invaluable as a Presidential adviser!!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • babylonvi
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 4:21pm

    Is the NWO getting to him?

    Report Post » babylonvi  
  • louise
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 4:16pm

    Thank you Ron Paul for opening America’s eyes to what real Liberty is all about. You are the father that sparked the flame of the tea-party.
    I would be proud to call you “Mr. President”!
    God bless this man

    Report Post » louise  
    • teapartyconservatism
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 5:07pm

      Great point, however if Dr. Paul wishes to seize the day and race to the head of the pack in a surge similar to Trump’s, he must address Obama’s ineligibility and criminal fraud. Dr.Paul is considered the most frank member of congress anyway, so why not call a spade a shovel and put all the cards on the table?

      ENDtheFED2012 posted a comment here today at 2:44pm that bears repeating.
      Partial excerpt:
      “Dr. Ron Paul is the best candidate for POTUS……all of candidates are undercover-progressives.
      Just look at…
      Cain…supports the Patriot Act, TARP, and worked for the Kansas City FED for 4 years.
      Bachmann…voted for the Patriot Act twice, and supports the TSA, doesn’t even know what the FED does.
      Romney…lead the way for ObamaCare with his RomneyCare, supports the Patriot Act and TSA
      Huntsman…supports free China trade, US debt holding by China, supports the Patriot Act and TSA.
      Perry…used to be a Democrat that ran Al Gores ‘00 campaign, supports the Patriot Act and TSA, mandated deadly vaccines for TX girls, supports the North America Union.”

      Will Dr. Paul seize the day by daring to expose the largest political scandal in history?
      http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=9854

      Report Post » teapartyconservatism  
  • silentboom
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:40pm

    “As fire when thrown into water is cooled down and put out, so also a false accusation when brought against a man of the purest and holiest character, boils over and is at once dissipated, and vanishes and threats of heaven and sea, himself standing unmoved.”

    — Cicero

    Report Post »  
  • HyperTyper
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:56pm

    Everybody always talks about “issues” and which ones they are for or against… Take the people out of the equation. What do ALL the issues have in common? Well, the funding of course.

    Prior to 1913, every single American had direct veto power to the spending policies of the federal government. Because if the government wanted to borrow money, it had to go to the people for it. There was no central bank.

    It had to sell bonds. If you didn’t want to go to war, you didn’t buy bonds. If you didn’t want the pork project that the government had in mind, you didn’t buy the bonds.

    It was a very simple, effective system. A Republican [form of government, not party] system that gave direct veto power to the people on economic policy. And by extension, a direct veto on all policies foreign and domestic. And it worked very well until 1913. That’s how come government managed to stay small, because it didn’t have an unlimited credit line to go on a shopping spree for 97 years… and make you pay for it.

    The “bond” system ensured that the people that DIDN’T WANT the “issue” didn’t have to PAY for the issue. See why the founders created it that way?

    Anyone who is talking about ANYTHING other than ending the fed for the 2012 Presidential election has no true interest in ending YOUR issue. Ron Paul will end the Fed. Don’t believe it? Just Google him and you’ll see. He wrote the book on it!

    Report Post » HyperTyper  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:30pm

      I find it funny, on other block comments, that are excited that he’s exiting as it”ll “open” a seat for a Democrat in the house. Dr Ron Paul has won that district since 1996. That district has consistently voted him in. Anyone he endorses for that seat will win it. I have a feeling TX 14 will still have a strong conservative representing them in Congress.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 5:13pm

      end the federal reserve now.

      Report Post »  
  • flipdemdabird
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:33pm

    In it to win it Dr. Paul. new poll showing Dr. Paul in 3rd place in Iowa. http://americanresearchgroup.com/pres2012/primary/rep/ia/

    There are many here still siting on the fence about Ron Paul. He is the candidate that will beat Obama. A doctor vs. a lawyer. An idividualist against a collectivist. Dr. Ron Paul has worked tirelessly against the corruption in DC. Imagine him at the helm telling the children in congress NO. He is the change we have been searching for.

    Report Post » flipdemdabird  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:46pm

      THE TRUTH IS HE MOST LIKELY WILL NOT WIN, THOUGH HE MAY COME CLOSE…

      I do agree with him though, if he is going to be serious about running than he should get out and dedicate his time to the campaign. I was completely against Obama and McCain campaigning on our dime when they should have been in the Senate voting on the things at hand… aka our economy. Instead they were on the campaign trail and we were paying their bills.

      In my own personal opinion I don’t think anyone running for President should be in the House, Senate, or Governorship at the time because they can’t do their job 100%. Look at the President he is spending no time in DC doing what he is suppose to be doing, it is all about campaigning. While he should be concentrating on our economy and our country.

      NOTE: Have you seen the report that Obama has grown the federal government by 25%, and he is still asking for more expansion by raising the debt ceiling: http://tiny.cc/4vdfw

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:39pm

      He is certainly a better candidate than either one of the parties will put up in terms of getting the government out of our lives. His commitment to playing it straight and consistent is what separates him from other career politicians. His freedom and liberty platform is light years beyond the conservative christian one offered by the Republicans / Tea People and social engineering, finances be damned one offered by the Democrats. I will vote for him if I think he has a chance to win. If not I will vote Democrat to keep out a conservative christian Republican. Bush Jr./Cheney eliminated any chance of a Republican ever getting my vote.

      Report Post »  
  • slvrserfr
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:25pm

    Who is going to scold the Federal Reserve and reinforce auditing them as well as Ron Paul does? An excellent politician and role model for what every Congress person should act like. It’ll be sad to see him go, but he has done a great service as a civil servant in representing the interests of his constituents.

    Report Post »  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:11pm

    Run for the Senate

    Report Post » blazingaway  
  • ENDtheFED2012
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:08pm

    I don’t understand you Ron Paul Haters!

    You Neo-Cons complain about losing your gun rights!
    You complain about losing your property rights!
    You complain about losing your 1st Amendment rights!
    You complain about TARP!
    You complain about entitlements and that it needs reform!
    You complain about high Taxes!
    You complain about the TSA!
    You complain about illegal immigration and border security!
    You complain about corrupt Gov’t!
    You complain about States Rights being taking away!
    You complain about UnConstitutional acts by the Gov’t!
    You complain about acts done by Progressives! (ie. IRS, Federal Reserve)

    But yet when Dr. Ron Paul,… a strict US Constitutionalist, Honest, American loving, Ultra-American Patriot steps up to run the country and restore the Constitutional Republic……….
    You Neo-Cons belittle, degrade, disrespect, insult, and label him crazy !!!

    You Neo-Cons don’t want a US Constitution loving American Patriot running the country,… You Neo-Cons want a Progressive running the country with an (R) in frint of their name.

    Dr. Ron Paul for POTUS in 2012
    Judge Andrew Napolitano for V-POTUS in 2012
    Alan Keyes for Secretary of State in 2012
    Alan West for Secretary of Defense in 2012
    Peter Schiff for Secretary of Treasury in 2012
    John Stossel for WhiteHouse Press Secretary in 2012
    God Bless the Constitutional Republic.

    Report Post » ENDtheFED2012  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:20pm

      I’m down with all but the potus. We need to be able to defend our nation and in the age of missiles and small nukes we have to be able do it over there not as the missiles (jets) are approaching our cities. Ron is right about alot of things but very wrong on a couple of key points.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • Tubman2010
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:26pm

      Wahoo! You tell them EndTheFed2012! I could not agree more. Ron Paul has PROVEN, over many years, that he is sincere about respecting the Constitution, fiscal responsibility and small government. I particularly despise Progressives but I don‘t see how RINO’s can‘t see they’re the same problem with a different facade. You think he‘s crazy because he doesn’t want our military everywhere. Does anyone think we can afford to keep this up or that it’s right? You think he’s crazy because he wants to leave personal choices to the individual. How is that different than leaving the choice of what to do with your money up to you? You either believe in individual freedom or you don’t. Period. If we don‘t all start respecting each others’ rights we will not have a Republic for long. If you vote instead for a politician that you don’t know or who has a semi-acceptable voting record but “speaks your language” when it comes to values, then you are a fool and we can thank you for the mess we find ourselves in now. Thanks a lot.

      Report Post »  
    • BCBORNCRAZY
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:28pm

      attacks from who? prevent missiles from coming here?? and the ones in charge are doing that? Libya shows no threat to us and neither did Iraq. shut up loser

      Report Post » BCBORNCRAZY  
    • ENDtheFED2012
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Dr. Ron Paul has already stated many, many times that he wants a strong defensive military.
      We do not need to have military bases all around the world. There is over 850 bases world wide.
      We can NOT afford to pay for them anymore.
      We do not need to be in Iraq, Afghan., Pakistan, Yemen, and Libya.
      We have Navel ships and anti-missile missile systems to take care of incoming missiles.
      If we have to, like Dr. Ron paul stated, do one-time surgical strikes to take care of any ‘real’ over-seas terrorists.
      Do you know what the best Military Base in the world is?
      It‘s an Aircraft Carrier with a LHD and it’s escort fleet.

      Dr. Ron Paul is the best candidate for POTUS……all of candidates are undercover-progressives.
      Just look at…
      Cain…supports the Patriot Act, TARP, and worked for the Kansas City FED for 4 years.
      Bachmann…voted for the Patriot Act twice, and supports the TSA, doesn’t even know what the FED does.
      Romney…lead the way for ObamaCare with his RomneyCare, supports the Patriot Act and TSA
      Huntsman…supports free China trade, US debt holding by China, supports the Patriot Act and TSA.
      Perry…used to be a Democrat that ran Al Gores ‘00 campaign, supports the Patriot Act and TSA, mandated deadly vaccines for TX girls, supports the North America Union.

      You should keep-up with the NEWS and not just the news on THE BLAZE.

      Report Post » ENDtheFED2012  
    • GodBlessAmericaandIsrael
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:49pm

      Ya but thats the very reason he said Allen West for secratary of defense… r u new to this?

      Report Post » GodBlessAmericaandIsrael  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:18pm

      @DMERWIN What good is our national defense when we are spread to thin across the globe? Ron Paul will defend America, militarily, if it is threatened. He will not wage wars on countries for the sake of “global good” or whatever holy war you’ve all dreamed up in your heads….

      RON PAUL 2012, I can’t wait to start campaigning!

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 4:19pm

      I stand corrected. I agree fully with closing all foreign bases and using part of the proceeds to enhance the carrier fleet and the Marines. I do not believe that leaving Afghanistan will create any new friends. The one thing that muslim nations understand is respect through strength otherwise there would have been no Saddam or Assads. I also agree that Libya is a colossal side show.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • cous1933
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Endthe fed2012,

      Best post I’ve ever seen on The Blaze! Keep spreading the message.

      Report Post » cous1933  
    • fatman20
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 6:39pm

      Go Ron Paul for POTUS. I like this man a lot but can he get the enough of the popular voting base away from BHO plus enough support and votes overall to be elected. sorry to say but I think not.

      Report Post » fatman20  
    • WD0331
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:10am

      Ron paul 2012!

      Report Post » WD0331  
  • nysparkie
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Good-bye and take the other 534 Washington Politicians with you and one President. Did I say good-bye?

    Report Post » nysparkie  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:57pm

    Ron,

    You are one of the Good Guys.

    Have a fantastic retirement!

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • jeff6610
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:48pm

    After reading “Lies The Government Told You” by Judge Andrew Napolitano I’ve come to believe Ron Paul is the best candidate for president.

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:53pm

      It will be interesting to see his seat go to an Independent.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Jefferson
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:08pm

      OF COURSE he is the “best candidate”.
      Anyone that the Govt./Corporate controlled media is against, is the BEST candidate for the interests of the American people.
      Unfortunately there are still too many stupid people that fall for the shiniest looks, suits, one liners, and soundbites.
      He is the closest thing to a modern day founding father this rotten undeserving country has ever had.
      He is not a politician. He is a STATESMAN.
      I for one am sad that he is retiring, but am glad that he gets to hopefully finish out his days restoring this country to greatness, from the shambles it is in.
      If Ron Paul DOESN’T WIN, then WE ALL LOSE.
      This country is headed for disaster, and he is the only one, who is not paid off, or WILL be paid off. He is the ONLY one with integrity, and a record to prove it in DC. Rand Paul is a close 2nd and Jim DeMint is a very distant 3rd.
      If you are reading this, and you don’t get on board with this campaign to save America from ruin, then you will only have YOURSELF to blame when it actually DOES go up in flames.
      RESTORE AMERICA NOW
      RON PAUL 2012 dot com

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:20pm

      “…truth be told…if you’re looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror.”

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • cous1933
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 5:57pm

      Jefferson,
      A few minutes ago I posted to Endthefed2012 that his was the best post I’ve ever seen on The Blaze. Then I read yours. I am so glad to see people who get it!!!

      BTW – Great user name! My opinion of Ron Paul in this election is that he is providing us an opportunity to vote for Thomas Jefferson. How could anyone possibly pass on that?

      Report Post » cous1933  
  • BlazingInSC
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:41pm

    What he should do is write a book titled “I told you so…” and compile every prediction he’s made – and show where he has been a) consistent in his ideology, and b) absolutely right every time. RP is a gentleman, scholar, and statesman. TX 14 will lose a great representative – which could hopefully translate into a great representative in the highest office in the land. He has my support again!

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:45pm

      I agree. While I do NOT agree with some of Ron Paul’s ideas, no one can doubt that he has stood by them and hasn’t been afraid to call out others. He’s the closest thing to a true libertarian one can find. The fiscal conservative in me applauds his service.

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:34pm

    I don’t care how great the man is, 12 terms in Congress is about 9 or 10 too many.

    Report Post »  
    • freedoc
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:45pm

      Ya. Agreed.

      Report Post »  
    • Tubman2010
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Normally I would agree, especially here in CA! But not in Ron Paul’s case; not with his voting record. I would pay to bring him to CA to serve.

      Report Post »  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:31pm

    This is for all the trolls who are going to post about this honerable man. Go suck a roach turd. And good day to you. MR :)

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:56pm

      Bless you for standing tall and being feisty in spite of your paranoia. May the good Lord Jesus Christ protect you from your fears and daily worries, large and small.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:26pm

    He is a good man I hope he wins

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:10pm

    I am not going to vote for Ron Paul, but I do respect him, and he is clearly sincere and consistent in his philosophy. Plus, he has a very likeable face.

    Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Heitah
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:14pm

      Proof one politician has a solid belief system that is represented by true action.

      Report Post » Heitah  
    • old white guy
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:32pm

      he should not retire from congress. he will not win, cannot win and his voice is needed in congress regardless of his age.

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 3:23pm

      Who are you going to vote for? Romney? Palin? Bachman? Gingrich? None of them even come close to comparison. None of them will fix anything, in fact, they’ll make things worse and will only lead to a Democrat victory in 2016. It will continue the back and forth games of D vs R, Liberal vs Conservative, Dumb vs Dumber……

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:07pm

    .
    Please stay…….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:02pm

    I hope they can find another Constitutional conservative to replace him.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • goengo
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:23pm

      @ANONYMOUS
      I hope so too, but constitutionalists are a rare breed these days

      Report Post »  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:01pm

    Many of these doctors make most of their money from the government. They are leeches. Repeal medicare and all other government funded healthcare, repeal all government funded medical research. Doctors line their pockets with our money while they prescribe bogus drugs and they get lavish gifts from their pharmaceutical salesmen. The vast majority of them are dishonest swindlers.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • freedoc
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:53pm

      I will have to take offense. The vast majority are NOT swindlers, on the contrary, they are getting swindled by the government, who pays them near slave wages to take care of Medicare recipients. I have never recieved more than an occasional lunch or a pen( and not even that now) from any pharm. company. So, that is absolute balderdash.

      On the other hand, I agree with you, all government healthcare research should be expunged, and Medicare as well.

      I have no desire for socialist healthcare, or to be paid by the taxpayer. Give me the free market. Cash on the barrel head for my services. I am CERTAIN I would make a helluva lot more money.

      NOW, could I opt out? Sure, and leave 50% of my patients in the dust, or more……because the entire entitlement system has made THEM dependent. They pay or have income taxes, Medicare Taxes, and become reliant on Social Security—thus, they don’t have the money to pay me.

      And that’s fine too. Let the market dictate the price. If its less, so be it.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBMT
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 1:38am

      This is the same doctor who worked in Church hospitals for $3 a day… He is the real deal, not some hyped up fantasy of what every single doctor is from the propaganda machine.

      Report Post »  
  • americangriffin
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:00pm

    Sad day! The best congressman we’ve had in the last 100 years.

    Report Post » americangriffin  
  • JohnBirch
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 12:58pm

    Good, take all bats in the belfry with you.

    Report Post » JohnBirch  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:06pm

      Right, because the Fed, IRS, and constant warmongering has worked out so well for us all.

      Speaking of bats, where’s your next belfry?

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • B_rad
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:19pm

      A ‘Bircher’ against Ron Paul? That is just plain strange.

      Report Post » B_rad  
  • G man
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 12:57pm

    Stir it up Ron.

    Report Post » G man  
    • NJTMATO
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:03pm

      Stir it, shake it, rattle and roll it Ron!!!!!!!! We need you at LEAST for that alone! I’d actually like to see you as SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY!!!!

      Report Post » NJTMATO  
    • B_rad
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:21pm

      Dr. Paul knows how to stir up the hornets’ nest better than most. Go get ‘em, Ron. And if he can’t be president, Secretary of Treasury would be AWESOME!!

      Report Post » B_rad  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 12:56pm

    We wish you well Mr. Paul!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 12:54pm

    OK…… is he endorsing anyone?

    Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:05pm

      The constitution.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 1:27pm

      “Oversight?! The government‘s long been in bed with those Wall Street Execs and the firms that they’ve lead.

      “Capitalism’s about profit and loss; You bail out the losers there’s no end to the cost.

      “The lesson I‘ve learned it’s how little we know; The world is complex, not some “circular flow”.

      “The economy’s not a class you can master in college; To think otherwise is the pretense of knowledge.”

      Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek Round Two
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQnarzmTOc

      Report Post »  
    • flipdemdabird
      Posted on July 12, 2011 at 2:37pm

      He is retiring from congress, after his presidency he will retire officially.

      Report Post » flipdemdabird  
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