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Ron Paul Is Not Alone

Libertarians are on the rise, aiming to get government out of private life

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2007 11:54 AM CST
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(Newser) – Maverick Texas congressman Ron Paul is riding a surge of Americans on both sides of the political spectrum now calling themselves libertarians. They tend to be fiscally conservative but socially liberal voters turned off by government intrusions, from warrantless wiretapping to broadcast censorship. And their numbers are up to 9% of Americans, reports the Washington Post.

Creative types like Drew Carey, Bill Maher, and South Park creator Matt Stone support libertarian policies, as do conservative pundits Jonah Goldberg and Tucker Carlson. With 5% support in polls of Republicans, Paul is gaining followers as fast as funds, and looks in good shape to meet his $12 million end-of-year goal.

Drew Carey, the new host of the game show The Price is Right, is seen during taping of the game show at CBS's Bob Barker Studio in Los Angeles Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. Carey is one of many public figures touting Libertarian views.
Drew Carey, the new host of the game show "The Price is Right," is seen during taping of the game show at CBS's Bob Barker Studio in Los Angeles Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. Carey is one of many public figures...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, signs an autograph for Scott Gilbert, of Des Moines, Iowa, during the Iowa Straw Poll, in Ames, Iowa last August. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Republican presidential hopeful, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, signs an autograph for Scott Gilbert, of Des Moines, Iowa, during the Iowa Straw Poll, in Ames, Iowa last August. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall,...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, speaks during the Iowa Republican Party's annual Ronald Reagan Dinner in October file photo in Des Moines, Iowa. Those who dismissed Rep. Ron Paul as a joke in the Republican presidential primary aren't laughing so hard these days. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Republican presidential hopeful, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, speaks during the Iowa Republican Party's annual Ronald Reagan Dinner in October file photo in Des Moines, Iowa. Those who dismissed Rep. Ron...   (Associated Press)
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Ron Paul • Drew Carey • Markos Moulitsas • fiscal conservatives • Republican candidate • libertarians • social liberals • Election 2008 • Bill Maher Grid

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