He’s running as a Republican because he’s been elected to the US Congress as a Republican for 10 terms. He’s a Republican.
You're right, he's a Republican Congressman. And he's running in the Republican primaries. Those are his choices.
However he's in disagreement with the Republican Party on most major issues. You can find the 2004 Platform here.
Paul is out of step on all positions regarding the WOT, Iraq and foreign affairs. The first issue addressed in the Platform.
Paul is out of step on Homeland Security.
Paul is out of step on economic issues. The platform calls for lower taxes, permanent tax cuts, and tax based incentives for things like savings. Paul would oppose all of these, favoring an elimination of the income tax with no replacement, essentially shutting the government down.
He's out of step on trade, an advocate of tariffs.
On no child left behind.
I don't know if he's a proponent of unions.
He's out of step with the Party's position on medicare and medicaid, investing in health and technological research, and womens health.
Not clear where he is when it comes to water standards or national parks, but these are the bottom of the platform issues, certainlay opposed to agriculture and urban development iniatives.
Won't bother with drugs.
My impression he's opposed to GWB's temporary worker program, as well as opposed to the Party on issues like internet pornography, promoting abstinance, adoption. Also minor issue.
All in all, Paul supports very few Republican positions, as his voting record bears out. Thats fine, and I acknowledge he's been elected as a Republican, but for his supporters to somehow attempt to redefine the Republican Party in the image on non-Republican on the issues Paul is the height of arrogance.
He's the poster boy RINO.
Thanks!