Paul is just a con man. A demagogue who pushes the emotional hot buttons of the fringes.
You would rather the bureaucracy decided where our money is spent, right Johnnie?
Earmarks, as distasteful as they may be when it's pork that's being dispensed to a Congressman's chums, are at least (now) a matter of public record. Congressional Record, as well as the votes in committee, are available for all to see.
Ron Paul is the only member of Congress who consistently votes "NO" on bills which conflict with limits set by the United States Consitution as to the federal governement's powers and responsibilities. While other Republicans like to call themselves fiscal conservatives as they continue to vote increased funding for pet projects such as Alaska's notorious "bridge to nowhere," Rep. Paul has demonstrated a tenacious adherence to the Constitution he swore an oath to uphold and defend.
Eliminate a few federal departments and reduce the federal budget by, say, 70 percent, and earmarks take on a new insignificance.