Ron Paul’s legacy looms over son’s White House ambitions

Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) laid important groundwork for his sons 2016 presidential aspirations in 2008 and 2012 building a network of online donors, a devoted band of libertarian activists and a well-recognized political brand.

But as Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) begins planning his own potential White House campaign, GOP strategists warn hell need to avoid following too closely in his dads footsteps if he hopes to find more success.

Rand Pauls 2010 Senate race benefited from the involvement of his father, who campaigned for him in Kentucky and allowed his son to tap into his vast donor network.

A former Ron Paul aide, who continues to work with the family, said its likely Ron would do whatever is needed to help Rand in 2016 but that he wouldnt want to eclipse his son.

Knowing Ron ... hes going to want Rand to be judged by who he is and to stand for himself, the aide said.

While Ron Paul has ceded the spotlight to his son since retiring from the House in January, he continues to engage on policy. Last week, while promoting a new book he authored on education reform, Ron told Jay Leno he hadnt discussed the potential of a White House campaign with Rand.

But he offered this father-to-son advice: I would say be very cautious; you could get elected.

Ron Paul failed twice on that score, in part because his libertarian views on social issues were either too wonky or too liberal to win the GOP nomination in 2008 and 2012.

The Texas congressmans monetary policy views which centered on abolishing the Federal Reserve were also too far outside the partys mainstream.

A.J. Spiker, the chairman of the Iowa Republican Party who formerly served as Ron Pauls Iowa vice chairman, told The Hill that there is a concern that some of the elder Pauls positions could drag Rand down.

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Ron Paul’s legacy looms over son’s White House ambitions