Ron Paul endorses Jerry Patterson for Texas lieutenant governor

Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul chatted with supporters at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in 2012. (Tom Fox/Staff photographer)

Former Texas congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul endorsed Land Commissioner Jerry Pattersons bid for lieutenant governor Wednesday.

I know Jerry will fight for limited government and more personal liberties, he said.

The Federal Reserve-bashing, libertarian-leaning Paul has had a long friendship with Patterson and especially close ties to his campaign manager, Chris Elam. Still, because Paul rarely endorses, his move caught some by surprise.

Incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, state Sen. Dan Patrick and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples also are seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor on March 4.

As a three-term land commissioner, Patterson has served Texas well, Paul said in a statement.

In a swipe at President Barack Obama, Paul said, This current administration has even gone so far as to sue states they disagree with. We need people in state governments that are willing to stand up to the federal government and say, Enough is Enough.

Patterson said hed known Paul for three decades.

We are both well-known for never compromising core values and for sticking to our principles in the pursuit of liberty, Patterson said.

Patterson and Elam, his campaign manager, have strong Paulista connections.

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Ron Paul endorses Jerry Patterson for Texas lieutenant governor