Ron Paul's Strengths May Provide GOP Roadmap to Success

Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, campaigns in Freeport, Maine, in January 2012.

One of the top messages Republicans are taking away from the 2012 election is that unless they can find a way to connect with younger and more diverse voters, their political party is destined to continue racking up electoral losses. As party leaders search for solutions, they may want to look at a shining example within their own party Ron Paul.

The Texas congressman, who has run for president three times, has developed a cult-like following from supporters who tend to be younger or otherwise non-traditional conservatives.

[Related: Ron Paul Rips Government in Last House Speech]

But what's the 77-year-old's secret sauce?

Anti-war

Paul is a member of the Republican Party, but he's fervently libertarian, even when it hinders his national electoral chances. For example, he believes the United States should pull back from the world stage when it comes to its foreign policy and military presence. That's contra to the GOP's recent affair with neo-conservatism, practiced under George W. Bush and the tough anti-Iran talk exhibited in this year's primary. In his 2008 presidential bid, Paul was the only candidate to oppose the Iraq War. But the anti-war sentiment is popular with younger voters who have grown up in the shadow of two foreign wars, one lasting for more than a decade.

End the Fed

Paul's push to end the Federal Reserve and its role in U.S. monetary policy is a cornerstone of his presidential candidacy and political career. He believes by moving away from the gold standard, the country is bound to suffer from the perils of inflation. This is wildly popular with a certain group of voters, particularly Tea Party faithful, who believe the Fed wields too much power from too shadowy a position. Not to mention the fact that many believe the government shouldn't have such a big role in the economy in the first place.

[ENJOY: U.S. News' Political Cartoons About the Economy]

The rest is here:
Ron Paul's Strengths May Provide GOP Roadmap to Success