Paul finds fans in Nevada

Posted 11 21 2007 5:44PM

RENO, Nev. - For Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul, campaigning in Nevada is like preaching to the choir.

"I personally get energized by coming to a state like this that loves the message of freedom and limited government and the Constitution," the Texas congressman told reporters Tuesday, amid a two-day campaign trip to the state.

Paul held large rallies Monday in southern Nevada, where 1,000 people attended an afternoon event at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, his campaign said. Later in the day, he drew about 600 people to an event in Pahrump, about 60 miles outside Las Vegas.

No Republican in the field has drawn larger crowds in the state, which is poised to play a key role in choosing the nominee. Nevada will hold the third GOP caucus in the nation on Jan. 19.

Among Paul's backers Tuesday was brothel owner Denis Hof, owner of the Moonlight Bunny Ranch. Hof, the star of an HBO reality series, appeared at a news conference with the candidate.

"Makes a lot of sense, doesn't he?" Hof said, accompanied by two prostitutes.

Paul, a physician, adheres to a strict interpretation of the Constitution. He advocates a return to the gold standard; abolishing the income tax, CIA and Federal Reserve; and replacing government programs with "individual liberty and responsibility."

Paul's frank talk about trimming government services is an easy fit in a state with a strong libertarian streak. His push to pull troops out of Iraq, unique among the GOP field, has won him attention.