As his popularity is showing signs of life, especially in New Hampshire, Ron Paul's position on earmarks is starting to become an issue. The Texas Republican has long railed against the use of special projects, which he claims is a way many politicians pay back special interest groups for their election support, is now on the defense about projects he has earmarked fund to support.
In Iowa, two polls conducted by American Research Group and posted at USAElectionPolls.com, Paul was barely a blip on the radar at four percent during a poll conducted December 16 to 19. However, in the poll conducted December 20 to 23, his position climbed to 10 percent. While still in fifth place among the Republican candidates running for president, his surge appears to be taking some of the steam out of Mitt Romney's campaign run, possibly opening the door for John McCain.
Some of the other candidates are making beginning to see Paul's anti-war stance and his push to minimize federal government influence on many issues, his recent requests for federal money as issue. Paul points out hi requests for funds were for a state water project, expansion of a nursing program, expansion of a cancer treatment center and to promote Texas shrimp.
He said he simply wants to get federal funds back to his home state as a way for Texans to get something in return for their tax investments. He has openly criticized many of the earmark requests made over the years by many lawmakers, and claims the difference is the money benefits the people of Texas and not a limited number of supporters.
