GORHAM, Maine, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul spent Saturday campaigning in Maine while his rivals did their politicking in Florida.
The 76-year-old Texas congressman drew an enthusiastic reaction from the young crowd at a rally at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, the school newspaper The Free Press reported.
Paul hit his common campaign themes for limited federal government, including his low regard for the current U.S. financial system.
"One of the worst parts of the monetary system is it allows government to grow," he said. "If government grows, your liberties go down. There is no doubt about that."
The crowd applauded loudly when he spoke against the war on drugs.
"The war on drugs is a war on American citizens," he said. "I think we should reassess that whole thing."
Alexandra Mediate, 20, of South Portland said the libertarian-leaning Republican fills the political bill for her.
"I love Ron Paul; he's my favorite candidate," she said. "He gives me faith in politics, a little."
Paul picked up the endorsement of L.L. Bean heiress Linda Bean, who twice ran for Congress in Maine, CNN reported.
"I've been for Ron Paul for years," Bean said in Freeport. "He doesn't waver from the Constitution and I like that very much.
"He's very electable; he crosses all ideological lines because of his strong message. He's for the gold standard. I think people want stability in this country. He's for helping America domestically, and staying out of aggressive wars. We're just spending ourselves down the drain in these countries year after year with occupation."
Maine holds its caucuses over several days, generally starting Feb. 4, and is to announce the results of its presidential preference vote Feb. 11.
