Ron Paul: I don't fully endorse Romney for president
(CBS News) Republican Rep. Ron Paul, the libertarian leader who competed against Mitt Romney in the GOP primary, isn't speaking at the Republican National Convention because he isn't willing to give Romney his full endorsement, Paul told the New York Times.
In an interview with the Times, Paul said that he was offered an opportunity to speak at the convention this week on two conditions: that he let the Romney campaign vet his speech, and that he give Romney his full support. He declined the offer.
"It wouldn't be my speech," Paul said. "That would undo everything I've done in the last 30 years. I don't fully endorse him for president."
As Romney prepares to officially accept the Republican presidential nomination at the convention in Tampa this week, his campaign has been making amends with the Paul campaign and its ardent supporters. For instance, the Romney campaign this week will show a short tribute film about the libertarian-leaning congressman. And while Paul will not address the convention, his son, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, will deliver a speech.
Ron Paul himself will address his supporters at a rally at the University of South Florida on Sunday afternoon.
