Ron Paul, candidate for president in 2012 and one of the very few politicians I have ever legitimately liked, made a campaign stop in St. Cloud, Minnesota today. Thanks to a generous invitation from a friend of mine, I was able to join a small group of supporters and actually meet Dr. Paul.

I have been following his career in Congress for a long time, and I know he is the only national politician paying any attention to the Austrian school of economics.

If I asked any other politician “Mises, Hayek, or Rothbard?” I am sure I would be greeted with a blank stare. Ron Paul on the other hand would likely have something interesting to say. So I have always wanted to ask him, just to see how he would handle it.

Today I got that chance.

Paul’s response: “Mises.” (Yes! I’ve always been a Mises man myself.)

But he went on:

“Mises, but Rothbard was the one I knew the best. I also had lunch with Hayek once. Of course, in terms of approach to communication and connecting with the common person, I have always liked Leonard Read.”

Well, I’d say he’s wrapped up my vote.