Via Washington and Lee University's website:

Former 12-term U.S. Congressman and three-time presidential candidate Ron Paul will deliver the first speech of his 2013 College Tour on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. in Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required and seating in Lee Chapel is limited. Free tickets will be available the Elrod Commons Living Room on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14, and 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are on a first come, first served basis. In addition, approximately 150 tickets will be reserved for distribution to the first people in line at Lee Chapel immediately prior to the opening of the Chapel at 6 p.m. These tickets are all free. In both instances, there is a limit of one ticket per person.

The talk is sponsored by Contact Committee, the Washington and Lee politics department and the Washington and Lee College Republicans.

Paul, who retired this year after serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 14th congressional district from 1997 to 2013, enjoys a national reputation as a premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Paul is the leading spokesman for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency.

He is known among both his former colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives. Paul never voted for legislation unless the proposed measure was expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Paul was the “one exception to the Gang of 535” on Capitol Hill.

At the podium, Paul delivers a candid look at America’s dysfunctional political system. Using anecdotes from his years in Congress, he highlights the need for a limited government and more personal liberties. He captures audiences’ attention by relating the occurrence of current national issues such as debt, privacy and freedom to the government’s neglect to follow the constitution. Despite the less than ideal condition of the country, Paul is an optimist. His unwavering passion leaves audiences motivated to speak out, wake up and let politicians know what they want.

The Contact Committee will have a table in Elrod Commons on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with information about the event, free Contact Committee gear and for a chance to win free VIP seating.

Media contact:

Mark Sowkinsi

Contact Committee

[email protected]