PORTSMOUTH — Holding their smartphones up in the air, audience members tried to capture videos and pictures of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul as he offered his opinions on what the United States under his leadership would look like.

PORTSMOUTH — Holding their smartphones up in the air, audience members tried to capture videos and pictures of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul as he offered his opinions on what the United States under his leadership would look like.



The town hall type meeting held at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel on Wednesday night brought in a full house of those interested in hearing the congressman's views. Having started out talking about his position to cut $1 trillion within the first year in office, Paul said he wants to see spending cut in many departments.



To help the economy and help taxpayers, Paul said government spending must be cut. Special interest groups are getting the money that could be used elsewhere. Taking money from the average- and lower-income Americans doesn't work, especially if it's being used to put money overseas, he said.



"That's the basic principal. It's your money, it's your life," he said to the crowd.



Sitting down with state Sen. Andy Sanborn, R-Henniker, Paul exchanged conversation with the crowd.



One member of the crowd asked Paul how he planned to help people who wanted to opt out of government health care. If elected, he said he would enact a general opt-out provision for the current health care law. He also said he would encourage private practices to offer more options to Americans.



"Take care of the American people first," he said.



Dover resident Ashley Ferrara said she came out to show her support of Paul. She was impressed with his ability to quickly respond to questions and stick to his positions.



"This didn't waiver my position," she said.



Paul also discussed his position to do away with the Federal Reserve, which he said creates money at its will and interferes with the free market. He said the Federal Reserve had devalued the American dollar and thus, needs to ends its position as America's central bank.



Dan Easler, who also attended the event, said he has been a longtime supporter of the candidate.



Paul's views on the economy and his promise to look at federal spending has kept Easler interested.



"The other candidates might as well be stumbling around in the dark," he said. "(Paul) is well educated and knows about economics."







