Traveling from Caldwell, Idaho, the Watson family found themselves sitting next to Rick Anderson and his girlfriend, Alex Tomassetti, who traveled from Utah, as they waited Thursday for Ron Paul to arrive at the Elko Indian Colony Gym. They bonded not over the distance they drove, but over their mutual support of Paul and respect for the Republican congressman and presidential candidate.

“He’s unchangeable. He’s voted the same in the House for 24 years,” said Ken Watson of Caldwell.

Watson first saw Paul speak in 1988,when Paul traveled to Boise as part of his presidential campaign. That year Paul ran for the Libertarian Party, and while he didn’t win the election, Watson said he has continued to follow Paul’s career.

Proclaiming herself as a “fairly new supporter” of Paul, Tomassetti was introduced to the candidate by her boyfriend. She said she came to the rally with the intention of learning more about the man, and with the hope of speaking with Paul.

For Anderson, Paul’s knowledge of the law and Constitution set him apart where other candidates fall behind.