TRENTON — Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, who is running for the Republican nomination for president, picked up the endorsement of New Jersey state Sen. Michael Doherty.



Paul, who aligns with the Libertarian streak of the Republican Party, railed on expanding government and what he sees as an abandonment of the U.S. Constitution.



"Freedom is a new idea, although we've had a good test of it," Paul said. "But in the last 100 years we have let liberty down."



Doherty, who has been rumored as a potential U.S. Senate candidate in 2012, railed on the size of the federal government in endorsing Paul.



"We're going to get our country back," Doherty said. As Paul took the stage, Doherty led an "end the fed" chant.

Up until this point, New Jersey Republicans have been publically quiet about who they're backing in the GOP primary. Christie has said he's withholding an endorsement, which could carry significant weight nationwide for whoever he chooses, to see how the campaign plays out.



Today, Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno signed a bill that pushes the state's presidential primary back to June. That gives Christie and fellow Republicans more time to make their decision.



It also likely removes New Jersey from the most heated parts of primary season, since traditionally nominees are selected long before June.

Previous coverage

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• N.J. Sen. Doherty to endorse U.S. Rep. Ron Paul for president

