Ron Paul: College students understand my message

Catalina Camia, USA TODAY | USATODAY

Texas Rep. Ron Paul might be leaving Congress in January, but legions of young people who flock to his message about small government will still be hearing from their hero.

The former Republican presidential candidate told Bloomberg Television on Thursday that he plans to continue visiting college campuses to preach his gospel of fiscal responsibility.

"Government reflects the people. That is why I am excited to go to college campuses and I will continue to do that," Paul said in his interview. "That's where I will get a lot of support and they are saying, 'I agree with you, we do not need more government, we want more freedom and we want to be able to keep our own money.' "

Paul took his message to campuses such as the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin -- both located in liberal hotbeds -- during this year's campaign. He drew thousands of people to the Berkeley and Austin events.

As for why he's leaving the U.S. House, Paul said, "I think people had enough of me. I do not have much confidence in the political system and never did."