Texas U.S. Rep. and ex-presidential candidate Ron Paul has endorsed Michigan state Rep. Justin Amash in the Republican race for western Michigan's 3rd U.S. House district.



U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, is retiring and has endorsed lawyer Steve Heacock as his successor.



Amash is from Kent County's Cascade Township, near Grand Rapids.



The libertarian-leaning Paul said in a statement Monday that Amash is "one of the most principled young leaders" he's seen in a generation. He says Amash stands for lower taxes and more freedom.



Other Republican primary candidates include state Sen. Bill Hardiman of Kentwood and Harvard University graduate student and Air Force veteran Bob Overbeek of Wyoming, Mich.