Ron Paul not leaving GOP to run for president with Jesse Ventura

A spokesman for Rep. Ron Paul of Texas told Minnesota Public Radio News that Paul is "weighing" his 2012 options. But if if he runs for president "it will be as a Republican," said Jesse Benton, director of Paul's Liberty political action committee.

Along with promoting his new book, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has mentioned the possibility of running as a vice presidential candidate with Paul at the top of an "Independent" ticket.

Ventura talked about running for Minnesota Senate in 2008 when he was also selling a book.

Ventura won election as Minnesota governor in 1998. He served one term and did not seek reelection.

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