Ron Paul to speak at Iowa presidential series

GOP Rep. Ron Paul has accepted the invitation of an influential social conservative group in Iowa to headline its presidential lecture series next month.

The Family Leader, a group with influence in Iowa's presidential caucuses, announced over the weekend that the Texas congressman has accepted its invitation.

Paul, a Texas congressman, will deliver a "pro-family lecture" on March 7. He has said he has not yet made up his mind on whether to run for president next year.

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty kicked off the group's lecture series today and is expected to make a decision about a White House campaign sometime in March.

Paul drew an intense following on the Internet with his 2008 GOP presidential campaign bid, using the Web to set fundraising records. He also once ran for the White House as a libertarian.

The Family Leader's lecture series, which goes through August, gives Iowans a chance "to become better informed on the pro-family vision of each lecturer," according to a news release announcing Paul's participation. The lectures will be videotaped, sent out to the group's mailing list and posted on its website.

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks on April 11 and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum is on tap for May 2. Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, and Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, have also confirmed they will participate.

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY


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