Dr Ron Paul is a Texas Republican congressman who grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an advocate of liberty in politics, but deeply opposed to abortion.
He is known for criticising American foreign and monetary policies over his 10 terms in the House of Representatives, including those of his own party. He is the author of several books, including 2011 best-seller 'Liberty Defined: 50 Issues that Affect our Freedom'.
Paul was a flight surgeon in the US air force in the 1960s, and worked as an obstetrician and gynaecologist during the 1970s before entering politics in 1976.
He plans to repeal Obama's universal health care reforms if he is elected President.
Paul, who is 76, returned to politics after a hiatus in 1997, and now serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Paul's campaign centres on his 'Plan to Restore America' , which includes detailed figures on spending cuts over a five-year period.
Paul opposes any changes to gun ownership and use laws in the US.
He has five children, and advocates home schooling. He is a Baptist.
Fellow candidate Michele Bachmann's campaign manager defected to Paul's team late in 2011.
