"Thousands join in Michigan Pride rally" -- Lansing State Journal

[LizF]

Although this is largely coverage of a gay pride rally, I thought it was noteworthy the mention of a Ron Paul table:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Organizers said there were 107 booths set up around the park, up from 23 from last year. There was a Planned Parenthood booth, an HIV testing booth, among others, including one for Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul.

"He's said in the past that the government has no business telling people how to live their own lives," said Jim Hoppe of Lansing, whose wife, Laurie, organized the Internet meet-up group that supports Paul."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link:
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/NEWS01/707010657/1001/news

[beermotor]

that rules... he even has a distinguished last name.

[CJLauderdale4]

Even better, he just also pointed out that a married couple who started the Ron Paul meetup (who obviously isn't gay since they're man and woman) are the ones who organized the booth setup for Ron Paul.

This is awesome!!

[Laurie]

We had a wonderful day at the Pride Festival. This Festival brings in people from all over the state and usually has an attendance of about 10,000 people.

We used the opportunity to stress Dr. Paul's message of Personal Rights and Liberties and a return to Government following the rules as set forward in the Constitution.

We had a full range of viewpoints come through the booth from those that were excited to see anything about Ron Paul, to those that said they were were against Dr. Paul. Most of those that were against Ron Paul left with at least a brochure and push card so hopefully they will take the time to learn more and maybe change their minds.

The biggest hit of the day was the free balloons we were handing out to all the children. We had hundreds of balloons bobbing around the grounds that said - Ron Paul 2008 - Hope for America. A few people even said they sought out our booth because they saw the balloons.

Laurie Hoppe
The Capital Area Ron Paul Meetup Group

[LizF]

Welcome to the forum Laurie!

Thank you for posting about the creative campaigning you and your husband did on behalf of Ron Paul. It's great to hear a first-hand account.

Good for you for choosing an "unexpected" venue (by GOP standards) to get out RP's message, and for the clever use of the balloons.

Cheers! :)