Ron Paul Not Invited To Republican Jewish Coalition Presidential Candidates Forum

Ron Paul Not Invited To Event For His 'Misguided And Extreme Views'

The Republican Jewish Coalition declined to invite Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) to its presidential candidates forum next Wednesday in Washington, citing his "misguided and extreme views."

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said Paul was not invited because the organization rejects his views. "He's just so far outside of the mainstream of the Republican party and this organization," he told Washington Jewish Week, adding that inviting him would be like inviting President Barack Obama.

RJC's phone lines were reportedly swamped with complaints over the decision.

At a recent debate, Paul suggested that Israel could take care of itself in the event that it attacked Iran, claiming its undeclared nuclear arsenal made it self-sufficient. "Why does Israel need our help? We need to get out of their way," he said when asked whether he would support an Israeli attack against Iran. If it did happen, "that's their business, but they should suffer the consequences," he added.

Paul supported an amendment that would have ended all U.S. aid to Israel, along with Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan. The U.S. sends about $3 billion per year to Israel in military aid alone.

Paul criticized U.S. military aid to Israel in an Oct. 18 debate. "That foreign aid makes Israel dependent on us," he said. "It softens them for their own economy. And they should have their sovereignty back, they should be able to deal with their neighbors at their own will."

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah Gov. Jon Hunstman, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have all confirmed that they will attend the event, according to the RJC.

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