bquester@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - Ron Paul (R-Texas) told a modest audience Sunday that he is running on a platform of what he doesn't want to do if he were elected president.

Some of the most resounding of those issues were that he doesn't want to stay in Iraq and he definitely doesn't want to raise taxes. He also doesn't want an Internal Revenue Service or large government organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

But according to his pep-rally speech held at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza, he does want to downsize the government to represent what he said the Founding Fathers intended when they drafted the United States Constitution.

Paul visited Cheyenne on Sunday afternoon in his effort to raise campaign money and speak to local community members regarding his presidential platform.

Paul said he chose Cheyenne because there are a lot of financial supporters in the area and because Wyoming's intention to hold an early primary.

With a growing number of supporters from the Internet, Paul said that he believes he has a chance at becoming the country's next president.

Paul added that he is sick and tired of what is happening in the United States and that the people need change.

One such change, he said, is dealing with issues outside the United States.

"We have to change our foreign policy," Paul said. "It's way out of proportion for what we need to do."

Paul said he supports an immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

"The lessons of Vietnam are worth looking at," he said. "That's why we need to quit (in Iraq). Everything we do has an unintended consequence."

Paul added that the situation abroad would get much better if America pulled out of the war.

Although Paul said that he supports American troops, he did say that people who agree with the current war should be open- minded and look at the other side.

Carol Wagner of Fort Collins, Colo., said that she came to hear Paul speak because she believes in what he has to say.

"He's (Paul) the only one that sticks to the Constitution and I think he's the last hope for our country," Wagner said.

"People want change. People are tired of what's going on."

Although Wagner recognized that there are other presidential candidates ahead of Paul, she did say that she thinks he has a chance.

"It may be an upward battle, but I think we can do it," she said.

Joe Marty of Colorado Springs, Colo., agreed with what Wagner had to say and feels that the Constitution is important.

"He's the only one you hear talking about the Constitution. He's consistent," Marty said.

Following the rally at the Depot Plaza, Paul held a fundraiser dinner at the Plains Hotel.