Rep. Paul bemoans government role on Gustav

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) complained Sunday about the notion that the government "must bail everybody out" and said Hurricane Gustav will not change his plans to hold rallies in Minneapolis this week.

Paul and his supporters will be gathering this week for a three-day rally in the backyard of the GOP convention at the Minneapolis Target Center, home of the pro-basketball team Minnesota Timberwolves. Hurricane Gustav "won't change our plans any," the critic of the Iraq war told Fox News.

{mosads}The lawmaker said he is closely monitoring Gustav, but said any changes to his rally will not affect the hurricane or hurricane-relief efforts. Paul's Texas district is expected to be affected by the hurricane.

Paul said a year ago he owned a house near the coast but "always felt it was my responsibility" to evacuate and "rebuild my home." He added that he doesn't agree with the notion that "government must take care of everybody all the time." Paul, however, hailed volunteer efforts to respond to the hurricane.

Paul's rally in Minneapolis is to push for a change in the U.S. policy in Iraq and to advocate for smaller government.

After failing to win the GOP presidential primary, Paul said he would not endorse Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).