Rand Paul Spends Birthday Campaigning For Ron Paul Ahead Of New Hampshire Primary 2012

WINDHAM, N.H. -- Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) spent his 49th birthday on the campaign trail on Saturday, stumping for his dad.

At his second town hall meeting of the day, at Windham High School, an attendee wished the senator a happy birthday and the audience broke out into an impromptu singing of "Happy Birthday." Paul said that all he wanted as a gift was for voters to choose his dad, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) on Tuesday.

The attendees at Paul's town hall meetings are often more committed, enthusiastic and devoted than attendees at town halls for other candidates. Many people brought handmade signs, wore Ron Paul clothing and even had Ron Paul balloons.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the crowd began shouting, "Liberty! Liberty!"

Paul again criticized former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum on the issue of spending and foreign aid, continuing the attacks of his father's campaign in recent days.

He also defended his father's foreign policy -- one of the main issues of Paul's platform that troubles some Republicans.

"I think some people fear a rise in the part of the Republican Party that believes in a more traditional, constitutional foreign policy with checks and balances and the idea that Congress should declare war," he said. "What's interesting is that some of these ideas have been around a long time. ... Pat Buchanan had some of the same ideas, I would say Robert Taft had some of the same ideas and Barry Goldwater had some of the same ideas."

When asked why some conservative talk show hosts have been so critical of Ron Paul, the senator replied, "As far as the conservative talk show hosts -- I think some of them don't want there to be any division in whatever they think the party line is."

Paul also reiterated that he is committed to supporting the Republican nominee for president, even if his father loses. Several audience members booed him.