Profile | Republican Ron Paul

PORTLAND — Ron Paul stands 6 feet slightly hunched, with graying hair and brows over crinkly eyes that turn into slits when he laughs. His suit hangs loose over a slender frame. A one-time high-school track star in his native Pennsylvania — he once ran the 100-yard dash in 9.7 seconds — Paul now sports a bad knee.

His demeanor could be described as the opposite of commanding. Avuncular comes to mind. Kindly. Almost ministerial, which fits with the family story that Paul once considered becoming a Lutheran minister like two of his brothers.

His résumé in brief: Air Force veteran, gynecologist and obstetrician who has delivered 4,000 babies, married with five children and 17 grandchildren, 1988 Libertarian candidate for president and 10-term Texas congressman from the Gulf Coast. He calls himself a champion of the Constitution. His nickname, "Dr. No," comes from his consistent opposition to big (or even midsized) government, taxes and war.

Paul says he'd prefer to spell his nickname "Dr. Know."

"I'd like to think I study the issues," he says.