Mary Potter
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 2:44 pm

Senator Rand Paul is going to have to find a new roommate come 2012. His father, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, announced today he will retire from Congress when his term ends.

The senior Paul, back in the GOP presidential primary race, gave his reason for retiring as wanting to concentrate on one race - president.

That could spell unhappy news for the rest of the crowded GOP field.

Paul demonstrated in 2008 an ability to raise quick and hearty sums of cash on the internet in what has become known as "money bombs". While he didn't raise anywhere near what rivals Romney and eventual standard bearer McCain raised, his ground game and organization were noticed in Washington.

Paul is also credited with being the father of the tea party movement.

Known in some circles as "Dr. No" for his reliable no votes when it comes to government and spending, Paul inspired followers to organize in a conservative movement for limited government. That movement has grown to a vocal 25% of the Republican Party. Tea party activists could conceivably desert newcomers like Michele Bachman for Paul - if he shows he has his eye completely and seriously on the White House.

Dr. Rand Paul, whose own rocket rise to the US Senate, was fired in large part by his father's supporters, issued this statement about the retirement:

“History will record the legislative record of Ron Paul as an extraordinary one – perhaps unparalleled. There probably has never been a more consistent believer in limited government in Congress. America deserves a statesman like Ron Paul as her president, a man I am proud to call my father.”