if i can stand up in the state of pennsylvania , which has n't elected a republican president since 1988 , and have a strong principled voting record on issues that were tough in my state , senior issues , imagine now , as president of the united states , with a tea party movement and a conservative -- a riled-up conservative base , what we can accomplish in washington , d.c. ron paul said in a clear even voice , you know , that 's always a cop-out when you compare yourself to the other members of congress .