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Rand Paul, Jack Hunter to Speak at Same Libertarian Conference

Rand Paul Jack Hunter
Rand Paul, Jack Hunter / AP, LS Rebellion blog
February 20, 2014

Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) is scheduled to speak at an upcoming libertarian conference along with his former aide, Jack Hunter, who left Paul’s office amid controversy over his past career as a neo-Confederate shock jock nicknamed the "Southern Avenger."

Hunter, who has distanced himself from the "Southern Avenger" persona since resigning from Paul’s office, will speak at the Young Americans for Liberty state convention at the University of South Carolina on March 22. Hunter is currently a contributing editor at "conservative" site Rare.

Paul is slated to give an address over Skype during the same session, according to a schedule posted on the YAL website.

Jeffrey Tucker, a libertarian writer who has been accused of authoring former Rep. Ron Paul’s racially-charged newsletters in the early 1990s, will also speak at the Columbia, S.C., event.

The YAL state conventions will be held in 12 states between February and April.

Other confirmed speakers at the YAL state conventions include Rep. Justin Amash (R., Mich.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R., Ky.), however, they are not scheduled to speak at the March 22 South Carolina session with Paul and Hunter.

YAL is not directly affiliated with Ron Paul, but the ex-congressman is closely aligned with the group and his close former aide Jeff Frazee serves as its executive director.

Hunter is YAL’s director of outreach, according to its website.

This is not the first time Rand Paul has been scheduled to speak at a conference with Hunter since his resignation. The Atlantic reported last September that Paul and Hunter would both be speaking at a libertarian conference in Virginia sponsored by Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty.

The Washington Free Beacon first reported last July on Hunter’s decade-long career as the "Southern Avenger" radio host, during which he wore a mask printed with a Confederate flag and praised the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Hunter went on to co-author Rand Paul’s book, The Tea Party Goes to Washington, and served as his social media director.

Hunter disavowed many of the comments he made while working as Southern Avenger during an interview with the Free Beacon. He explained his political evolution in a lengthy column for Politico Magazine last November.

Rand Paul called Hunter’s past comments "absolutely stupid." While Paul initially defended his aide, Hunter left Paul's staff last summer.

Published under: Rand Paul