State Sen. Michael Doherty is set to endorse Ron Paul Monday according to a release from the campaign.

"New Jersey's motto is 'Liberty and prosperity' so it is fitting that a tireless proponent of these values is stepping forward to endorse Ron Paul, the nation's undisputed champion of personal and economic freedom," said National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

Doherty, who endorsed Paul in 2008, said the candidate is the only one in the GOP field spreading the right message.

I suppoterd Ron Paul in 2008 and I think what has happened in the meantime makes my decision in 2008 a correct one," Doherty said, citing Paul's stance on the Federal Reserve and the importance of a strong dollar. "I don’t think anything has changed regarding those issues."

Doherty, who served in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, said he also supports Paul's stance on the military.  The country's armed forces have no business policing foreign coutries, Doherty said.  They shoul dbe brought home from Iraq and Afghanistan and the money saved should be used to strengthen U.S. borders.

"It's time for them to step up to the plate and pay for their own defense," Doherty said.  "Forget about saving Iraq, how about we save Detroit, or the economy of New Jersey."

Doherty is reportedly exploring a run for U.S. Senate, but said Tuesday that his first priority is winning reelection in November.