SOUTHERN ARIZONA (SGT NEWS) - Presidential candidate Ron Paul defended his past earmarking requests on NBC's Meet The Press earlier this morning by arguing that his constituents simply want their money back - any way possible.

"I put them in because I represent people who are asking for some of their money back," Paul said. "I'm against the tax system, but I take all my tax credits. I want to get their money back for the people."

Ron Paul admits he requests earmarks, but generally ends up voting against the bill that they're in. The argument suggests that money devoted to those earmarks will be spent somewhere, and it might as well be spent in his home district.

"I've never voted for an earmark in my life," he said.

Paul also took the opportunity to re-iterate the fact that he does not plan on running as an Independent if he is not selected as the Republican candidate during the GOP primary season.