He was supported by outgoing President Algirdas Brazauskas and narrowly lost in the runoff to Valdas Adamkus, with Paulauskas gaining 49.6% of vote and Adamkus gaining 50.4%.
Presented with the `Citizen's Medal' by President Adamkus of Lithuania, he has also been honoured by Conservatory Canada with an Honorary Licentiate and chosen to conduct the Fagan Singers at the Monserrat Monastery Pilgrimage in Spain where they performed Pablo Casals choral repertoire.