Paul emphasizes fundraising as sign of strength, longevity

The Des Moines Register
Tuesday December 18, 2007

Texas Congressman Ron Paul said Monday his fund-raising success ensures his candidacy will have staying power in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

"We certainly will be in good shape for Feb. 5," when a number of states hold their primaries, Paul said at a Des Moines news conference.

Paul touted the more than $6 million donated by his supporters on Sunday - a one-day record for a candidate in U.S. election history, according to his campaign. That brings his contribution total for the final three months of the year to $18 million. The total exceeds the campaign's $12 million goal for the quarter.

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Paul said that he expects to do well in the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses, which launch the nominating process, but that "I'm not making any predictions." He acknowledged that his challenge will be to turn his fundraising prowess into an effective get-out-the-vote effort.

Recent polls have shown Paul within striking distance of third place in Iowa.

Paul said he has tapped into the support of younger voters, people new to the political process and independents - groups that could help him do better than expected if he's able to mobilize them.

Paul's campaign reported that more than 58,000 people nationally - including nearly 25,000 first-time donors - contributed to his candidacy on Sunday.

Paul, who extols a libertarian message of limited government, said his opposition to the war in Iraq has been a catalyst for his support.

Asked whether he would run as an independent if he's not nominated by the Republican Party, Paul said, "I have no plans and no intention of doing it."

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