Ron Paul rides the wave of his loyal following
<Polling at third or fourth place in New Hampshire with Giuliani... and ahead of Huckabee and Thompson.>
By CLYNTON NAMUO
New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent
3 hours, 37 minutes ago
unionleader.com
Nashua – Despite his exclusion from last night's Fox News candidates forum, Congressman Ron Paul campaigned yesterday with enough vigor to bring a crowd of about 500 supporters to its feet, chanting his name even when he spoke of monetary policy.
Paul has gained a loyal following in New Hampshire by touting his strict constructionist view of the constitution and his support of individual liberties and small government with lower taxes. A 7 News/ Suffolk University poll released yesterday pegged his support statewide at 9 percent, putting him in fourth place <Rasmussen Group has him polling at third place in New Hampshire> just behind former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani who garnered 10 percent, and ahead of GOP contenders Mike Huckabee (7 percent) and Fred Thompson (2 percent), both of whom were invited to the forum.
"It makes them look foolish," Paul said yesterday of Fox News, but added that he may still benefit. "Sometimes you get more good publicity from someone trying to exclude you." Paul's omission from last night's debate has been widely criticized, even leading the state Republican Party to withdraw as a co-sponsor of the event, and has drawn more attention to his once-fringe candidacy, which has been built on grassroots support that helped him rake in millions in campaign donations, including $6 million in a single day last month.
With his successful fundraising in place, Paul said he has enough money to last until Feb. 5 no matter what the outcome tomorrow. New Hampshire and its many libertarian voters is seen as Paul's best chance for a strong showing that could help propel his campaign forward.
Riding the wave of his debate controversy, Paul addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the Free State Project's Liberty Forum at the Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday, where he reiterated his support for individual rights and focused heavily on how eliminating the Federal Reserve would create a cascade of benefits, including strengthening the dollar and reducing oil prices.
"The dollar's a big symbol of what's happening to this country," he said of the slumping currency, noting that it should be put back on the gold standard.
The Free State Project, which promotes libertarians moving in state to create a bigger voting block, is lush with Paul supporters who are drawn to his largely libertarian views.
"There is definitely some synergy," said Free State Project President Irena Goddard, who estimated that 80 percent or more of the group's 512 members support Paul along with many more who are friends of the organization.
Paul's support was palpable yesterday as the crowd's cheers reverberated through the conference room. Followers also thronged Paul as he left yesterday, asking for autographs and signatures at a furious clip.
"You hear from just about every candidate that it's time for change, but their words are hollow," said supporter Jay Koutaras, of Windham, who said Paul's years long voting record in Congress, including no votes for increased taxes, enticed him.
Paul's campaign has helped highlight a growing group of disenfranchised Republicans who say they are being alienated by religious conservatives and others.
Supporter Louise Aitel, a high school teacher from Merrimack, said she was so turned off by the Republican Party's views that she voted for Al Gore in 2000, but will return to the GOP fold tomorrow to cast a ballot for Paul.
"I was so wretchedly tired of religion being part of the state," she said of her 2000 vote.
Paul said yesterday he is working to change the party and hopes his views will be considered.
"If it doesn't transform the Republican party, then it's going to get weaker and weaker," he said, adding that he is trying to "save" the party. |
