Ron Paul

MISSOULA, Montana (AP) — Sen. John McCain may be the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, but supporters of Ron Paul in Montana refused to abandon their candidate.

The group led an impassioned fight Friday at the Montana GOP convention, shaking things up in a failed effort to secure the state's 22 national convention delegates for Paul — who suspended his presidential bid earlier this month.

While the battle jazzed up a normally dull delegate selection process, Paul supporters could not muster enough votes to trump McCain's backers. In the end, McCain received all 22 delegates
despite a close vote, party officials said.

Earlier in the evening, Paul told the crowd that his support in Montana was the best he had received anywhere.

"Montana's been treating me quite well," he said. "The spirit is alive here."

The Texas congressman praised the Montana GOP for letting him speak at their evening dinner and for giving his delegates a chance.

"This is has been one of the best — if not the best — in the way we have been treated," Paul said.

Paul was not a typical GOP convention headliner. He criticized nearly as many Bush administration ideas, such as wartime spending and No Child Left Behind, as he did Democratic ones.

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Ron Paul is suspending his presidential campaign.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced Thursday he is suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to focus his time on building an organization to help recruit and elect “limited government Republicans.”

“We want to elect constitutionalists, limited government Republicans across the country at the state and federal level,” said Paul spokesman Jesse Benton.

The congressman will speak about his political plans at the Texas Republican State Convention being held in Houston. Late Thursday afternoon, Paul launched a Web site for his new organization where he explained the decision to suspend his presidential campaign and form “Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty.”

“With the primary season now over, the presidential campaign is at an end,” Paul said in the letter. “But the larger campaign for freedom is just getting started.”

Arizona Sen. John McCain locked up the GOP nomination back in March, but unlike his fellow Republicans running for president, Paul never abandoned his White House bid.

Paul’s decision to leave the race is an acknowledgment he had no chance of winning the GOP nomination. But even in loss, Paul is one of a handful of candidates who walked away from this presidential contest a winner. His presidential campaign had a broad base of support that included traditionally fiscal and socially conservative Republicans to young people who were angry about the U.S. decision to wage war against Iraq.

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Watch Ron Paul's interview Thursday.

(CNN)— Rep. Ron Paul had some words of praise for recently declared Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr Thursday, calling him a ‘very positive’ influence on the presidential race.

Paul, who never officially ended his own Republican presidential bid, told American Morning Anchor John Roberts, “[Barr] talks our language, so I do really believe that he can have a very positive effect in this campaign and let the people know that limited government is a very, very important message.”

Echoing the principals he based his own presidential run on, the Texas congressman said Americans’ voices will be heard with Barr, and he “gives everybody a choice in the matter.”

Barr, who was a former four-term Republican congressman from Georgia, left the GOP to join the Libertarian Party in 2006 and officially won the its presidential nomination late last month.

Asked of speculation surrounding the creation of his own convention in September, Paul said he and his supporters won’t be there to cause problems for the Republican Party.

“We’re not going to disrupt them,” he said. “We’re not going to demonstrate as much as present a positive case for values that we believe should be the Republican values.”

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What would you ask Ron Paul?

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul will be in “The Situation Room” Friday. What would you like to ask him? Put your question on video and you could be featured on CNN.

(CNN) — Ron Paul, the Republican presidential candidate who has said he does not plan on backing John McCain, is planning on holding a day-long rally at the University of Minnesota during the same week the Republican Party is set to hold its convention in Minneapolis.

The news was first reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. A spokesman for the university confirmed to CNN that Paul has “tentatively” booked the venue.

Paul and his legion of supporters disagree with McCain's support of the Iraq war.

Paul on his presidential run: 'The race is still on'.

(CNN) — Even though Rep. Ron Paul has never officially ended his long shot presidential bid, he’s ready to weigh in on the three remaining major candidates for the White House.

In an interview on The Situation Room, Paul told Wolf Blitzer that endorsing Sen. John McCain, the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee, “would really confuse” his supporters “because they know we have a precise program and we have to defend that program.”

Having a Republican win the upcoming presidential election is “secondary” for Paul who is more interested in defending the Constitution, having the country go in what he considers the right direction, having a sound currency, and achieving balanced budgets. Paul parts ways with McCain over McCain’s support for the Iraq war, his approach to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and his willingness to spend federal dollars to support military operations in Iraq.

Instead, Paul favors Sen. Barack Obama because of positions on foreign policy. “But that’s doesn’t mean that’s an endorsement,” Paul quickly added.

Paul recently released a new book titled “The Revolution: a Manifesto.” “Unfortunately, it is revolutionary to talk about obeying the Constitution,” Paul said of the book’s title.

Paul's book is No. 1 on Amazon.com

(CNN) — Ron Paul’s loyal supporters helped him set campaign fundraising records and capture more delegates during his presidential run than some of his high-profile Republican rivals. They even managed to briefly shut down Nevada’s GOP convention earlier this month over a rules change controversy.

Now they’ve taken his latest book to the top of the Amazon.com bestseller list.

“The Revolution: A Manifesto”, released earlier this month, is currently No. 1 on the Web site’s list of top sellers, besting even Oprah’s latest Book Club selection.

“Despite a media blackout, this septuagenarian physician-turned-congressman sparked a movement that has attracted a legion of young, dedicated, enthusiastic supporters . . . a phenomenon that has amazed veteran political observers and made more than one political rival envious,” boasts the book’s product description, adding: “Candidates across America are already running as ‘Ron Paul Republicans.’”

Watch Ron Paul's interview with CNN's John Roberts.

(CNN)— Texas Congressman Ron Paul said Monday his revolution is still alive, and he will not be shut out of the presidential race by the Republican Party.

“We’re trying to say we have a right to argue our case that Republicans ought to stand for something,” Paul told CNN Monday morning. Adding, the need for change is vital, but all three candidates, including John McCain, represent a continuation of the same policy.

A large group of Paul’s supporters managed to bring Nevada’s Republican Convention to a standstill over the weekend after the party tried to exclude The Texas congressman from delegate allocations.

Paul, who never officially dropped out of the Republican presidential race, said he continues to gain support from delegates. “What’s the sense of having a convention if everything is decided?” He did not give any details as to who he might be referring to, or where this new support was coming from.

The congressman has 21 delegates in the latest CNN count. Arizona senator John McCain has 1,331 total delegates, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has 267, and Mitt Romney has 255.

Paul said his views are “very much in tune with being a good Republican,” and traditional GOP values.

Asked if he would encourage his supporters to back McCain, Paul reiterated his views that the two differ on fundamental issues, namely bringing troops home from Iraq.

Paul has said he will use his remaining campaign war chest of roughly $4 million to support candidates who share his vision.

Rep. Ron Paul addressed the Nevada Republican Party's convention Saturday.

RENO, Nevada (AP) — Outmaneuvered by raucous Ron Paul supporters, Nevada Republican Party leaders abruptly shut down their state convention and now must resume the event to complete a list of 31 delegates to the GOP national convention.

Outnumbered supporters of expected Republican presidential nominee John McCain faced off Saturday against well-organized Paul supporters. A large share of the more than 1,300 state convention delegates enabled Paul supporters to get a rule change positioning them for more national convention delegate slots than expected.

"I've seen factions walk out. I've never seen a party walk out," said Jeff Greenspan, regional coordinator for the Paul campaign.

Delegates cheered earlier in the day as former presidential hopeful Mitt Romney urged support for McCain. Later, though, Paul got even louder applause as he delivered his message of individual freedom and fiscal responsibility.

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Watch Ron Paul on CNN's American Morning.

(CNN)— John McCain may have clinched the Republican presidential nomination last week, but rival Ron Paul told CNN Monday his fight isn't over just yet.

Given the dwindling number of primaries, “It is certainly winding down,” Paul said of his campaign in an interview Monday. However, “If you’re in a campaign for only gaining power, that’s one thing. If you’re in a campaign to influence ideas and future of the country, the campaign is never over,” said Paul who explained he has every intention of participating in the upcoming April 22 primary in Pennsylvania.

Although his campaign has largely been considered a long shot, Paul garnered a legion of enthusiastic supporters and was able to raise more money than many better known candidates in the field.

The Texas congressman also said he is not likely to support McCain because he disagrees with the Arizona senator on several issues. Paul acknowledged his party's unity is vital right now, but said he can’t reject what he’s talked about and supported for 30 years.

Ron Paul is the only Republican Presidential candidate to call for a speedy withdrawal of troops from Iraq. He also opposes the federal income tax and supports limiting federal spending.

— CNN’s Emily Sherman

CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN)— The troubled economy took center stage Friday, with news of employers cutting 63,000 jobs in February alone. In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, White House correspondent Elaine Quijano reports on how President Bush is reacting to the news.

It’s no surprise that appearing strong on economic policy has become a campaign trail priority. CNN’s Dana Bash explains what Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is doing to address voter concerns.

Democrats are headed full force into Saturday’s primary in Wyoming. Jessica Yellin reports from Wyoming on the latest twists and turns in that primary process.

Finally: what happens if neither Democratic candidate gets enough delegates to ensure the nomination? Special Correspondent Frank Sesno takes a look at why the party may be in for the long haul.

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–CNN’s Emily Sherman

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) ran for president as a Libertarian in 1988.

(CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is hinting that his run for the White House is about to end, saying the "presidential campaign will soon wind down."

His comments came two days after Sen. John McCain became the presumptive GOP nominee.

"Though victory in the conventional political sense is not available in the presidential race, many victories have been achieved due to your hard work and enthusiasm," the Texas congressman said in a video to supporters posted by his campaign on YouTube on Thursday.

Full story 

Watch Ron Paul on American Morning Wednesday.

(CNN) – Despite single digit showings in the Wisconsin and Washington State primaries Tuesday night, Ron Paul told CNN Wednesday he has no plans to drop his presidential bid.

"I will stay in as long as my supporters want me to," the Texas congressman said on American Morning Wednesday. "I was very reluctant to enter the race, didn't think it would last more than a month or two, but to my amazement, we literally got hundreds of thousands of supporters and millions of dollars, and they are still very enthusiastic. And I say as long as the number of volunteers continues to grow, and the money comes in, and there are primaries out there, and they want me to be involved, I am going to stay involved."

Paul, who won 5 percent of the vote in Wisconsin and 7 percent in Washington State, also said he believes his unlikely candidacy has attracted like-minded individuals who want to run for Congress.

"One of my problems now is that I am being overwhelmed with individuals who want to [run] and I have the responsibility of sorting it out because we are capable of raising funds," he said. "So it is a responsibly that will be a significant one for me to make sure I help the candidates that are true believes and not just the ones who want to be in Congress."

Paul announced earlier this month he was scaling back his presidential run to focus on his Texas district and the reelection race he faces there. He also categorically ruled out a third party bid in the future.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) – In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, Jessica Yellin covers the escalating fight between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

And bigger battles continue to loom ahead as top Democrats face off over the role of Michigan and Florida. Both states were stripped of their delegates after moving up their primaries in violation of DNC rules. Now, the campaign of Hillary Clinton – who came up the winner in both states – is calling for them to be seated at the party’s summer convention after all. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider explains what this means for the Democratic nomination.

For the Republicans, the flood of McCain endorsements continues. CNN has learned former President George H. W. Bush is set to endorse the Arizona senator next week in Texas. Candy Crowley gives a weekend wrap on the Republican candidates from Chicago.

Plus: The presidential candidate with the biggest military fundraising haul is also the one with the most hard-line stand against U.S. involvement in Iraq. Brian Todd divulges who tops the field when it comes to military donations.

Finally, CNN’s Jenifer Mikell serves up trail mix—the most memorable moments from the campaign trail this week.

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–CNN’s Emily Sherman

Paul said he likely won't vote for McCain.

(CNN) – John McCain is lining up quite a few major endorsements now that he’s the GOP’s likely nominee — but at least one Republican said Monday he won’t be backing the Arizona senator.

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Ron Paul said he'd only support McCain for president if the Arizona senator "has a lot of change of heart" on his Iraq war stands.

“I can not support anybody with the foreign policy he advocates — you know, perpetual war…I think it’s un-American, unconstitutional, immoral, and not Republican," Paul said.

The comments come two days after the Texas congressman definitely ruled out running as a third party candidate, and said he was phasing back his presidential bid to focus on his home district and the re-election race he faces.

"If I were to lose the primary for my congressional seat, all our opponents would react with glee, and pretend it was a rejection of our ideas. I cannot and will not let that happen," Paul wrote on his Web site Saturday.

Paul also acknowledged he was cutting back his presidential campaign staff, but said he will not formally bow out of the race before the convention.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Rep. Ron Paul speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday.

(CNN) — It's perhaps the most Shermanesque statement Ron Paul has ever issued concerning the potential he'll run as a third party candidate.

"I am a Republican, and I will remain a Republican," Paul wrote in a letter to supporters posted on his Web site. "I am committed to fighting for our ideas within the Republican Party, so there will be no third party run."

But the Texas congressman, who has shocked the political world with his grassroots fundraising success and army of devoted supporters, vowed to press on with his campaign, while acknowledging the chances of a brokered convention are "nearly zero."

"But that does not affect my determination to fight on, in every caucus and primary remaining, and at the convention for our ideas, with just as many delegates as I can get," her wrote.

But Paul, who has had trouble converting his grassroots energy into support at the ballot box, revealed he's making cuts to his field staff, and indicated he will shift much of his attention to his home district and the reelection race he faces there.

"If I were to lose the primary for my congressional seat, all our opponents would react with glee, and pretend it was a rejection of our ideas. I cannot and will not let that happen," he said.

– CNN Producer Alexander Mooney

Ron Paul is in a close battle for second place in Nevada.

(CNN) — Ron Paul is currently battling for second with his Republican rivals in the party's Nevada caucuses in early returns, at 12 percent of the vote with about two-fifths of the ballots counted.

Mitt Romney is projected to win the Republican caucuses there, thanks in part to unusually high turnout among the state’s sizeable Mormon minority. He currently has 55 percent of the vote.

Most of the GOP candidates, with the exception of Romney and Paul, did not campaign in Nevada, focusing instead on South Carolina’s first-in-the-South vote, also on Saturday.

Paul, who has amassed an enormous campaign war chest and a vocal group of passionate supporters, has beaten Rudy Giuliani in Michigan and Fred Thompson in New Hampshire — and has so far, according to a count released by his campaign, drawn 30,000 more primary votes in total than either man.

The Paul campaign had warned Friday of potential “chaos” in the Nevada caucus process – including rule changes, location shifts, and potential ballot shortages – and had called on the state party to consider postponing the event. In a statement, they warned of potential voter disenfranchisement, and vote fraud.

“The inconsistencies, errors and multiple changes in the rules reek of playing politics with what should be a neutral process,” said campaign manager Lew Moore. “The people of Nevada deserve to know exactly what the rules are and to know that those rules are being fairly enforced. This has not happened up to this point, and the caucus appears to be in chaos.”

View results as they come in here

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

This is a copy of one of the Ron Paul Political Report newsletters, which has stirred controversy.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A series of newsletters in the name of GOP presidential hopeful Ron Paul contain several racist remarks — including one that says order was restored to Los Angeles after the 1992 riots when blacks went "to pick up their welfare checks."

CNN recently obtained the newsletters — written in the 1990s and one from the late 1980s — after a report was published about their existence in the New Republic.

None of the newsletters CNN found says who wrote them, but each was published under Paul's name between his stints as a U.S. congressman from Texas.

Related video: Paul: 'I'm not a racist'

Full story

– CNN's Brian Todd

Watch Ron Paul on CNN's American Morning Monday.

(CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is striking back at Fox News for excluding him from Sunday’s Republican primary debate in New Hampshire.

“I think this is an awful embarrassment for Fox to do something like this,” says Paul. “I think they are making a mockery of the whole situation and I think they are going to suffer for it quite frankly because they’ve lost all credibility.”

Paul registered 10 percent support in the CNN/WMUR poll of the state’s GOP voters released this weekend – putting him in a statistical tie for third with Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani – and says this support should have secured him a spot in the debate, along with the fact that his campaign “raised more money than any other candidate on the Republican side in the last quarter.”

American Morning anchor Kiran Chetry gave Ron Paul a chance Monday morning to respond to some of the issues raised in Sunday night’s debate.

– CNN’s Emily Sherman

(CNN) – Ron Paul is stealing a page from Mike Huckabee’s winning campaign playbook.

The Republican presidential candidate will be a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Monday night, just hours before New Hampshire’s primary voters head to the polls. The Texas congressman will chat with the late night host about his recent snub from the planned FOX debate in the Granite State, according to spokesman Jesse Benton.

Huckabee appeared on the Tonight Show the day before last Thursday's Iowa caucuses, despite warnings from some that the former Arkansas governor couldn’t afford to take valuable time away from the trail for a taping at the show's Burbank, California studios. Hours after his visit, he won the state’s GOP caucuses.

–CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand