Breaking News: A Ron Paul surge in Nevada

Boy, oh, boy! Hidden behind all the hoopla, headlines and the Nevada caucus victories of Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton is one little-noticed but stunning political development and number:

Ron Paul, the one-time Libertarian candidate and 10-term Republican congressman from Texas, was in second place. That's right, Second Place. The 72-year-old ob-gyn who's always on the end of the line at GOP debates or barred altogether, was running ahead of John McCain, Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, in fact, ahead of....

all other Republicans except Romney, who easily captured his second state in a week after Michigan.

Now, Romney and Paul were basically the only Republicans who actively campaigned and advertised in the desert state. But a win is a win. And second place is second place. When Romney won Wyoming a couple of weeks ago, Paul won zero there.

In Iowa, Paul also beat Giuliani and he topped Thompson in New Hampshire, where Paul was excluded from the Fox News debate, which only energized his fervent followers. His jump in GOP election standings comes despite recent reports about a long series of newsletters from the 1990s carrying Paul's name and numerous racist and anti-Semitic remarks. Paul has denied writing them and denounced their contents.

Thanks to those passionate and tireless supporters, Paul, the only Republican to oppose the Iraq war and favor significant dismantling of the federal government, won about 10% of the vote in Iowa and 8% in New Hampshire, coming in just behind the former New York mayor in the Granite state.

But in Nevada today with a poor Republican turnout of less than half the Democrats (just under 45,000 vs 115,000) and with 99.7% of the precincts reporting, Romney had 22,644 votes, or 51%. Paul had about a quarter of that, 14%, or 6,084 votes.

Paul built a slow steady lead of about 400 votes over the veteran Arizona senator's 5,648 total.

Huckabee sneaked past Thompson into fourth place with 8%, or 3,613 votes, a tiny vote lead over the former Tennessee senator, who had 3,518. Both had 8%. Giuliani, who's counting on a late-state surge to salvage his one-time now-faded national front-runner status, had only 4% of the Nevada Republican vote with 1,910 ballots. And California's retiring Congressman Duncan Hunter was last again with 2% or 890 votes.

Now, of course, comes tonight's South Carolina primary vote results where Paul needs to be a bit more realistic perhaps. He's got three campaign offices there and has advertised and campaigned actively. But McCain is well-known there, has been ahead in polls, relying heavily on his strong support in the state's large active and retired military population.

And, as in Iowa where he won the caucuses, Huckabee is counting on another large turnout among South Carolina Christian evangelicals. Polls showed the Baptist preacher narrowing McCain's lead in recent days and Thompson, the former senator who's got the most riding on a strong South Carolina showing to invigorate his sagging campaign, also gaining some.

It was reported to be snowing heavily in the state's Piedmont region, where the evangelicals are concentrated, and that could depress turnout, while McCain's coastal territory was getting some cold rain. Now, whose crowd gets more depressed? And can Thompson make a strong enough showing to stay in the race? He planned to return home to ponder the future with no campaign activities planned for coming days.

The results tonight will show whether Ron Paul's fine morning and afternoon turn into a nice all-around day or not. Either way, he was likely the top GOP fundraiser in the fourth quarter, raising nearly $20 million, and his website reports gathering in another $1.34 million so far this month. So while Giuliani stopped paying his top staff this month, Paul is likely to linger long.

Paul's crowd plans another "money bomb" on Monday when thousands will deliver new donations on the same day. One previous time they did this, the Paul campaign set a new one-day online record of $6 million.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Seek Logic]

Duck,
You really don't get it. Dems and Repubs now days are the opposite side of the same coin taking this country down the drain. Many Ron Paul supporters know this and stand by him steadfast realizing that it is more important to send the message of support by voting for him rather than cast a vote for a different flavor of the status quo. Bottom line, dems or repubs = big gov't. controlled by the federal reserve. RP stands against them all.
Unless you hear someone talking like RP, you can bet they are part of the current establishment and part of the problem.

[Mike]

Thanks Mr. Malcolm! It is so refreshing to see great journalism.

The movement is really picking up steam. I was worried this last week, but it seems like the movement behind Ron Paul is really picking up steam. Am excited to see what the next money bomb brings.

Me and 100 or so of Ron's biggest fans in the area got together today for the ribbon cutting at the new Ron Paul HQ in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and after an invigorating speech marched down to the biggest intersection in the area (Rogers and Old Greenwood Road) and waved our signs to a bunch of folks, some quizzical, some cheering and honking, waving back. I encourage all of you to find the closest meetup group to get some brochures to hand out and get the word out to your friends and family, neighbors as well, take part in the r3VOLution (it's the only way you will see it as "the revolution will not be televised").

(Be sure to check back here, Mike, in coming days as we've got a fun item coming on one special Ron Paul supporter who's come up with a unique idea to help his cause. Thanks for visiting.)

[Vic]

Andrew Thank you for the article. I kept changing the channel to hear about Ron Paul coming in second. Not a mention.

[Vic]

Go RP!
That's all I have to say.

[Ketnapa Siri]

Dear Mr. Malcolm,

It's unbelieveable that at last I found a piece of news that mentioned Dr. Ron Paul with a fair coverage. I have so much respect for him because he's a true gentleman and the only Presidential candidate that will lead our country into the right direction. He is the only Hope for America. His messages for freedom, peace, and prosperity, together with his policies to make it happen are realistic and undeniable. Most of all, his honesty and courage inspire more and more people every day.

Thank you so much for your excellent journalism. I'll spread the words about your blog to my friends. They are as frustrated as many other Ron Paul supporters.

Sincerely,
Ketnapa Siri

[Carl]

Thanks for a wonderful, fair and balanced article. I am also amazed by the intelligence of the bloggers. If only we had enough time to educate the voters before November 2008, but if most Americans depend on the "boob tube" for their info, we do not have a chance. Somehow one of us has to come up with a way to get Ron Paul's message to the populus. Any ideas, briliant Ron Paul supporters? What about our own cable TV station, or Real News Network? It would be a shame to see the revolution fail because we run out of time to get the message to the masses. I do know for certain that the CFR backed MSM will not help, in fact they will do all they can to suppress the movement. Keep thinking folks, and God Bless you all, God Bless America, and Dr. Ron Paul.

[Joe Allen]

Thank you for an accurate and objective article. Immagine how well Dr. Paul would do if all of the media teated him so fairly!

Join Dr. Paul and the rEVOLution in celebrating the anti-war, non-violent legacy of Dr. Martin Kuther King.

Thank You, Nevada!

[Joel Nye]

Andrew, thanks for your unbiased and truthful article. I have had a consistant voting record since I was old enough to vote. I am now 43 and have never had so much passion for a single candidate in my entire voting life. Ron Paul's message is the message deep in the American's heart, if only they could just reach deep enough to find it. I also have noticed nothing but positive and cordial comments in this blog. Maybe you could write an article about how civil Ron Paul supporters really are if we are just given a fair and unbiased version of the TRUTH. Thanks again for speaking the truth and giving Ron Paul's campaign a fair shot at the nomination.

[Philip]

Congradulations to Dr. Paul!! Looks like lots of Nevadians think the economy needs a "shot in the arm" as well. HUGE Ron Paul party at my house!!!! And no matter who your gonna vote for, your invited to come Mr Malcolm!

[voiceofthepeople]

14% is an excellent showing in Nevada. Very impressive. My local station said he came in 3rd so I am so happy to hear somehow we all earned Dr. Paul a solid 2nd place. "Keep the faith" (as Tavis Smiley says at the end of each excellent broadcast) my brothers and sisters. Bravo Ron Paul Nevada Meetup Groups!! http://www.freeatlast2008.com/... MONEY BOMB and MARCH!!!
*******
***CALIFORNIA Do-or-Die DEADLINE*** for independents (and Democrats) to change to Republican is this Tuesday, January 22nd so stay organized, keep canvassing, hit the phones and make sure you and your friends get to the polls as early as is possible. Let freedom ring!!!
******
Yeah, most of the media (even on the usually fair MSNBC, a snickering EXPERT recently compared Dr. Paul to Al-Qaeda for heaven's sake) wants us to believe nobody is going to vote for the man who in the face of adversity has stood strong. Noone follows the US (not foreign) Constitution anymore so make sure you don't either is their message or it is a blackout. In honor of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please perform your civic duty, stand up and be counted.

Your TV says STAY AT HOME Ron Paul supporters. He can't win so vote for us. STAY AT HOME Ron Paul supporters. You swear to uphold what? Civil liberties? Free speech? The Us Constitution? What the hell is that? Screw the US Constitution. Screw the Economy. Screw the Republic. Don't vote for the Duke Medical School finance nerd, Dr. Paul, the guy who has studied economics for 30 years and ran several of his own successful businesses while providing free or reduced cost healthcare to poor people of all races so they wouldn't die prematurely. The guy with the A+ average who voted to hunt down Bin Laden and against the Iraqi War as a response to 911 hysteria will never win.

I am voting for the Vietnam era USAF flight surgeon who showed a willingness to risk life and limb for his country when some fled to Canada, who never voted for an unbalanced budget and who incidentally has more support among our military and brave veterans than any other candidate (Republican or Democrat). How did they know about him way before the rest of America? Should we be investigating this...?

[bringthepowshome]

I just heard that we still have a POW, John MCCain, left in Vietnam. A vote for Ron Paul will bring this man home, to live out his time peacefully.

[Lifeinstone]

Americans
I beg you, research Ron Paul with an open mind. Then make an informed decicion.Then spread the news if you like what you hear. He is the only candidate taking the correct path away from lunacy and national ruin. We elect Ron Paul and we have a chance to renew life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
This election isprobably the must important as regards direction since the foundation of the United States.

[Dr Ward Ciac II]

Sent to Ron Paul 2008 campaign:
I am asking that Kent Snyder the campaign chairman be fired now. It should have happened a long time ago - in Philadelphia when he was yelling at the people who paid $500 to speak with Dr Paul. But this South Carolina fiasco was too much. How much of our money did RP2008 spend to get 5% of the vote there? A complete debacle - could have gotten that without any campaigning. No more money until Kent Snyder is fired! You are also spending time in the wrong states. New Jersey has a lot of independents and Dr Paul is trending upward there. Please come to New Jersey! And please fire Kent Snyder now and put in a professional!

[Tim Engle]

I'm going to give double the amount I gave on December 16th.
And I suggest everyone give double .
If we don't raise at least $8 million, America will perceive us as running out of steam.
January 21st!!! January 21st!!!
A vote for Giuliani, Huckabee, McCain, Thompson, or Romney is a wasted vote. It doesn't send any message to the Establishment that you want change from Big Government politics as usual. Heck, they ARE the Establishment!
Help! COPY and PASTE.
Vote Ron Paul !!!

[Nancy Edwards]

January 19, 2008

Hey Nevada!

I just read it’s raining in the desert.

Wow, thank you lone wolves

Coast to coast and to the mountains, forests, plains and

islands, this republic is OURS and we are taking it back

The sky is the limitless and we are the stars

Let's howl and show corporate America

The REAL ruling class of this country is no longer powerless

No longer leaderless

We are fearless, tireless, and determined to destroy tyranny

And shatter the glass wall prison to a million pieces

WHO IS THE RULING CLASS?

We, the people

Where is our promised land?

I always thought it was here

God bless our troops and let's help bring them home now

And to those who send them into the fire

Their walls are coming down

On to Jericho!

Love, Peace and Justice from Florida

Nan
Daughter of the American Revolution

PS My friend, big Dan, tells me we have a PAC, LIBERTY PAC. He explained to me this
is a political action committee and I told him,” No, it’s a PACK, a wolf pack. I’m sure,
I heard them tonight in the desert!

[Jonathan p.]

Ron Paul is awesome. Please write more articles about him!! He needs all the publicity that he can receive since it appears that Fox and CNN are dead set on not giving him any publicity like the other candidates. Great article.

[K Wolak]

AMAZING lack of mention of Paul on TV. I figured if he took second, they would be FORCED to speak his name. Not a whisper. They mentioned the candidates below him, but never him.

THIS IS THE PROOF that he is WORTH VOTING FOR. I will add to the MONEY BOMB on Monday. My Wife will add to the money bomb.

NOW, Hopefully, he can generate some press, although it is difficult without the press being willing to air it!

For the article, I THANK YOU. For the mentioned threat of some "opposing views" to come for Ron Paul, all I ask is that you avoid inuendo (like those articles from 20 years ago), and go after something he has said/done/believes or votes on...

Also, rereading your article, it had a couple of SLIGHTS in there... But anyone supporting RP is so happy to get REMOTELY FAIR coverage, that you would think you wrote he WON Nevada!

The 3 slights (not major but slights, and in my eyes)
- Paul took 0 in Wyoming (No mention of campaign effort there, but funny
you mention the LACK of effort by the people he beat in Nevada)
- Poor Republican Turnout (Comparison Percentage to DEMS, but not to a previous year, and the RATIO is what you could compare to a previous election. Also could have been from the lack of campaigning...)
- ...likely to linger long. Could have used Keep Fighting... Staying in the race, showing up... But you make it sound like a Cancer Patient in his last months...

I would not ask you to be biased, but the challenge, as you know, is that we choose our words based on our beliefs. This story would have been written differently if it was Fred Thompson who came in second (Who is going to drop out), or Rudy (Who will be dropping out)... And that is where I think you could still improve.

Aside from all of that, THANK YOU. No marriage proposal, though!
Your WILLINGNESS to cover this topic should be recognized, and then
how you did it, should be as well. [My bet is that you drew the short straw]

[Tim Engle]

I'm going to give double the amount I gave on December 16th.
And I suggest everyone give double .
If we don't raise at least $8 million, America will perceive us as running out of steam.
January 21st!!! January 21st!!!
A vote for Giuliani, Huckabee, McCain, Thompson, or Romney is a wasted vote. It doesn't send any message to the Establishment that you want change from Big Government politics as usual. Heck, they ARE the Establishment!
Help! COPY and PASTE.
Vote Ron Paul ! ! !

[Wendy M]

From an earlier comment:

"Thank you for giving Ron Paul fair coverage."

Andrew's response:
(You're welcome. But it's our job. Hope you'll return often and spread the word about this spot.)

Me:
It's good to know that there are still journalists in this country who take their professional responsibility seriously. Others here have already linked to the sham coverage that was seen on FauX News and in the NY Times.

Thank you, Andrew! Thank you, LA Times!

PS: I've always thought the LA Times had a better crossword puzzle than the NY Times anyway, so now I have no reason whatsoever to ever look at the NYTimes again.

[Koh Choon Lin]

Go Ron Paul!

[Claus Nielsen]

To NFaye who wrote:

"I am celebrating Romney's solid wins in Nevada and Wyoming and Michigan. He is an awesome candidate who has solid support all across the west! Here are a few reasons I think Romney is the best candidate: Romney has the economic expertise we need. He has turned failing companies intoproductive, profitable businesses. Romney knows how to create and hold jobs! He has a history of asking the right questions, listening intently, analyzing and evaluating carefully, and LEADING in strength. Romney will bring new vision, fresh voices, robust energy, and efficiency to Washington. Romney will bring integrity, respect, and dignity to the office of President.
Romney is a family man of high standards who has personally lived conservative social values all his life. He is absolutely trustworthy. An intelligent vote is a vote for Romney!"

Wake up! This is the truth, even if you're not ready to face it yet, don't waste your vote because of ignorance, read up and listen to your heart, Mitt Romney will brake it..

“From 1984 until 1999, Romney led Bain Capital, a Boston-based private equity group that earned jaw-dropping profits through leveraged buyouts, debt hedge funds, offshore tax havens and other financial strategies. In some cases, Romney’s team closed U.S. factories, causing hundreds of layoffs, or pocketed huge fees shortly before companies collapsed.”
By Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 17, 2007

Could only find the second part of the artical, it's here if you want to read it:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-na-mittoffshore17dec17,1,4761345.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Or you can see the following interview of Bob Drogin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edV3_Jt77qs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FICFiLt4V4

I know that it's and unspoken rule, amongst Ron Paul supporters, not to resort to bad press of others, and I don't consider this to be, it's a good articel by Bob Drogin, and a good interview of him by Democracy Now, it's clear that the article is well research and factual, and I'm posting it because NFaye seems honerst in his praise of Mitt Romney, and therefor deserves to know the truth..

[Rick Toone]

I'm in New Jersey — New York Times territory — where we're having a Ron Paul media blackout. Andrew, thanks for the sunshine from the West Coast.

Field Guide to Candidates: http://toone.typepad.com/tooneguitars/2008/01/2008-presidenti.html

Pass this site to your undecided friends...good recruiting tool for the Revolution: http://www.electoralcompass.com/

[Tennessee voter]

Thank you for beginning to acknowledge Dr. Paul.

It is appalling to look at news reports about the candidates and find that these do not include one of the major candidates.

Not just appalling, but revolting, literally. I intend to make my own decision about who to vote for, and really resent media attempts to manipulate this decision by censoring vital information.

(Thanks for your nice words. Must let you know that we're not "beginning" to cover Dr. Paul. We've been doing that for months, as you'll see if you search Ron Paul in the blog bubble on the right here and find dozens of tiems involving him. Thanks for reading and hope you return often and spread the word about us.)

[cjcalifornia]

Thanks for this article! I hope Ron Paul continues to climb in the primaries. I am impressed with his knowledge of the Constitution and his direct, honest approach. There are two things that are disturbing to me as I read the results of the state caucuses. First, that so few people turn out to vote in the primaries, when (and this is my second concern), only one candidate from each party can be placed on the ballot in the presidential election. If we truly want change, we have to get to the polls for the primaries!

[Truth_in_Action]

I'm a Democrat who switched parties to Republican to vote for Ron Paul in the Florida primary.

I watched a good deal of election news today. I did not see one photo nor hear one interview or speech given by Ron Paul. I saw coverage today of Clinton, Obama and Edwards. I also saw speeches given by Romney, McCain, Huckabee, Thompson, and even a few words by Guiliani and Duncan Hunter's leaving the race speech.

BLACKOUT ON RON PAUL.

SHAME ON ALL THE MEDIA WHO IS TAKING THEIR MARCHING ORDERS FROM BIG CORPORATION SUPPRESSIONISTS.

I am donating more than ever to Ron Paul for the money bomb. See this website http://www.freeatlast2008.com and join us in the fight for freedom, truth and the Constitution. GO DR. RON PAUL!!!!!!!!!