News shocker: Ron Paul was biggest GOP fundraiser last quarter

Well, it's official, ladies and gentlemen. Believe it or not, Rep. Ron Paul, the 72-year-old Texan who hardly ever gets mentioned in Republican political news and the one-time libertarian who always gets the least time on TV debates if he isn't barred completely, was, in fact, the most successful Republican fundraiser in the last three months of 2007.

By a Texas mile.

By the thousands, Paul's fervent followers donated $19.95 million to the "Ron Paul Revolution." He spent $17.75 million, and at year's end, had $7.8 million cash on hand, making him the only Republican candidate to increase his fundraising totals in every quarter of 2007. According to his website, Paul's Paulunteers have contributed another $4.1 million this month to...

fuel the strict constitutionalist's travels and advertising campaign.

Compare that impressive financial success with, say, ex-candidate Rudy Giuliani, who raised only $14.4 million from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 and spent $18.2 million.

Or the departed Fred Thompson, who collected $8.9 million and spent $13.9 million.

Or even the newly-minted Republican front-runner Sen. John McCain, who raked in only $9.9 million, spent $10.5 million and had only $2.9 million cash in hand. Of course, McCain's string of primary victories in January will have boosted his financial fortunes. Everybody loves a winner.

Mitt Romney actually raised only $9.2 million from other people last quarter, less than half of Paul's haul. However, the former Massachusetts governor -- and if he keeps spending at this rate, the quite possibly former multimillionaire -- gave himself $18 million more of his own money last fall for a total of $27.2 million and $2.4 million cash on hand.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who's had trouble raising money, issued an unusual statement Thursday night. "My presidential campaign," he said, "has defied the odds and will continue to do so, as we head into the Super Tuesday primaries, proving the power of message over money and mechanics."

The statement did not include any Huckabee figures for the fourth quarter. Which suggests that the winner of the Republican caucuses in Iowa didn't have a very good fourth quarter.

So a certain suspicious blogger, led by the experienced hand of The Times' campaign finance expert Dan Morain, went to the website of the Federal Election Commission and looked up Huckabee's fourth-quarter report. It seems he raised about $6.7 million, a third of Paul's sum, while spending $7.08 million, leaving him on New Year's Eve with cash on hand of only $651,300.68. No wonder he didn't mention numbers in the news release.

Now, this month Huckabee will have received some donations after his Jan. 3 Iowa win. But it does raise serious questions about how long the Arkansan can continue to compete after Feb. 5 or even how much he can do before other than get on as many free radio and TV shows as possible.

Paul, who's done well in some symbolic straw polls and little-noticed state caucuses until his best showing so far as a second-place finisher to Romney in the Nevada caucuses, has repeatedly disavowed a third-party effort if his bid to be the Republican nominee in St. Paul next summer falls short.

His determined followers maintain that a news media conspiracy is holding down Paul's success at the polls, although obviously word has gotten out to somebody for him to raise such sums. Paul's outspoken stands, including withdrawal from Iraq and drastic downsizing of the federal government, run counter to each of his GOP competitors.

As for Paul's campaign, his loyal troops plan another "money bomb," a big fundraising day, today in honor of Ron and Carol Paul's 51st wedding anniversary. One of the obvious gifts: the undisputed GOP fundraising championship for the last three months of 2007.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Shohadaku]

Thanks for a fair article on Ron Paul. Other then downplaying the medias treatment of Ron. The last CNN debate was a great example of the unfair treatment he gets.

[jim of bentley]

So Paul has raised the most money? Just goes to show that having lots of money can't be translated into getting people to trust you enough to vote for you. But then, Romney has already discovered that.

[Jeremy...Dayton,OH]

Not a bad blog all in all, but it really isn't a shocker of a story. This man is the real deal and to say...."His determined followers maintain that a news media conspiracy is holding down Paul's success at the polls, although obviously word has gotten out to somebody for him to raise such sums." Well if you can not see the bias in the news media, then you are just blind or stupid. He is not getting a fair shake! You and I both know this to be true. The only reason that word has gotten out is through the internet. And that is a big reason why alot of his supporters are younger, because we frequent the net more than the older generations. It is not a conspiracy it is fact! Give him the same FREE press you give these other tools and we will see what AMERICA really wants!!!! THANKS, YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD PATRIOT...

[Steve]

Ron Paul was constitutional, when constitutional wasn't cool.

As a 42 yr old first time voter, and Ron Paul supporter,

I appreciate the refreshingly honest and fair article.

I'm sure it will be by far the most clicked on. :)

[DenisL]

We each seem to have our own major issue(s) that make their choice for President seem like the best one. The economy is a big one for me. McCain did not know about the "Working Group on Financial Markets" in the last debate. Romney and Huckabee think the stimulus package from DC is a great idea. Just unbelievable and VERY scary if they are elected! My question is: Would someone tell me why we should NOT elect Ron Paul??

As Ron Paul supporters have known since New Year's Day and BEFORE any REAL voting had even occurred, Ron Paul has raised more money than the rest in the 4th quarter & is spending it! $20 million in the 4th quarter. $3.5 million so far this quarter. And it was all from individual donations averaging less than $100. No PACs. Unlike the others he is beholding to nothing but the Constitution. Yet he has been ignored by the MSM! I wonder why?

The rest, with Richardson and Kucinich out, seem to be talking crazy talk (or did last week, who knows what the Democrats will say next week!) about our military adventures in the Middle East. Military spending is connected to our current economic mess. Additionally, no one else seems to understand the problems with the economy, inflation, and out of control deficit spending. Inflation is going to eat us alive, as it has already started to do so. Do you really believe that the REAL inflation rate last year, the rate that was used by the government for Social Security check increases this month, was 2.3%? Just look at the price of gold up 30% in 2007, now at an all time high and getting higher!

One can not talk about tax cuts without ALSO talking about cutting spending. We have a $9 trillion debt (nearly double since 2000) that must be paid so we can afford Social Security and Medicare. The interest payments will go sky high when we begin to fight inflation with higher Federal Reserve bank rates.

And we must stop inflation or everyone's life savings will go down the tubes, along with the middle class, like what has happened to the middle class in most countries south of our border. And do not forget Universal Health Care, which is coming down the tracks right at us, unless Republicans begin to understand the seriousness of runaway deficits and inflation. And start educating the country. A Democratic President will surely not fight inflation like Volcker and Reagan did!

Please vote Ron Paul and save the country from bankruptcy abroad and at home!

[Karl]

Dear Los Angeles Times, you have been pretty fair on your coverage of Ron Paul. However understand this; Ron Paul is not going away and neither is the money from We the People.
I ask that you be a pioneer in a field censored media and keep expanding your Ron Paul coverage.
Thank You,
Karl
Owner of:
http://www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com/
The most Ron Paul news anywhere

[DenisL]

Andrew,
Thanks.
Great job!
You have scooped the country in reporting the biggest grass roots Presiential campaign success story in US history!
You are a real American in your love for the underdog!
A real patriot.
I could just kiss you!
Thanks again.
Regards,
DenisL
PS
Go Ron Paul!!

[TE]

TODAY IS A MONEY BOMB!
www.RonPaul2008.com

Today is Ron and Carols 51st wedding anniversary!!!!!!!
Please donate $51.00 or more for thier anniversary gift
Thank You!

[dwc]

Thanks for not being a corporate shoeshine boy A.M.! Go Ron Paul!!

[Guesswhotoo6]

The GOP is in a pickle. The GOP NeoCon's are promoting the old guard (one is really old, the other just thinks that way) candidate's both of whom are war mongers and at this point do not have a chance against Obama or HillBill for that matter. The only Republican with any chance of winning against the Democratic anti-war ticket is Ron Paul. Unfortunately for the NeoCon's, Ron Paul will dismantle their empire (saving us trillions back into our pockets). It is unclear if Obama is deeply into the NeoCon thinking, at the moment. But, my guess is that he is easily corrupted. HillBill is well entrenched with the NeoCon's from prior servitude. This could mean a push toward HillBill or a single ticket (where she is in charge of teaching Obama the ropes of power). In any event, when Ron Paul's message is finally exposed to the general public, the Neocon's will send in Bloomberg to split the vote away from Paul, this will ensure the Democratic ticket gets elected. It seems at the moment, the voters are easily confused and moved. Bottom line, we need Ron Paul to clean up the den of snakes in Washington and get us back on a recovery path. Go Ron Paul 2008!

[John AKA highwaytoserfdom]

You can clearly see the mainstream media's bias in coverage.. Thank you LA Times for using your privileges granted under the 1st amendment to report the news.

http://www.google.com/trends?q=Ron+Paul%2C+John+McCain%2CMitt+Romney%2CMike+Huckabee&ctab=0&geo=all&date=ytd&sort=0

[John AKA highwaytoserfdom]

the treatment of main stream media can be seen in the trends listed in the URL Thank you for using your 1st amendment privileges to report news not Bush machine pushing McCain in Florida..

[bryan]

Thanks for reporting this information, This is not a "news shocker" for those of us who support Dr. Paul and are able to find the scraps and crumbs of media coverage he receives. I have been watching the FEC site myself for this info because I had my doubts that Ron Paul's Q4 numbers would be reported at all, most of hive accomplishments aren't. In fact, I saw an AP story (linked) just a few hours ago that listed every 2008 presidential candidate's last quarter numbers, republican and democrat, those still running and those who've dropped out. All of them were listed EXCEPT Ron Paul. When positive things for the Paul campaign occur they are almost always ignored or explained away to downplay their significance.

[Kathie]

It's not surprising to me since I was one of those donaters and have been watching the many donaters' names pass by on his website. Not a shoker at all. The man and his message is LOVED!

[fleiter]

What happens to all of this money when this nutloaf finally goes back to Texas?

[BZ in NH]

Just goes to show you the "MEDIA" selects the president - and the "Sheeple" just go ahead and listen to them.....

[TimM]

As pointed out above - the difference between Paul and McCain is who is donating. Sure McCain will begin to receive funds now that he is the perceived front runner. Follow that money trail and see just who is giving him money. Is it everyday Americans or large corporations that do not want to see the status quo changed?

Me, I'm one of the 100,000 + Americans that have donated to Dr. Paul's campaign. Not because I'm rich, but because I have children, and I care about those children's future. Do I want them to be raised in a country of perpetual warfare and debt? Or a country that is strong, with a strong economy.
Tim M - Missouri -

[MN independent]

Ron Paul will continue to compete - because he has a rock solid platform and a message of freedom. Freedom is popular.

Also, his message will continue far into the future because he has established an extensive grass roots network of young, well-educated voters.

Rock on, Ron!

[Agora]

That's the way to run a country. Balanced budget & smart guy.

[Mark]

Ron Paul is what this country needs.He is the Dr.of Economics,Truth and Liberty!

[Mark D]

Ron Paul has the most cash in hand but the establishment so resists his message he would need to be Ross Perot to get equal time with media established politicians. Part of the problem is the media dismissed his ideas about sound money as kooky instead of taking the time to go to wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:USACPI1800.png
(looks like a bubble getting pumped up to me!)

[Nicole]

Thank you for the article about Ron Paul! He's my hero.

[Blair]

This is not a shocker. 800,000 Online Poker players are boosting him.
Look around at the poker and gambling news sites.

[Maria]

Thanks for a good article. This country is in serious trouble, and the only real answers appear to be coming from Dr. Paul. I have travelled abroad (and lived abroad) and what lies ahead for the US is NOT looking good right now - to the point where my family is seriously considering a move out of the country. It is time for Americans to wake themselves out of their media-induced comas & stop voting for the "lesser of evils" if they want to see change. Vote your CONSCIENCE; this is not a popularity contest people - We need to help make America something to be proud of once again.

[Chad_Underdonk]

There is a true power in people that believe in something.
There is a true power in individuals who are willings to stand up and speak out.
There is a true power in the masses who are willing to put their money where their mouth is to spread the truth.

Dr. Paul, saving America, one mind at a time.

Oh, btw Mr Article Writer Man Sir...Got any info for us on the Democratic funding?