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?

[Angela]

Thanks, Andrew.
Unfortunately, CNN didn't help my candidate much with the last televised debate before the primaries. They weren't fair to Huckabee either. I just can't believe what I have been witnessing. There were 4 men on that stage Americans needed to hear, but we only heard from 2. Exclusion has been Paul's problem, because when people hear him, they get on board. It definitely was intentional, and blatant. Really, really unbelievable.

(Yes, we were live-blogging during that debate and made the very same point. You could see Huckabee throw up his hands at one point. Check out our item on that from
Wednesday night.)
Angela

[Dot]

Thank-you for this refreshing column! It is important that Americans are allowed to see and hear about ALL the candidates without bias. However,the more we Americans are ignored the louder we get!!!!! We the people will not let our rights to be trampled into the ground. Remember our CONSTITUTION! Read it and then you will VOTE FOR RON PAUL !!!!!!

[Sandor Bors]

Of course, this story is reported on a blog and not the print - where the majority of voters get there news. So this only accommodates those that already know his format and are not surprised by the feat. The game plan to marginalize him is slowly losing steam and the message of freedom,peace, and prosperity will be self evident, whether or not the greatest candidate since the days of our founders wins the election or not.

(Au contraire these days as so many have pointed out in these comments. This story will be here forever and thousands have already read it. Had it been in print, it would be lining a parakeet cage by tomorrow morning. Online is the future. That's how you got here. Thanks for reading and hope you check back often.)

[lastnymleft]

We will do anything to get Dr Paul elected. It's that important. The money is just one example of such.

For any that haven't yet, take a good close look at Dr Paul, and LISTEN to what he is saying.

Join us - you will at some point - resistance (to the Truth) is futile.

[dominique heilshorn]

Thank you so much for reporting fairly about Dr. Paul...it is so much better to smell the fresh air of truth and fairness in the media after how the good Dr. was treated in the CNN debate.... as ever their unfair and blatant exclusion of Dr. Paul in the debate was more obvious than ever because there were only FOUR candidates in that stage ....we the people is grateful for this article...thank you so much and God Bless always

[rick traylor]

In any other time period, the story of Ron Paul would have created a daily news story of media interest. No wonder there is so much discussion of bias and conspiracy. I often wonder what ancient Romans were discussing just prior to the fall of their empire.

[Leah]

Great article! Thanks for unbiased reporting on Ron paul, he doesn't get that too often from those in the media. Today's money bomb looks be big - I just donated and please, everyone else, donate today in honor of his 51st wedding anniversary!

[mana]

Great article Andrew....
Thanks much.
Go Ron Paul

[CANADA LOVES RON PAUL!!!!]

There is an ongoing Canadian poll by the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies:

http://policystudies.ca/index.php?option=com_poll&task=results&id=18

It asked, "Who do you think would make a better President for Canada?"

Dr. Ron Paul was favored by 42.9% of the respondents.

None of the other talking heads on loan from the establishment/special interest groups in the USA even came remotely close to Dr. Paul...

So if the GOP is dumb enough not to select this guy, please send him up here to run as our Prime Minister...

[Jose Castillo]

Jim of bentley: Wrong! Ron Paul is someone that everyone trusts, there is not one person who cannot go back and look at his record. The point is that only 1 out of 10 people over the age of 40 knows who he is (~10%). This is mainly due to the lack of latenight and major media coverage.

On top of that from day one he was labeled a 2nd tier. So much for the polls that the mainstream media used to FORCE down our throats Rudy. It's those nice polls that told us that Rudy was the national "frontrunner". Since Paul (not known to most americans) polled low, they never gave him the time of day. And after watching the CNN debate a few days ago, it is clear who the media has anointed Romney and McCain as the only two in the race. Huckabee and Ron was left clear out of the talk (Ron Paul is however used to being left out of most debates, in all debates he has yet to break 10 minutes of total air time, and he is always asked stupid questions like "Are you running for the wrong party"? - There is not a GOP in the race more conservative than he is). Even though Huckabee won Iowa and Ron Paul has come in second in both Nevada and LA! They were still shut out of the talk.

As I go around and canvas for Paul, I hear from people that they like him but will not vote for him because he "has not shot" at winning! The "media" has done their job. Labeling him a "longshot" from day one put in the back of many peoples mind that a vote for Ron Paul will not mean anything. If the media gave all the candidates equal time from the beginning, millions would know who he is. The average person does not follow the political race, we know that from the low turnouts.

I am kind of happy that Ron Paul will not become president. The US does not deserve him. The citizens of the US cannot see that their country is controlled by the few. We go around spreading democracy, yet we here in the US we have the media tell us who to vote for. I guarantee you, if the media ran story after story on Ron and actually covered him, he would have been president. Why? Simple. He is a smart man who understands what this country needs. He was the ONLY ONE who tried to warn us that America was in a recession from the beginning of March '07. He brought this up in debate after debate. Go back and watch the Michigan debates on YouTube, you will see Ron Paul was warning you America, did you listen? No. Romney and McCain just smile and laugh at him. Well America, as your dollar continues to collapse, the only one being made fun of is you.

[Robert Moore]

I would be very surprised to see the MSM do a Feature presentation on Ron Paul's incredible fundraising last quarter. It will be casually mentioned and dismissed. They won't give him the air time and thus his numbers will lag. It goes to show that the Media moguls are tools of the government and industry and will only promote those that are not threatening to the status-quo

[judy]

Yes, we scour the new to get any "cumbs" of info about Ron Paul. Thanks for your report. Even if it is old news.... This story would have been picked up long ago if Romny, McCain, Guiliani, or Huckabee had accomplished this kind of fundraising. Who would Americans pick if they were really aware of the choices? Mainstream media offers the least and most narrow selection of information, yet is where most people get theirs. It's been shocking to watch Ron Paul"s heroic, honest and almost impossible journey. He just wants to remind us that we are supposed to be basing our actions on the Constitution. If we don't like it, we can change it. We should not and cannot ignor it.

[LA Pete]

Nothing shocking at all.

[Randall in Louisiana]

Thank you Mr. Andrew Malcolm!
We Ron Paul campaigners are truly grateful for this excellent article.
Please keep in touch with our progress and report again very soon.
Please consider contacting Congressman Paul for an interview.
God bless you sir!!!

[guy borders md]

yes,

Thank you for being honest and covering this news. My guess is fox(or is it faux) and msnbc and cnn will 'bury it'. But, who knows, maybe they will figure out the irony in that the very candidate that they discriminate against is the only candidate (DEM or REP) that would defend their right to freedom of the speech.

Thank you.

Guy

[Darryl Schmitz]

Hi Andrew,
Well, I do not think it's necessarily a media "conspiracy" as much as it's a combination of other variables like 1) the media's casual overreliance on the major national polls, which tend to create the conditions for the polls to self-fulfill and self-perpetuate their numbers, with the cooperation of 2) laziness on the part of national news media "professionals" who ignobly revere the concept of appealing to the lowest common denominator when assembling their coverage of the news, and 3) lazy, unmotivated voters (this is nothing new, is it?) who say to themselves, "Yeah, we need a real change, but the whole system is crooked, so my vote isn't gonna count anyway," so they stay home while the regular crowd shows up at the polls because of the happy bandwagon effect and a perception that their vote "does" count, and the rest is history.
On this, the day of Ron and Carol Paul's 51st anniversary, one thing that probably will not get reported on nor analyzed by the media is the message that is being sent to the troops by the media's avoidance of Ron Paul, and that is this: "Even though Ron Paul is receiving more campaign donations from active military personnel than any other candidate, we will still not give him coverage, because you - the people putting your lives at risk for this country - are merely 'tools', pawns of the powerbrokers in Washington, and your voices in the process of electing your commander-in-chief are unimportant to us."
What are your thoughts?

[Ricky Beaman]

People who do not support Ron Paul, you should be able to see from this, both the comments and from the money raised, that there is a MASSIVE following for Ron Paul.

Whether you like his ideas or not, you should be at least able to respect that he deserves the same amount of coverage as everybody else. This is for the presidential election, and it's important that EVERYBODY can make an informed decision about all the candidates.

You must ask yourself: why isn't the media giving fair coverage? They'll most likely argue because Ron Paul doesn't stand a chance. But not only do things like this prove otherwise, but it's circular logic. Ron Paul doesn't stand a chance if the media don't cover him! How far would have Mc Cain or Romney gotten without mainstream media support?

Consider these points, and check out Ron Paul's ideas. If you just vote for who you 'like the look of' or who you 'think' will win, then not only are you betraying yourself, but you're also betraying your country and the rest of the world.

[charlotte]

the money WOULD be translated into votes if he wasn't predominately blacked out by the media! people need to hear the truth.

*also note, Ron Paul also came in SECOND in Louisiana.

[Patrick]

Here's an interesting tidbit: A look at the donor data reveals several NEWSCORP employees donated the maximum amount to HIllary Clinton's campaign.

I guess FOX NEWS is trying to balance out their karma...

[Jeff Livingston]

Wow...Why didn't we see this in the PRINT NEWS?!? I mean, a candidate "with no chance" drastically outperforming the "first tier" candidates?!? What a story! What is really going on in this election?...I mean REALLY...inquiring minds want to know. Apparently, the elite don't want us to know. THAT, too, would be a great story, wouldn't it?

With your paper needing cash, a guy would think that you'd put such an amazing feat on the FRONT PAGE OF THE PAPER and incolude a little reporting and investigation about it...if you guys still do that anymore.

Maybe you're so flush with money that the advertising this story could generate is not needed?

Thanks anyway, but here on the blog, you're just speaking to Ron's choir.

Jeff Livingston

[Caldera]

Thanks LA Times for reporting on Paul! Like someone said above, please participate in being a media pioneer with truthful reporting on Dr. Paul. He is America's true hero and answer for the leader we need. Please print articles about him in your paper and spread the word to the good people who do not rely on the internet for political information. RON PAUL 08
http://www.ronpaul08.com/video-network

[federico sixto]

anderson cooper LIED when he told a frustrated RON PAUL and Huckabee to wait ...they will get a chance to comment...INSTEAD ANDERSON COOPER childishly disrespected them...why is he afraid Ron Paul's ideas...that's a REAL DEBATE not a beauty contest between his personal favorite candidates Romney and McCain..

[Chris]

In the Czech Republic they use an hourglass to make sure that the time that each candidate gets to speak during a debate is the same. Here is the link (look at 5:45):

http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/vysilani/10160455654-vaclav-klaus-a-jan-svejnar-u-senatoru-cssd/208411034000023-29.01.2008-13:00.html

[Elaine McLellan]

Thanks for the fair article. Go ron Paul!

[DeniseA]

Jeremy wrote:
"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."

I'm 57 yrs old and never voted in my life until now.
us "older" folks frequent the internet just as much as the young generation and know a good thing when we see it.

GO RON GO!

[George]

Anyone who doesn't see that Ron Paul is treated like a red-headed stepchild that stole something is exactly just a moron.
Why is it that in a so-called democratic process, we don't get to hear equally from each candidate about the issues? Instead we, the voters, are subjected to the two most destructive candidates that the powers that be, and that's not Bush and Cheney, want to be president. That's in either party, although we have been educated enough now that we realize there are NO two parties they are all in one accord.
I'm amazed that the L.A. Times even mention Ron Paul, although they even put their snubbed remarks in places they need not be. Why don't they print about Clinton being a member of the Bilderberg Group, or that all candidates on the stage, with the exception of Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee are ALL members of the Council for Foreign Relations?
Ron Paul has the only answer to the problems of our nation, although the others know they will never speak of it, and that's the pure unadulterated FACT that the Federal Reserve must be abolished. We, as a nation, will never control our destiny, our government, our economy, and most of all our FUTURE, until we control our currency.
Would you allow someone in England to have full control of your money, being unaccountable to you, and gives you your money with immediate interest attached to it? That's the short short version but still the fact. Ron Paul is the only candidate that speaks of the REAL issues as why we have recessions, inflation, over spending, a 9.2 trillion dollar debt, and we have sent our military all over the world to improve the profiting of a hand full of elitists that would eliminate you as soon as look at you. Until we Americans realize that until we, Americans, are in control of our own currency, and NOT International Private Bankers, we will always be at the mercy of what they want to do.
There's a much larger picture here folks, forget about the politics, it's only entertainment.
We were sold out by Woodrow Wilson in 1913 with the signing of the 13th Amendment, and until it's repealed we stand NO chance of a better life, only the life that the ones who control our currency ever allow us, nothing more.
There are only two problems with our government and our nation, and that's the Federal Reserve Bank (a private bank of international bankers and international interests), and the IRS (International Racketeering Scums) who are in essence their collection agency. Yet, NO candidate will even imagine speaking of this except RON PAUL !!!! And you wonder why the media is snubbing him? If we repealed the 13th Amendment, it would end the reign of corporate and bank and government fleecing of the American taxpayers, and they would have to play by the Rules of the Constitution, and they aren't having that. What would a politician do if he could only spend what he bought in? I think they'd quit the job.
Please America, get educated to the facts of why we are where we're at with our economy, our government, all the corruption, and you'll realize too that it all started with the signing of the 13th Amendment, which even in itself has questionable validity. Let's band together and take back the control of our currency.

[Tom]

People vote with their pocketbooks. But they don't vote with their vote?????

Is that the message here? People contribute to a candidate. Canvass for him, post signs, talk about him but when the time comes they don't get out and vote for him. Sounds logical to me; how about you?

The war is unpopular but John McCain is the frontrunner. Sounds logical.

How long before the words "election fraud" start to get traction in the CNN and FOX newsrooms? I'm just watching the board and something doesn't make sense. Maybe Bill O"Reilly or some smart person like that can explain this obvious disconnect we are witnessing.

Did Ron Paul get 77% in the online poll after the Ronald Reagan Simi Valley debate?

Did Ron Paul get 77% of the vote in the computer poll or did I just hallucinate that?

[john]

The tight media grip is UN-AMERICAN and the media blackout by LA Times, CNN, FOX, and just about EVERY major media outlet has just confirmed to me we don't live in a free country. We are slaves to the creditors that control EVERYTHING! The not only control our money and labor, but our thoughts. They steal our wealth and tell us who to vote for. You need to wake up Andrew and realize that this once great nation is no longer great, and freedom no longer exists in America. The very people you work for are traitors to the republic. Ron Paul supporters are REAL American heros in the country. The supporters are ridiculed, ignored, slandered, yet we go on...because unlike the majority of the weak, cowardly, spineless, population, Ron Paul's campaign courageously takes on the establishment. I'm sick of it...I spit on all the editors of the media...get the tar and feathers! The American people are so dumb; while we all recognize who and why to all of our problems stem from and trying to solve it peacefully, the media treats Rep Dr. Ron Paul and his supporters like dirt. I was born 1975 and now know what the soldiers feel like coming home from Vietnam. This is not the America I know; once the dollar crashes, all you people can remember who tried to warn you. When our own government brings more tyranny down to it's own people, you can remember Ron Paul's message and ask yourself what you did to stop it. I know one thing, I refuse to live like a coward...I will never succumb to this system of control and will always find ways to stop it.

[Dixon]

Good article. I just noticed Fake(fox) News posted these results and failed to put Ron Paul in the list.
Good reporting L A Times. People can see how large a group we are, and how commited we are to the cause of America and its Constitution. I'm poor and I plan to max out my $2,300 limit. I make $ 20,000 a year so that's a big chunk of my wages, but this is the most important thing I've ever been involved in.
God bless

[Gordon Kahan]

You can look at Paul's "lack of success" in the primaries and caucuses in two ways: either he has tons of support (as demonstrated by contributions received) but those people somehow don't bother to support him at the polls OR there is something Terribly Wrong with our supposed democracy, in that all this fervent is being suppressed by an anti-democratic two party system. Paul may belong to the Republican party but he doesn't represent what the Republican party is today: corporate/fascist, dedicated to the destruction of the Bill of Rights. Considering the strangle-hold the small corporate elite has on the media, as well as both political parties (Republican and Democrat) I think Paul's best bet is to stay in the race and continue making Romney and McCain look completely out of touch at the debates. Then, once he gets the inevitable snub from the Republican Convention he should go out and scare the $@#^ out the of the establishment by running as an Independent, where I feel he has a legitimate shot, providing we can somehow manage to get vote fraud under control (which isn't likely) Bottom line: our democracy is under attack! From rigged parties to non-independent media to felons running computerized vote stealing machines our individual rights are eroding faster than the dollar. I'm a former life-long Democrat who has give to Paul just to have the pleasure of having my opinions voiced by the only person left in the presidential race with any sense.

[number9]

not a smackdown, but why not at least be complete in your reporting?

mr. paul exceeded the efforts of the "smartest woman in the world" - yes, the one who, 35 years ago went to bat for "the" children - because her attempt to enter washington d.c. politics was turned back - by failing to pass the bar exam.

anyhoo, ms. clinton used her senate stash of cash, oh, around 'bouts 10mil or so, to boost her Q4 intake. it is after all, a race of perceptions...
-------

http://zeromotivation.com/why_they_attacked_us.html

[George]

I keep attempting to put comments on here about abolishing the Federal Reserve and the Criminal Organization affiliated with it, the IRS. But it never posts!!
How big is this political and monetary criminal organization of elitists?
They not only control our money, but all the news, the newspapers, the government, the judges, damn......all this because we signed the 13th Amendment and let the Fox guard the hen house.
Please stop talking about politics it sucks you in just like TV!!
There are no politics, just manipulation of what you should believe.
It's abolish the Federal Reserve and send that evil Rockefeller back to hell, or NOTHING changes!!

Nothing else should even to talked about, it's what's killing our nation, our health care, our education, yet we still blog away at this political non sense..

If you want to fill a blog, talk about abolishing the Federal Reserve and the IRS. Make a difference in what you say....wake people up. Will it take your pension plan to disappear, your savings accounts to be wiped out, your house to be foreclosed on, your car repossessed, these people will not stop until they have destroyed American, if not by design, then by ignorance, or by sheer evil doings.

We can stop them by abolishing the Federal Reserve and controlling our own currency. Since when (well 1913) did we accept the fact that an American can't handle our currency?

No wonder most the world thinks we're idiots!

[Aaron]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING A LIL' RESPECT!!!

[robbie]

Ok, let me get this straight. The country is in an economic crisis and in need of a leader who understands the root cause of this crisis and has a good plan. The candidates who are running get money for their campaigns from different sources (income) and they spend that income, telling people their plan for the country. At quarter end, their books are examined and only one candidate shows a surplus, with consistent growth from quarter to quarter. All the other candidates are using their own savings, borrowing on future prospective income revenue or running a deficit.

Like my Blessed Mother use to say...watch what they do, not what they say. My choice, based on the countries needs and the facts presented, is Ron Paul.

[Martin]

Ron Paul is Soy Bomb . . . . .

But then again isn't all art Soy Bomb?

[federico sixto]

ANDERSON COOPER is a lier and extremely rude he falsely promises to Ron Paul and Huckabee that they will get plenty of time to answer questions THEN renegs and just either cuts RON PAUL off in the middle of his answer or totally ignores him...WHO is PAYING him(Anderson Cooper) to steer this election process!?

[Jackie Lange]

All that money is great but it is not translating in to VOTES.

The winner is the person with the most votes, not the person who raised the most money.

I support Ron Paul. I want to know why his financial supporters are not showing up at the voting booths. I want to know what is he spending the money on to get votes - because it sure is not working.

We NEED Ron Paul!! He is the only one who can clean up the MESS in DC. But money alone won't get him to the White House. VOTE Ron Paul!

[Jake]

Andrew,

Thank you for writing a fair, balanced article on Dr. Paul. You've restored my faith in journalism. I'll be pitching in my $51 today for Dr. Paul and his wife Carol's 51st anniversary.

[Bruno]

This article is typical of Ron Paul's campaign....it's not written in the actual LA Times Newspaper, just online. All of Ron's support and information about him is only online. The MainStreamMedia doesn't allow him but a few minutes a week of airtime and that's including the debates...Does he have Romney's looks? No. Does he speak as articulately as Romney? No. Are his ideas and message better than Romney's? Yes.

[Greg]

Not only diod Ron Paul raise more money, but he spent less than he raised. GEE I wander who the true fiscal conservitive is? It clear that everone else believe in deficit spending. Actions speak louder than words

[Paul]

Thank you for a fair article - All other sources (esp. aol, fox, and msnbc) seem very biased. Thanks for reporting the news.

[DeeDee in Fl]

Thank you Andrew! Ron Paul is the only voice of reason in the Republican party. Please continue to write articles on his progress! CA check him out at RonPaul2008.com!! Vote Ron Paul on super Tuesday, vote for Freedom!! And, vote for the only Republican that has any chance of beating the democrats. I will not be a sheep and blindly support the Republican party, both Hillary and Obama look better to me then the rest of the war mongers. VOTE RON PAUL!

[Drew]

Want a reason to support Ron Paul? How about his stance that the IRS should be abolished?

Here is a brief (non-comprehensive) list of taxes we pay that did not exist 100 years ago. Around the same period of time that we were the most prosperous nation in the world, we had the largest middle class in the world and families could live more than comfortably on a single source of income:

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

[b]If the IRS were eliminated and the Federal Income Tax was abolished, the US would have about the same revenue as it did in the year 2000. Coupled with reduced foreign aid and foreign military operations, the US would still operate with a budget surplus larger than any living American has ever seen.

[James]

I missed the first thirty minutes or so of the most recent republican debate, but during the part that I did see, I kept a tally of the number of questions each candidate had. Mr. McCain had 12 questions, Mr. Romney had 11, Mr. Huckabee had 7, Ron Paul had 4. So, I think these arguments about media bias against Ron Paul are something to be considered.

[Atley Jackson]

Thank you for this example of true journalism. It would seem that there are a few people out there who still have integrity and know how to do the right thing.

To all you Anti-Ron Paul people. I am a Ron Paul supporter; however, even after admitting that I constantly update myself on the progress and stances of all candidates in case my mind were to chance. This is what the average voter needs to do. I ask you to research Ron Paul. The reason his supporters seem so loud is because we believe our candidate is the only candidate that will bring the US back to its feet.

[Jenna]

Not only has Ron Paul raise the most, but he appears to be the only candidate that has demonstrated Fiscal Responsibility with those funds. Think about this.... the other candidates have reported negative spending numbers....they're in the hole folks. Could it be, that their campaign spending habits are a precurser to how they would handle our countrys purse strings?

I for one, am beyond fed up with growing national debt, irresponsible spending, and devaluation of the American dollar.

[Thomas A. O'Brien]

Andrew,

Thank you once again for the objective summary regarding Ron Paul 2008! The other candidates were mum about their funding throughout the entire quarter and we all suspected why - now it is confirmed. Some pretty bad ink for most!

it would appear that many uninformed Americans had cast their primary votes for "fringe" candidates and literary -threw their money away! I hope people realize that these same candidates are displaying their acute "economic" talents right before our eyes. The only candidate that is flush and has any money to visit or advertise in the vast Super Tuesday states is Ron Paul!

Ron Pal hasn't had to sell his soul to lobbyists, corporate bundling or the military industrial complex - one wonders just how many "promises" the other candidates have had to make just to get bus fare and a coke and some fries?

Best wishes to you!

[James]

I missed the first thirty minutes or so of the most recent republican debate, but during the part that I did see, I kept a tally of the number of questions each candidate had. Mr. McCain had 12 questions, Mr. Romney had 11, Mr. Huckabee had 7, Ron Paul had 4. So, I think these arguments about media bias against Ron Paul are something to be considered.

[job]

Don't let the POWER ELITE get you discouraged, everyone should estimate the cost (i.e. time, energy, unpopularity, hunger, et. al.) and continue undaunted, to be counted among the brave! WE must take back ownership of the government and our country. Persevere, encouraged and strengthened by truth! Be glad that you are awake and not asleep to the truth. (even though being awakened is frightening). Be thankful and undetered in resolve. We are fighting for our and our children's freedom!
Ron Paul is my hero!
Job

[Bobby]

"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."

Word has gotten out, through the Internet. A vast majority of his coverage is coming from blogs like this, and other Internet media outlets. Traditional media is blacking him out.

It's not necessarily an overt "conspiracy", it may just be group think. Whatever it is, its real. Ron Paul bested Rudy Giuliani in most of the early primaries. Despite this, traditional media neglected to mention Paul in coverage that did mention Giuliani. You mentioned him being denied spots in debates, what about MSNBC's debate right before the Florida primaries? Paul wins more primaries than Giuliani, and gets half the speaking time during the debates:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/24/607248.aspx

There are many, many more examples like this. And it is unbelievably frustrating. I canvassed for Paul right before the NH primary, speaking to people who indicated an interest in him. About 1/4 of the people I spoke to said they liked his platform best but, "has no chance". In a race with no clear front runner, where every percentage point was crucial, it was absolutely devastating to his campaign.

[Jill Coppock]

Thank you for writing and posting this article of Ron Paul's fundraising success. Please print it in your paper!! We are excited to see what will become of all this. Is it any wonder why we love him? He is different on almost everything than the policitians who are running against him. Let freedom ring!

[art]

Wowee, another worthless BLOG post. Maybe this time almost 150 people will read it. Thanks for the crumbs.

Meanwhile, in the real, big-boy media world, the worthless MSM breathlessly covers a druggie actors death and still only reports on those candidates they deem frontrunners, while ignoring anybody else thus selecting our leaders for us).

[Phil]

Ron Paul Dues Ex Machina!

[Abe C.]

Thank you for this excellent post, Mr. Malcolm. Ron Paul's campaign is moving forward and we'll be in this thing all the way to St. Paul.

RON PAUL 2008!

[Joseph]

I would really have liked this article a little more if it didn't have the sarcastic tone about. "obviously word has gotten out to somebody for him to raise such sums". We are the somebodies "the people". We heard about Ron Paul from each other and the Internet and not from the MSM. The message is getting out. This week I have turned on at least 10 people on to Ron Paul and his platform. That is how word has gotten out by and the week isn't over yet.

[Jeffrey]

Fairness in media- acknowledged and appreciated LA Times!
That's all any of us have asked in the coverage of this race.
I'm sure even the most cynical of Paul supporters have been suprised how blatent the bias against this one candidate has been.
Thank you again!

[Jaynee]

Great article, but I must ask, why are these always in the blogs and NOT in the hard copies?

[Josh]

To clarify, he raised this money with donations and in most instances the average donatation was between $50-$75 per donor. Unlike Romney who uses his own money this shows that their is genuine support and the support that he receives does turn into votes. Unfortunately, what this also shows is that the supporters he has are very serious and vote and donate but the numbers only reflect between 5-10% of Americans. This is where the blackout of media plays its role. Those that become supporters become serious supporters but if his message is restrained it limits the outreach. Therefore, you have people that still have never heard of him and right now these people think they only have two choices between McCain and Romney. It cannot be denied that there is unfair treatment of Ron Paul in the media and soon Huckabee will feel the same as he did in the last debate. Sorry Huckabee but you just joined Ron Paul as being written off. The only way we can counter this persuasive media coverage is to spread the word that there are still four candidates and not two in the GOP.

[H]

I think if Ron Paul had gotten a little more attention from the mainstream media he'd have done better at the polls. He was dismissed outright as a lunatic fringer by the MSM, but he has some valid ideas.

While I am not a supporter he did pose some very refreshing views that no other candidate would ever mention, but that made me stop and think. Why, just as an example, are taxpayers footing the bill for keeping US troops in Germany, Korea and Japan some 55 YEARS or more after the conflicts ended? Our government is bankrupt and yet we keep spending--which devalues the dollar--he's the only candidate that has pointed that out again and again, and people responded to him, hearing what they know to be true. I wish his best ideas had gotten more play, if not his candidacy, for the sake of democracy.

[Tonya]

Thank you for mentioning www.ronpaul2008.com ! McCain, Romney, and Huckabee won't be able to beat Hillary. But with Ron Paul's anti-war message, we will be able to swing a lot of Independents while keeping true to our Conservative Republican values. Thank you again and I'd like to hear more about Republican Ron Paul.

[Fed Up]

Andrew Malcolm , nice story and so refreshing to hear the truth!

For those who want more of the truth, please read my blog: The Ron Paul rEVOLution, Super Tuesday and "The Message!" - as it really is about "The Message!"

Just click on my name "Fed Up" - you might just learn a little bit about the Federal Reserve and inflation!

Peace!

[Bob Brereton]

Thank you very much for giving some coverage of Ron Paul. The corporate media has been not only unfair to a man that is a viable candidate, they have actually been on a witch hunt to try to undermine his campaign.
Thanks again and GO RON PAUL.

[t quigly]

With InsaneMcCain being pushed by the MSM as faux frontrunner, people are freaked at the specter of this mumbling, stumbling warmonger Neocon toady (who also admits he knows Nothing about economics - during our economic crisis) as prez.
For weeks, the Ron Paul campaign averaged $2,000 - $3,000 per hour. But during George's SOTU, hourly donations shot up to $10,000 per hour for 3 hours !! (Bush as Ron Paul's star fundraiser?) Afterwards it leveled off to $7,000/hour. Today, 2/1, 11 hrs into the Ron&Carol Paul 51st-Anniversary Lovebomb, it's at $31,000/hr with 3,800 donors (over 500 new donors).
No, the 4th quarter (& 1st quarter 2008) totals are a 'shocker' only to the MSM who have deliberately blinded themselves to the Ron Paul rEVOLution. To them, we send this message: 'Your old road is rapidly fadin'. Get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand, For the times they are a changin'.'
RonPaulForPresident2008.com is a great site for info - educate yourself !!

[Kelle]

I just caught a Huckabee ad where he is now claiming that HE wants to abolish the IRS...
in bold print! How is it a crazy concept one minute, and adopted as mainstream the next?
I guess it's true what they say...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery :)

[Douglas Ward]

The CNN/LA TIMES "debate" was a sham. There are powerful forces working to prevent voters from considering Ron Paul. This "debate" proved that, when Ron Paul was ignored or if he did get a question was cut off while he was speaking. The finances of this Country are in big trouble and the only candidate who would try to straighten it out is being is not given a fair chance to win. Very sad.

[lester]

thank yuo for reporting the simly fact of Ron Pauls fundraising. something the Boston Globe was not able to do for some reason, though they included candidates who are not even running anymore. They also misreported that Fred Thompson beat Ron Paul by 2 % points when it was the other way around in Michigan. But there's no press conspiracy against this candidate

[Martin Zea]

I agree that it really is no suprise. Ron Paul supporters comprise the majority of the United States. Ron Paul's campaign has been entirely a function of the internet ,with the lack of corporate (minority) controlled media coverage (When is the last time an 18-30 year old watched the news?). In 2003 62% of America was reported to have access to the Internet. What do you think it is today? Do you really believe the internet does not represent the voice of the people?

www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/p23-208.pdf

[Ken]

Why is this a shocker? Ron Paul's web site and his supporters have been very vocal and transparent about the money coming in.

The Ron Paul needs all of this money because he's not getting all of the FREE coverage from the main stream media (TV news and newspapers). Ron Paul is not trying to BUY the Presidency, like Romney...rather he is not getting that free exposure to the non-thinking TV watchers and the size of Ron Paul's contributions shows his grassroots support is very large, none of the other GOP candidates have such grassroots support...but lacking the TV and newspaper propaganda the candidates media has deemed are front runners...we are having to have Ron Paul run and fly all over the country to speak at events (he's amazingly in shape for his age and in better shape than most 55 year olds), and we as grassroots supporters are having to bypass the TV and newspapers by using the internet and talking to our neighbors. This takes a lot more effort than the efforts behind those like Romney and McCain who essentially sit back while the media continuously focus on them, such that if TV is where you get your information from...you'd never know Ron Paul exists.

New people, such as Tucker Carlson, have been threatened with being fired if they talk about Ron Paul. Conspiracy? You tell me.

[Derek Williams]

Andrew,
You rock. Keep up the good work.
"...IT DOES NOT REQUIRE A MAJORITY TO PREVAIL, BUT RATHER AN IRATE, TIRELESS MINORITY KEEN TO SET BRUSH FIRES IN PEOPLE'S MINDS.." --Samuel Adams

VOTE RON PAUL

[mistermr]

Good women and men of Los Angeles, I write to you from the cold midwest. It appears that MSNBC presented polling results for a question phrased something like "who is the most conservative republican candidate?" and cite it as a USA Today/Gallop poll. Now the results were posted as McCain 37%, Romney 22% and Huckabee 17%. Those percentages add up to 76% leaving an unexplained 24% as the fourth amount. Ron Paul is the fourth contender for the GOP nomination. Do you folks out in Los Angeles have an explanation for this.

[TTexas]

On November 5, 2008, the Drudge headline will be:

"Bloggers WIN Media LOSES!"

[DABIGRAGI]

Andrew: I take back what I said the other day, I will now be reading your column again, thank you for the fair overview.
You have proven to me, by this article, you can't be bought, doesn't it feel good!

[K. Priscilla Jones]

When can we see this as a headline on the front page of the L.A. Times? If I hadn't stumbled upon your great blog, I wouldn't have known that my small but frequent donations to Ron Paul's campaign helped him to beat out the entire pot of RINO Soup a la GOP. Ron Paul is the only real choice we have. The others are more of the same, regardless of their party.

[Ken Moffett]

Ron Paul is running a very smart campaign. and a fiscally responsible one too. All others mentioned in your article are running deficits, especially Romney. Ron is still in the race and continues to build momentum. He may raise $15 million or more in in quarter one. Additionally he will over time become a household word and his intelligence and integrity will continue to shine as a light in the political world. And even if he does not win this time, he is laying th groundwork for a much stronger bid in 2012. By that time if America contnues it present profligate ways, the problems, economic, political, social and military will only be seriously aggrevated.

[Linda]

I am sure Huckabee supporters are now getting a "taste" of what Ron Paul supporters have been dealing with since day one. Not a good feeling, no matter who your candidate is. So many media outlets have let the American people down and condinue to do so.

Thank you for your article.
48 yr old RP voter

[Dale Pettit]

This is only a shocker to those shackled to the Major Media. The online supporters of Ron Paul expect even greater amounts of donations this quarter. The next three days are critical in sending a message of consolidation by long time and first time supporters. This "money message" must be sent NOW before Super Tuesday so that those crippled by blank minds can see the REVOLUTION in Action. So they can overcome their personal fear of "freedom and liberty". Give them courage to reject herd mentality and to finally vote for the right message, not for personalities, rock stars and more of the same "Change agents" of the past. Money donations and boots (or running shoes) in the voting booth will highlight this revolution and return us (U.S.A.) to the consititution! Donate all you can today! Vote Ron Paul!

[Susan]

Thnak-you, thank-you, thank-you for finally reporting on what we already know: Ron Paul is a WINNER!!

[Thomas]

Thanks for this clear update.

Reading the article, I noticed that Ron Paul not only brought in the most cash in the last quarter, but ended the year with the most money. (And he did even have to "borrow" as Romney did.)

As I read this midday, the Feb 1 money bomb seems headed to a cool million. I hope that swings to 3 or 4 million. If the campaign spent $17M last quarter, it will need at least $8M a month this year. Ron and Carol are generous and caring in their personal lives, and have reached out to others as a couple, so today's money bomb is quite appropriate. Carol is a strong believer in the message of freedom and has been an encouragement to Paul.

[Sam]

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE ALL THE WAY FOR RON PAUL.

check out another good article at http://www.suburbianews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=580&Itemid=1

or go to www.suburbianews.com "the man teh media wont cover" dont know who suburbia news is but they are dead on!!!!!!!!

[Andy in B-more]

Andrew, thanks for the info. I like your "nothing but the facts" approach.

What is most telling about the numbers is how the other 4 candidates OVER-SPENT their money, and ended up with a deficit for the quarter. If this is how they manage their own budgets, then how they will manage the country's?

Apparently there is only 1 conservative in this race.

Happy Anniversary Ron and Carol !!

[Crystal]

Finally some fair news regarding Ron Paul. This is actually the type of news we Americans deserve to see regardless of if we support Ron Paul. I think Americans should be able to see all sides and then make their own decision as to what they think. Isn't this one of the reasons why we founded America in the first place?

[cephyn]

Congratulations Ron Paul supporters on showing the power of the common people. But you should be asking yourself....WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING? I haven't seen any Ron Paul commercials. I haven't seen him paying for any rallies. I don't see him paying a staff or campaign people. Where's the money going? How is it being spent? That's something you need to address with Mr. Paul. He has a ton of money and no one seems to know what he's doing with it. What he's NOT doing with it is winning delegates or votes. He has the money to fight the media, which all Paul supporters denounce - but he has yet to do so.

[Doug D]

McCain's fundraising was actually down in Huckabee territory. McCain received only $6.8 million in campaign contributions -- the rest was a loan.

The media bias HAS kept Ron Paul's poll numbers and vote totals down, by treating him as a fringe long shot when he was in fact the candidate with the most actual, active supporters. The holy grail poll numbers are almost entirely meaningless -- as we are finding out, most voters don't make up their minds until just a few weeks or days or hours before they vote. Yet those meaningless poll numbers are used to determine how seriously the media treats a candidate, which determines how seriously many voters take that candidate.

[MC]

"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."

I google (and otherwise find) news for Ron Paul everyday and the only mainstream media outlets that cover him are trying to run smears.

Yet, here you are, in the BLOG of the LATimes, spouting about the folower's conspiracy - why aren't your articles printed or published, (or whatever semantics you want to use) to explain why this can only be found in a blog?

The people are finding out. The message is clear, and I think word of mouth is Dr. Paul's best asset.
Paulunteers: keep up the great work. It's a game of inches, and the canvassing is working.

[grayListed2]

Article is blah.. meh, if you will. Im glad that there is an article period, but that statement about "his supporters maintain that there is a media blackout", he very subtly snuck in a jab. Like we are all conspiracy addicts making up things with our fantastical minds.. yeah lets go eat celery flavored yogurt after this so we can continue to teleport at will.. There is a severely evident black out from the msm. In 2007, John Mccain's name was mentioned 97,000 times on air. Our man Ron Paul, mentioned 4,500. Thats just the tip...

[billychuck]

Great to see this on the blog, but I doubt it will make it's way into the print edition. Hopefully the L.A. Times will prove me wrong, and actually give Ron Paul some positive coverage that is not relegated to the internet.

(See answer below. So many of you have noted that the newspaper business is dying, who would care about getting an article in a daily newspaper that will be trashed by tonight, when you can get an item like this that will live on for a very long time and reach many more thousands of readers than one newspaper article? This is the new way. I thought you were used to that.)

[Tammy]

Wonder if the LA Times included this in the main paper.

(Nope. As so many of you point out, that's the "dying msm." Who cares about that? This is online where thousands more will see it and it won't be thrown away tomorrow.)

[Mom in Ohio]

Thanks, Mr. Malcolm, for not ignoring Ron Paul or his supporters. You offer a nice alternative to the writers who insist we're all wackos. Well, I might actually be a bit of a wacko, but we don't have enough time to discuss that, trust me!! ;=) I told you before I might like you enough to invite you to dinner at our house. It's an official invitation now, should you venture to our current wintery white out!

[Elle]

Love you, Andrew Malcolm. Thanks for not being a part of the Ron Paul media blackout. You are a true patriot!

[Gene]

Highest fundraising and a concerted media blackout. What does that say about the State of the Union?

[Charlotte]

Thank you all in support of Ron Paul's cause!!

As I see it the only real differences between Clinton, Obama, Romney, and McCain are:

Clinton is a woman; Obama is black; Romney is Mormon; and, McCain is an old soldier desiring to fight once again.

Ron Paul sincerely wants America to have the opportunity to execute the freedoms the Constitution states.

AND..... I do not have enough time nor the patience to dwell on the mainstream's outlandish behavior!!

[sean truitt]

everyone who is concerned about the economy needs to check out david walker, comptroller general of the us gao.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KjZBOCAgR64 he lays it out and it is scary.

[Ktown]

Thank you for writing this unbiased blog entry LA Times.

Could you please get this piece into print?

[Alanna]

They all spent more than they brought in? Not good sense, unless you like debt. I trust Ron Paul to balance the checkbook. :-)

[TH]

It's no suprise at all, and if the Diebold machines would stop switching votes for Paul to McCain you would see who is really winning.

[TH]

It's no suprise at all, and if the Diebold machines would stop switching votes for Paul to McCain you would see who is really winning.

[scott]

Good blog now put it on the front page of the newspaper

[Nicv21]

I agree, this is no shocker to people who are aware of the way the Corporate News Networks have marginalized the man and his message. We the People need to start a campaign to hit them where it hurts, in their profits!!!!

Boycott all the media who deprive you of your rights to the free press. If anyone disbelieves the situation, just read Creature from Jekyll Island and see for yourself how long the machinations have been going on!!

[Darin]

Thanks Mr. Malcolm for covering Dr. Paul once again. What Dr. Paul stands for is immensely important and even though the forces against him and the movement are too strong at present to allow for his presidency, the tide is turning. Dr. Paul is educating people on economics, foreign policy, how to be truly free and the Constitution. The population has been remarkably dumbed down by our current education system that renders critical thinking skills obsolete and a media conglomeration that ensnarls the mind in trivial redundancies. It's difficult to transcend these systems that create an intellectual vacuum. Let's not forget all the tricks the political controllers have at their disposal (see Louisiana caucus and debates). Many of us see the financial games the Federal Reserve plays and the direction this country is headed economically, educationally, politically and morally. We may be dumbed down, but we are not down for the count. We keep getting back up with a every blow to our liberties, pocket books and sense of right and wrong. Dr. Paul is a only a harbinger of things to come. The human spirit is too strong. The fake, professional wrestling style, debates between the Tweedle Dees and Tweedle Dumbs are fooling less and less people. Dr. Paul speaks the truth and in the end the truth always wins out.

[parke]

"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."

Im just an average guy thats done my homework. In the SC debate in May, Rudy scoffed at Paul, saying 'As a surivivor of 9/11, to say we were attacked because we were bombing Iraq, Ive never heard that before...' Right then Ron Paul got my vote and Rudy lost my support. I read the 9/11 commission report. I also had studied up on Chalmers Johnson and Micheal Schurer and knew Paul was correct.

Since that time, Ive witnessed the MSM treat the best man running like a red headed step child. The only issue Republicans have with him is his stance on Iraq... Its amazing that the peace candidate is always vilified. Ill never trust the MSM again. After all that I have witnessed since May, I have learned what Thomas Jefferson knew all along, the only people to trust in the media are the advertisers.

(Au contraire these days as so many have pointed out in these comments. This story will be here forever and thousands have already read it. Had it been in print, it would be lining a parakeet cage by tomorrow morning. Online is the future. That's how you got here. Thanks for reading and hope you check back often.)

Uhhhhh... nice try. Anyone online can find this. The older couple on a fixed income will probably never hear of Ron Paul because they dont use the internet. So kudos for posting it online, that doesnt make the 'blackout' of Ron Paul in traditional media any better.

[HAPPY]

AND WE WILL BE CANVASING ALL OVER APRIL 26th with BikeRonPaul.com

[r.r.]

Does anyone really wonder why Ron Paul gets ignored.Look who owns most of all the MSM be it TV,Radio,or print.When Ron Paul becomes President more than likely there will be no more money heading Israel's way and they can't have that.The only canidates that get coverage are the one that don't upset the neocon's power and that cater to Israel be they Rep's or Dem's.Election Laws need to change so that no corporate,lobby or personal monies go to a canidate.If the person running for office is worth his/her salt thier message will get out and the people will back and fund them.Any TV,Radio or Print Media on a canidate running should be balanced to favor no one.Egual time and print coverage and let the people pick thier man/woman.Ron Paul's Plan might not be perfect but it's far better than any other out there.Yes the Federal Reserve needs to be thrown out. It was created and passed falsely.It benefits only the Bankers.Does one need to wonder why J.F.K was assassinated when Kennedy signed Executive Order No. 11110 that returned to the U.S. government the power to issue currency, without going through the Federal Reserve and five months later, no more silver certificates were issued. Ok i guess i'm done and will be giving my vote to Ron Paul !!!

[Roger]

Andrew Malcolm-

Did you see the last CNN GOP debate? if so, did you notices how bad Mr. Cooper handle it? it is a shame! one were under the idea that those tricks were done by FOX news, MSNBC or ABC but I guess it is a virus which tells the American people that there is this thing.. an invisible hand pulling strings to all of them. ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME and THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.
But hey they are playing with fire. There is a phrase and goes like this:
** You can steal my money $1 at a time…..but when you take my wallet at once …..I’ll notice and fight back **
Dr. Ron Paul.. your message has reach all of us who are not sheep!

[Vickie]

The article is good, yet it does downplay the reality of msm exclusion. And while it is true that on line is forever..versus paper, my in-laws and all their friends in the complex have no computer and get their information from the tube or printed information, therefore are completely anware of Paul's existence, let alone plataform. The majority of the older voting population does not get their information from the internet. Therefore the vehicle that it gets used ( in printing, even if tomorow lays on a parakeet cage tomorow morning) does matter.....Even though the message is good, you are preaching to the converted...I am sure you are aware of it...

A "news shocker" and yet the news is relegated to a blog? Why not put this where most new shockers go? On the front page of your paper! How ironic to print in the same story that we "determined followers maintain that there's a news conspiracy holding down his success."

Regardless -- as you know we "determined followers" always appreciate seeing ANY coverage of the man we believe is best suited to guide our country through the increasingly-treacherous financial crisis our country is facing -- so thank you, Andrew, for another amusing and informative story.

By the way, I'm sure that the people living in the tent cities popping up around California and across America wo