Ron Paul's fund-raising fades as reality sinks into followers

The political fund-raising of Rep. Ron Paul, which dominated the Republican presidential field as recently as December, is fading fast, apparently as his loyal followers' enthusiasm reflects the looming numerical reality of his long-shot campaign.

Paul filed his campaign's required financial reports with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend and said he raised a mere $123,523 in the entire month of March.

The same month, he disbursed nearly five times that much, including $3.90 to a Burger King in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and $72.08 to Chuck's Donuts in Renton, Wash., when the 72-year-old OB/GYN must have really had a sweet tooth.

Reports for other Republican candidates are below.

Paul's numbers are a far cry from the fourth quarter of 2007, when the 10-term Libertarian-like Texas representative received nearly $20 million from his fervent followers, 803,000 of whom cast Paul ballots in various primaries. Despite doing better in some places than far-better known GOP White House wannabes, Paul won only a...

handful of delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minnesota in September.

He -- and they -- will try to make the Ron Paul Revolution's points there, that the party has lost its conservative way and now stands for big government and foreign military intervention.

He's been hitting these same themes at sporadic campaign appearances around the country in recent weeks tied to promoting his new book. He remains on the ballot for Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary.

Paul's financial report, true to his conservative stance, shows he carries no campaign debt. He still has nearly $5.1 million in the bank from the $34.3 million he raised in the last year. He has frequently rejected a third-party run for the White House and said he intends to use the money in a long-term effort to change the GOP from within.

He has also said he will not be endorsing Sen. John McCain, who may or may not have been listening.

According to other Paul money details uncovered by The Times' intrepid Dan Morain, Paul paid off a bunch of conservative bills, including $5.35 to a Wal-Mart in Huntington, W. Va., and several expenses to In-N-Out Burgers, including two at the store in Sparks, Nev., on Jan. 20.

In other Republican money news, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, once the prohibitive GOP front-runner, reported raising a total of $64.9 million in his failed campaign and still has $3.4 million in debts. Last month he refunded nearly $3 million in general election donations.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee reported raising nearly $3 million in March for a campaign total of $15.9 million. He's still got $643,760 in cash and debts of only $36,002.

By the way, latimes.com has assembled campaign photo galleries for all these former candidates -- Huckabee's is here, Paul's is here and Giuliani's is here. Picture collections for other candidates of both parties are also available under their names on this page here.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo: Brett Flashnick / Associated Press

Comments

[Supporter]

There are not many states left that haven't had their primaries left. Much less money is needed now.

Now the focus is the conventions. Once again, Ron Paul supporters will fund themselves (air/hotels/etc) to do any and everything necessary to try to win at the conventions.

[Mike]

Great piece Mr. Malcolm. Patriots like you are what make this world go round.

[Rpche]

First!

[Dianne]

Thank you for the fair article. I think it is wonderful that the Ron Paul campaign has money in the bank, no debts, makes campaign appearances (mostly at no charge to attend), and eats at Burger King.

He has my respect. Dianne

[spinnikerca]

I'm not sure you are looking at the entire 'Ron Paul picture' when you only look at what has been donated to his campaign. I know that I've donated about $1500 in March to various 'local' efforts, air time and billboards and sample ballots, etc.

When Ron Paul said he'd continue in the Revolution and speak, but that we had to run it, he made it clear (at least it seemed so) that he wants that $5 million he has to support campaigns of likeminded folks with a strong chance to win their races, had they the money to do so.

That's fine.

It only let local meetups know that they had to finance the nuts and bolts, and that is what is happening. Ron Paul's campaign has nothing to do with it, no say on how the money is spent and no control over the ads.

But contributions continue.

I am waiting to contribute to his PAC until that promised paypal link on his PAC web page actually arrives as I have faith it will.

If Ron Paul told us he would run independent or third party, you would see the money to his campaign roll in. However, for the remainder of the Republican primary, the grass roots is organizing and paying for efforts I see, and that is where the donations are going.

Reality is what you make it.

[Celeste]

Reality? What would MSM know about reality or reporting it ? All Ron Paul would have to do is ask and he'd have another 6mil in 24 hours. We are waiting on go.

Ron Paul the only hope for America.

[RonBot]

More driveby media false reports.

RON PAUL supporters are alive and well.

The best is yet to come. Stay tuned

www.ronpaul2008.com

[Rallph]

Buaha, ha, ha, ha! Dr. Paul's followers are mustering their energy to energize the Republican conservative base by becoming delegates, running for elected office, and spreading the message of liberty to friends family's and co-workers. The Revolutin continues, thank you Dr. Paul! You cured my apathy!

[Will P.]

You crack me up. Instead of praising Dr. Paul for the responsible, conservative use of his campaign funds, you make fun of him. I'd like to know how McCain spend his funds. I'd also like to know, but never will, how many fancy dinners and gifts his lobbyist friends (campaign staff) paid for outside of normal campaign funds.

[brian]

Another crappy report by Andrew Malcom. What did McCain spend on lunch last Tuesday? Maybe that is newsworthy as well. Geez.

[Bill From Palm Beach]

Ummm... He stoped asking ofr funding... Duh... How bad of a reported does it take not to check the canidated website and see that hes not asking for money at the moment. The man has like 2+ million left and is just not waisting it if the mass media like your selves are going to continue to block his popularity. To all that read this go to www.DailyPaul.com and watch the video on who the mass media intentionally blocks Ron Paul at every turn.

[ed]

Paul is not a former candidate, he is a current candidate until he bows out officially. Get your facts straight. You've been corrected on this dozens of times, I'm sure.
You are just trying to rile up RP supporters and get hits to your column, Mr. Malcom.

[Jeffrey]

You categorize Ron Paul as a former candidate.
Do you research your facts before you begin writing?

[paul]

On your bio, Mr. Malcolm, it states that you learned an early life lesson of alphabetizing states.
Here is a late journalistic lesson since you have not learned it yet - verify your facts:

Ron Paul is still a candidate for president and has not ended his campaign nor withdrawn from the race.

You can say what you want about his chances, but he is still in it.

When/if he does exit the race, the Revolution will continue, don't worry. You'll have plenty of hit pieces to write about in the future.

[Elaine]

If it comes down to it write him in in November. Do not vote fro someone else just because you don't think Paul has a chance. I ,for one, will sleep better knowing that I
voted for who I want and not someone else because I thought that Paul had no chance of winning.
If you can become a deligate. If you have not voted yet do it for Paul.
If we all work together we will win this.

[Canuck Student]

How come Ron Paul whos still in the race gets only 7 photos while the others(WHO DROPPED OUT) get 14 each???
And howcome in the 3rd Photo description he is described as a Libertarian witha capital (L) while hes a Republican. Hes even Holding a Sign labelled "Republican Party" in the photo.

By the way even when Ron Paul ran for the Libertarian Party presidential ticket he remained a registered Republican. He is from a Republican family and was a Republican all his life. whoever made that photo page must of did it on purpose.

As for the article thnks Andrew Malcolm. I wish you updated it and mentioned how much the "nominee" John McCain has raised in March. Ill be interested to know that. Do you have any idea?

[Bill]

Why not make some calls to Alaska and Nevada and ask what happened to their Romney, now McCain national convention delegates?

[Carol]

While I understand the reality of Ron Paul's odds in this nomination, I think his message is too important to disappear just because he is not going to win. There are new people catching on all the time and it is vital that his message continues to be heard.

This may be hard for Republicans and Democrats to comprehend, but libertarians are not about power. They have always been motivated by ideas, whoever implements them....

You can easily see how the McCain's and the Hillary's of this world see everything through the lens of power. For them it is inconceivable to carry on with something if it will not gain you power over others. But libertarians don't want power over others. They want liberty for others.

I still donate to Ron Paul, but I am also sending funds to the Libertarian candidates, who have been politely waiting on the sidelines for Ron Paul to put forth the ideas -- and to resume the fight when he is done.

I'm now a Libertarian delegate at the National Convention.

Revolution....

[ted smith]

Ron Paul is America. If Ron Paul needs more money we will give it to him. We are Patriots for America. The Revolution is working. Ron Paul is Our greatest living American Patriot.

[Philip Blumel]

Ron's supporters may have stopped giving to Ron's campaign, but not to what they lovingly call the 'revolution.' Here in Florida, membership is surging in the Republican Liberty Caucus (www.rlcfl.org), a libertarian Republican network endorsed by Ron Paul, and on several local libertarian Republican candidates running on Ron's coat tails.

I love the spending details in your story. Ron didn't engender the enthusiasm he did by faking and pandering. He's the real thing.

[John]

LOL, oh this article is rubbish indeed ! Ron Paul is doing just fine right now. Unfortunately, MSM just wants Dr. Paul to fade away. That is not going to happen on our watch ! This September will prove to be very interesting times for sure. It's still a long road ahead for McCain. Remember, McCain has broken the very FEC public financing law he helped create. That's a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 5 years in jail. Why does America want a dishonest person like McCain in office? It bewilders the mind.

[mike]

Hey Andrew Malcolm,
why don't you get a life and try for a second to be an actual journalist and stop bashing Ron Paul with your ignorance and propaganda retardism. Ron Paul and those who support him and the ideas he spreads are taking care of our selves and doing the work that the journalist should be helping with. So go write a story about Paris Hilton because your boss tells you to and continue to be a tool and leave Ron Pual and his supporters alone with you proganda blogs. What has been done can never be undone no matter how many fake propoganda journalist try.

[belle]

Donuts and burgers? The responsible Ron Paul knows the value of a dollar (no $400 haircuts listed here!). The man walks the talk.

His book is a best seller and that means money. Anyone who buys it has made a contribution to his campaign in many ways.

You can have McClintobama. Dr. Paul is my choice for President.

[sean truitt]

top of the ticket traffic fades as ron paul stories dry-up.

how about some coverage of the freedom march on july 12?

[Paula]

Hey Andrew,
I'm a Ron Paul Republican and enjoy your artilcles on Ron Paul, but this particular piece does not have the inside scoop of what is really going on. We are working hard in the background
...Ron Paul Revolution is alive and well.

[Justin J.]

What is it that has been so irritating about RP coverage on this page? It's never about the country! Ron Paul talks about what's good and right for the country. This reporter tells us who's winning, and what the indicators are that so and so is winning or losing, and who's an idiot or not for not seeing the indicators. Does the health and course of the nation interest you? Isn't that a bigger story? Aren't there richer possibilities to intrigue and interest readers by thinking and writing about WHERE THE $#%^@& COUNTRY IS HEADED??

[Canuck Student]

Just a word.
Andrew Malcolm has been very favorable of ron Paul in the past few months. He wrote many articles about the Good Doctor. I do not like this article at all. I think he made many errors in this article that a journalist shouldnt have made. Again Im not judging, Im voicing my opinion. That said I thank you for the previous +ve articles Mr Malcolm. I also request as a loyal reader that you correct your mistakes in this article. Have a great week.

[Barney]

Dear Mr Malcolm,

In case you weren't aware, the GOP primary is winding down. The Ron Paul campaign does not need the kind of funds it did during the heat of the contest. Dr Paul's supporters are just as fervent and convicted as they ever were.

Doesn't the fact that you get loads of feedback whenever you post an article on Dr Paul as opposed to crickets on the other crap you post give you a clue of what goes on in the real world?

You either have a strange aversion to reality, or you're still trying to peddle your alternate one. The Revolution is alive and well. Deal with it.

[L.Step]

Tomorrow Pennsylvania has its primaries. I'm off to vote for Ron Paul -- three other members of my family will join me in voting for him and his delegates. So, we lose? So? If Cheney can say that, so can we. We're not going away, even if the creepy neoconned Republican wing thinks that will happen. Hey, even if McCain is deprived of only four votes by my family and myself, that's good enough for us. Better to lose in a good cause than to win with a loser. Besides, think of how much fun it will be to see how you react to war if McCain/Lieberman are elected! Enjoy!

[Geoff]

Thanks for the RP coverage. You give me hope that different Ideas can make it on a mainstream public forum. History will look favorably on you.

Not sure about your sold-out/professionally-inept colleagues, however.

[TJ]

So his supporters challenging the GOP at district and state conventions is not a big deal. Do some homework, look around at every state who elects delegates by caucus and see that Dr. Paul is winning local and state battles. That is why Dr. Paul is staying in. He is a fighter for his ideas, not a party loyalist.

[Rhys]

We're not less enthused, just broke and tired. We had a lot of energy thinking the Revolution would be so easy as an election. We're more sober now, but not less enthused, I don't think.

In other news... how the hell did Huckalung raise $3 million in March, and why?

And for a doctor, Ron Paul should eat better!

[to conserve]

Ron Paul is dominating in PA I want to know how cnn and the rest are going to spin this one!!!hahaha

[Bob DuVall]

We're not donating money to the campaign because we're concentrating financial resources on courting Convention delegates. In spite of what the media would have people believe, nominations are bought. Though the media likes to believe they are the kingmakers, they are not. Delegates are the kingmakers, and delegate votes are bought, sold, and traded at convention like baseball cards. I've personally doled out $200k over the last month just in deposits for hotel rooms, spa reservations, caterers, and limosines, to lavish delegates at the RNC. I estimate I will spend more than $1 million dollars courting delegates in the Twin Cities. And that's just what I alone will spend. There are many others just like myself who plan to buy off the delegates, whatever it costs. No price is to high. You can not put a price on liberty. So don't turn the channel yet ladies and gentlemen, the biggest surprises in the Ron Paul campaign are yet to come.

[Pietro Cappello]

Well it seems that you people who mouthpiece for whatever treasonous corporate butt holes , are still trying to convince everyone your version of reality. You know what ... you cannot win black will always be black and white will always be white and you will always be guilty of racketeering.

The revolution has just begun.

that is reality that i will bank on.

[Brian]

Hey Malcom,

Thanks for the article about Ron Paul. Seriously if your newspaper would hire a person to write articles about Ron Paul and his ideas full time you would see a host of people viewing the articles, and the internet advertising would be more than enough to fund that person's' salary, and still make a profit too.

Anyway, Mr. Malcom you must remember that delegates are still being selected by the various states, and just because CNN says that Ron Paul only has a small number of delegates doesn't mean that he won't pick up more than that number.

We are changing the party from within, it will be a long road to take, but a necessary one for the sake of our "Republic". Peace.

[ellen]

We can't give up, and won't. Ron Paul's message may have been spoken (by him) into the wind for thirty years, but this year, it has been heard. It must be heard...It will be heard.

Buy the book, read the book, give the book away. The message is in the book. The book is "The Revolution: A Manifesto", available at Amazon.com now, and in bookstores on April 30.

Go, Pennsylvania--make your statement! Go Ron Paul!

[Spence]

I gave up reading this guy months ago when it became clear he was mocking Ron Paul supporters and the best they could attempt to understand it was "hurray, thanks for the unbiased piece, Malcom!"

(You're welcome. Thanks for changing your mind and coming back.)

[Speaker73]

Amazon just informed me today that "Revolution" just shipped.

Already #34 overall in books, and #1 in virtually every political category.

Andrew, how about a book review?

[Tess]

Mr. Malcolm,

What makes you think that the campaign funding is dwindling? We have more grassroots folks out their putting the message of limited government, less taxes, no Amnesty, or birthright citizenship, gun rights, and most importantly standing for and by the Constitution of the United States than ever before. We have our own grassroots putting together fundraisers and money bombs for Commericials, Advertising, and even Billboards. Have you seen the video High Tide (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-3MLTvYBQy0)? I thought you had. Ron Paul Supporters are only beginning to engage in the many opportunities available, whether that means going out and spreading the message of our Founding Fathers door to door, or taking on districts in different states with new Ron Paul Delegates. We will be heard, and heard loudly. I do thank you for writing about Dr. Paul, and the fair articles you have written, but do not be mistaken by the lower than usual donation tallies on his reports, WE THE PEOPLE will continue to fight for this country, and when all is said and done, those that really love our country will be proud, and thankful that we did not give up this fight for Freedom, and Liberty. This has been written by a military veteran, and I approve this message!

(What indicated dwindling fundraising income was Dr. Paul's report to the FEC saying he raised very little money last month and spent much more. It's a federal offense to report false numbers, so if you've got proof he took in more than he reported, please send it along. We'll investigate.)

[Michael]

Yes the reality sinks in. The reality of media bias and censorship. The reality of the political separation of people and state. The reality of government vs. the people. The reality of fiat currency foreclosing on 2 million + people. The reality of Israel spying on us. The reality of corrupt everything being more important than anything. The reality of reality. The reality of armed guards keeping hungry people from food. Exactly what reality are you living in sir?

[Steve]

Paul Supporters are going strong and growing. What you fail to realize is that a few months ago the campaign went on stealth mode. No press is good press. Oh
except for you. God Bless you for being fair.

There is a very large segment of society that refuses to play the politics as usual. Both parties have used and abused the people for thier own gain. We think the "party" ought to be over. McCain was a media creation. McCain supporters are the same people who vote for an "R" no matter what it acts like.

[Melody]

Malcom, you're not paying close enough attention.

You know, as the Paul campaign proved early on, it doesn't necessarily matter even if you raise more money than any other candidate in history. At the end of the day, politics belongs to the ones who show up - and it is mostly the Paul people showing up!

The Washington District of Criminals should be scared enough to start doing the job they were sworn in to do, and start listening and representing the public! Ron Paul has an entire army, judging by their contributions they are well financed, and if you count them, you would see that these gun-owning, Constitution-defending Americans can and do accomplish more in protecting America than our official and unofficial mercenary troops abroad combined! (And anyway, how could they possibly truly exist to defend us when they are 4000 some miles away and separated by an entire ocean from the country they're supposed to defend??)

[Web Smith]

Ron is being considerate of and responsible to his supporters by not really attempting to take money from them. He knows that many of them struggled to make the donations that they did and he doesn't want them to suffer needlessly. This man cares about the American people and our country. Say any of this about any of the other candidates.

Instead of trying to marginalize him some more, you should be in awe of the economically responsible way he manages his campaign and office. Imagine if all of our Congressmen, Senators, and the President did the same thing.

Hillary is not paying her bills and many Americans who supported her will get shafted when her campaign is over. The many small event companies she has used who depend on their revenue to put food on their tables are already suffering. She doesn't care.

You can be sure that the people still donating to Ron's campaign are Americans and not corporate or foreign entities with special interests. If he needs money, all he has to do is ask. He's not asking right now.

[keith]

VIVA LA REVOLUCCION! Pepe, get the guns! Juan - get the Whiskey! AAAAnd Rolanddooo, get the MANIFESTOOOOO!

[Scott]

Doesn't anyone get the point? It doesn't matter for squat that Top of The Ticket's recourse to opportunism as a tactical modality for waging low-intensity warfare has been successful. What's far more relevant is that Top of The Ticket is as macabre as the sky is blue. What follows is a set of observations I have made about the worst sorts of oleaginous, callow sewer rats there are. Common sense should render unwarranted any claim that men are spare parts in the social repertoire -- mere optional extras. For that reason, it is almost funny (but is actually rather scary) to see how far it will go to emphasize the negative in our lives instead of accentuating the positive. I won't dwell on that except to direct your attention to the distasteful manner in which Top of The Ticket has been trying to destabilize society.

Let me mention again that only the impartial and unimpassioned mind will even consider that Top of The Ticket's feral insults alter, rewrite, or ignore past events to make them consistent with its current "reality". Top of The Ticket then blames us for that. Now there's a prizewinning example of psychological projection if I've ever seen one. Not to be rude or anything, but either Top of The Ticket has no real conception of the sweep of history, or it is merely intent on winning some debating pin by trying to pierce a hole in my logic with "facts" that are taken out of context.

There are some simple truths in this world. First, the only way for Top of The Ticket to redeem itself is to stop being so inimical. Second, Top of The Ticket's conniving, neurotic fantasy fits neatly into its mischievous model of society. And finally, I could go on for pages listing innumerable examples of Top of The Ticket's audacious inveracities and uninformed slurs. I have already written enough, surely, to convince you that if Top of The Ticket would abandon its name-calling and false dichotomies it would be much easier for me to give Top of The Ticket condign punishment. Top of The Ticket's lickspittles are too lazy to extend the compass of democracy to unrealistic scamps. They just want to sit back, fasten their mouths on the public teats, and casually forget that when Top of The Ticket says that the most abysmal yahoos I've ever seen are easily housebroken, that's just a load of spucatum tauri. In closing, I consider this letter to be required reading for everyone who still cares that Top of The Ticket hurts people wherever they may be, penthouse or poorhouse. Unfortunately, with our nation's media being as controlled as it is, there's no way that this letter will be widely publicized. Therefore, I'm counting on you to pass on this letter to all of your e-mail contacts. Thank you.

(Along with a good dictionary!)

[RaferJanders]

Andi, there you go again throwin power bait into the water, Hope you don't fish that way, I Don't, Dr Paul is still in the race we know it you know it, I guess you had an editior on you back so this slimey bias shoddy really counts as journalism today? Oh Nicaragua get in before it turns into CostuRica

[DJ]

Well, maybe you're right. Although it's easy to measure FEC records, it's another story measuring continued support and this perported "reality" that is "sinking" into Ron Paul's supporters. If you mean the "reality" that supporters must step up their goal of securing more deligates, which they are going to need as much of their own money as possible, then yes it has "sunk" in.

You and I both know how Lincoln won, and considering the opposition, would not be surprised to see a repeat of history. Granted Lincoln didn't have nearly the entire Old Media completely biased against him, so we'll just have to wait and see.

PS. Wipe the drool off your chin. Ron Paul isn't going to violate any rules. He'd abolish the FEC, I'd guess. :)

[DG]

I'd like to see this article at least updated to fix the error of listing Ron Paul as a "former candidate" near the end. If you check his website, you can verify that he has not left the race.

Thank you in advance for correcting this in the interest of journalistic integrity worldwide.

[Celeste]

By God I love Ron Paul and all my fellow supporters !!! What a great army this man has rallied !!!