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I don't ignore the thousands of conservatives and libertarians who actually belong to the Republican party. In fact on many issues I am conservative, others I am a libertarian on -- But I am a Republican first.

But why put party obedience over ideology though? The vast majority of Republican party members are rank-and-file country club types who'll vote for anyone that has an R tattooed to their chest.

He's left the door open to a 3rd party run. It makes sense for him though, why let the grass roots movement that's been started go to waste. And in a race against Rudy and Hillary, Ron Paul would be the only pure anti-war choice in the field.

He said no such thing. Please find the link. He has stated several times, most recently during an interview with CBS, that he has no plans for a 3rd party run.

Based on the tone of your post, I get the feeling that you don't want Paul to do a 3rd party run

Because I want Paul to continue to rebuild the GOP. He's bringing in new voters, libertarians, constitutionalists, and traditional liberals back into the GOP, and whoever's nominated, most of these folks will support the GOP in the general. This is of course assuming that the GOP lets Paul speak at the convention, and in return Paul endorses the GOP nominee.

But why put party obedience over ideology though?

Obediance? You really do hate the republican party don't you? What term are you going to use next for us republicans, "lock-steppers"? Brown shirts? Jeesh.

I do think that party loyalty is important but I don't just mindlessly pull the lever because they have an "R" next to their name -- for example, I voted for Perot because I couldn't abide Bush 41 raising taxes, and even more importantly I was horrified that he didn't remove Saddam during "Desert Storm". I mean who in their right mind would leave a dictator in place after he's invaded their neighbor. especially when you have over 500,000 troops right there to do the job. Anyway, don't get me started.

As for my ideology -- I have a diverse set of views like most people have. I'm not a single issue person. I don't see the world as black or white. And the party that best reflects my overall views is the Republicans. Which is why I am a proud, card carrying member of the GOP.

He said no such thing. Please find the link. He has stated several times, most recently during an interview with CBS, that he has no plans for a 3rd party run.

I'll try to look for it after this post. It was a few days ago during an interview, Paul did not rule out a 3rd party run.

Because I want Paul to continue to rebuild the GOP

Given all the boos he recieved at the last debate, he might have his membership revoked before he has the chance to do any rebuilding.

He's bringing in new voters, libertarians, constitutionalists, and traditional liberals back into the GOP

How so? You haven't joined the GOP yet. And I haven't seen any spike in GOP membership at all since he joined the 2008 fray. Where's your proof?