Paul proving to be a force in 2012 GOP contest

Associated Press ^ | October 2, 2012 | CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN

[Baladas]

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Ron Paul, antagonist of the Federal Reserve and advocate for the gold standard, probably won't capture the Republican presidential nomination. But with his libertarian leanings energizing a small though growing group of passionate conservatives, the quirky Texas congressman is proving to be a force in the 2012 contest.

Four months before the initial voting, Paul is having such a big impact on the race that some Republican operatives are convinced that he will play spoiler in important states, siphoning votes and attention from his rivals for months to come and helping determine the nominee.

He's empowered by unconventional but successful fundraising techniques, a more sophisticated campaign than his two previous attempts at the presidency, and a fiery message he's preached for decades but only now is resonating with Americans concerned about the nation's debt.

In short, he could prove dangerous for the early front-runners, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

"I have no idea what exactly spoiler means," Paul said recently while in New Hampshire. "If you're a participant and you have an influence and you win or come close and you influence the debate, I think that's pretty important. So I don't put a negative term on that as spoiling anything. Spoiling their fun? Maybe they need a little spoiling."

It's unclear which rival the 76-year-old Texan stands to hurt the most.

[Absolutely Nobama]

Thanks, FRiend!

This was well worth the price of admission!

[John D]

Paul isn’t a force for anything.

Now, who can blame America for every problem in the world better than the surrender monkey? Who knows more about acquiring earmarks more than the earmark king? Can you think of a better friend to the mooseslimes? Cut and run can be a force, but in ALL the wrong ways.