Ron Paul Focuses on Adding Delegates for GOP Convention in Tampa

While former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts has won enough delegates in the primaries and caucuses to claim the Republican presidential nomination, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, continues to pick up delegates for when the GOP holds its convention in Tampa come August.

Paul picked up 21 out of 25 delegates up for grabs at conventions in Iowa over the weekend. Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who nosed out Romney to win more popular votes than any of the other candidates in Iowa, pulled out of the race earlier in the election cycle.

“We thank the many Iowa Republican activists for working tirelessly toward this meaningful victory, in particular the work they performed in the service of constitutional government and personal liberty,” said Jesse Benton, Paul’s national chairman in a statement. “This win is a real validation for our campaign and its many supporters in Iowa and across our great nation.

“We look forward to bringing the Ron Paul delegation to Tampa and to making a significant, positive contribution to the 2012 Republican Party platform,” added Benton.

While Paul is not expected to endorse Romney, his son, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has endorsed the former Massachusetts governor. Paul is also not expected to address the convention but, with around 200 delegates in the fold, he intends to flex his political muscles in Tampa.

“To stand with my delegates, I will be holding an important rally in Tampa on Sunday, Aug. 26,” Paul announced at the end of last week. “Everyone is welcome to attend. In fact, I'm hoping we'll have a wonderful crowd.
 
“The goal of this rally is to kick off the week for our delegates, set the proper respectful and positive tone, and prove to the GOP establishment that you and I are the future of the Republican Party -- and that we stand behind our beliefs 100 percent,” Paul added.

The Texas congressman also released a Web video to supporters where he laid out his campaign’s plans for the convention in Tampa.

Paul insisted that he would continue to try to pick up delegates at the state levels and, while he is retiring from Congress and not seeking another term, he shows no signs of heading to the political sidelines.

“There is no doubt that you and I can win the future,” Paul insisted to supporters. “Tampa is an important step toward restoring liberty in our country and setting the stage for victories yet to come.”



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