ka-CHING

There's two factors of relevance at this point in the cycle. No, poll numbers aren't one of them. They are fundraising and organization.

Ron Paul hasn't done well with the first and hasn't done a thing I've heard of with regard to the second. I say this while noting I believe he's third, not fourth as you report, in terms of his current warchest.

He only raised a couple million. True, he still has all that money, because he's not spending any. For him to transition into a real campaign, he's going to have to start opening campaign offices in early states, which will require a third quarter fundraising effort much better than just a couple million.

If he's banking on his supporters doing on their own what these local campaign offices normally do, he's fooling himself. This has been the Libertarian Party's recipe for failure for what, 30 years now? I really like what he says because I'm pretty libertarian in general. But I also know the futility of backing a futile effort.

Ron Paul's views on the state of the nation and where it went wrong and what could bring this country back from the depths of almost every issue; has caused me, as an independent, to register as a republican so I can vote for him in the primary. I have no doubt he will make it that far and further.
The federal government has outgrown it's place in this country. We the people must take back our country and Dr. Paul is helping educated the masses as to how that process works best.

Presidency for sale. Applications fee, $100 million. 300 million plus people and this is the best we have? Nasty is just another way to spell Politician. Vote if you trust the government, I don't

Focus more on winning the nomination. If Ron Paul loses the nomination, it won't matter who gave what. Become a delegate in your state!

Things would certainly get more interesting on the GOP side if Ron Paul manages to become a first-tier candidate. (McCain seems to be down and out.)

Following the fundraising is like following Barry Bonds chase Hank Aaron: The numbers are astounding, but it all feels a bit slimy and you get the feeling that a whole bunch of untoward (if not illegal) stuff has gone on. What a ridiculous system we now have in place.

The money at this point in my opinion is useless. Unfortunately The Republicans get the majority of their money from middle-class unlike the Libs who get theirs from millionaires. Know when it counts and the right person decides to get in the race, you will see the donations rush in for the republicans. Again conservatives do not just support someone because they spew hate they want someone with ideas.

See we are only in July, and by law if the libs follow the law, an individual can only donate 2600$ to a candidate in a year. This is why sooner or later only billionaires will be able to run.

As far as Ron Paul well hes a lib is republican clothing and probably most of his money is coming from libs trying to upset the republicans.

The figures and the cold cash don't lie: it's most definitely NOT a good time to be a Republican when it comes to fund raising (or pretty much anything else, for that matter). I just wonder whether the President will take his party down the drain with him and his unsuccessful war in 2008. Unless the Repubs can offer fresh ideas and a new direction for the country, it appears that the Dems will continue to out-fund-raise the Repubs in 2008.

Rep. Paul's appeal comes from his Libertarian view: the government that governs least governs best, a very attractive proposition in these times when the federal government under the current administration has failed to do its job in so many instances. Plus, Rep. Paul is a colorful, engaging speaker in contrast to so many of other the Repub dullards.