Ron Paul making strides with voters, contributors

By Michelle Darnell

Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul has been considered a dark horse since entering the presidential race, but recent numbers are making it hard not to take a second look.

While consistently capturing less than 1% of national polls during the early months of the campaign, the congressman built a campaign base online. With an online membership base stronger than any other candidate, Paul utilized the internet to build a cult following in communities across the nation, confounding network media attempts at online polling.

But the online phenomenon has begun to convert into results on the street as well. While Paul finished in fifth place in the August Iowa Straw poll, numbers for New Hampshire show a steady improvement for the fringe candidate. St. Anselm College’s Institute of Politics latest primary poll predicting fourth place for the Texan, beat out only by Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain.

“Americans are ready for a change and his unifying message of freedom, peace and prosperity is bringing more people together every day,” said Ron Paul 2008 Chairman Kent Snyder.

Fundraising numbers seem to agree. Third quarter candidate-reporting indicates Paul brought in over $5 million in the same period, narrowly edged out by McCain’s $6 million, but without the spending woes of his competitor. Focusing dollars in New Hampshire, the second television spot has finally begun airing in the state, along with associated radio and direct mail advertising. Current spending indicates Paul’s campaign retains cash on hand of over $5 million, and with strong fundraising in the current quarter, could be set for even more focused efforts.

A strong showing for Ron Paul in New Hampshire could prove vital in the tight schedule of presidential primaries. With little time between state elections, Paul needs to gain momentum with a win or even a top tier ballot position.

Benefits from even minor victories could help Paul, who is simultaneously running for his 11th term in the House of Representatives. Promoting his ideals on the national level have left him in a good position to continue public service even without a seat in the oval office.

Originally published October 29, 2007 at ExplorePolitics.com

Primary dates moving earlier and earlier

-by Michelle Darnell

With Iowa’s primary date now firmly set for January 3, all eyes look ahead to New Hampshire. The Granite State’s primary is scheduled for January 22, pending the anticipated announcement from Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

With so much juggling, candidates are rescheduling their roadtrips to focus on the calendar changes, but what about voters? Historically, early primary dates have left many voters out resulting in lower turnout rates. But with significant focus being placed on one particularly clogged Super Tuesday, avoidance will not be an option. A flooded field of heavy media attention across the nation could lead to a voter frenzy effect encouraging participants’ involvement in the unusual phenomenon set to present itself beginning in January.

Other states choosing to jump to January, such as South Carolina, Florida and Nevada, are still waiting to hear from both Democratic and Republican party leadership on potential delegate losses following their scheduling decisions.

Set to play out as a true battle, both Iowa and New Hampshire sit atop the field as important wins for campaigning candidates. Iowa, a true swing state, turned out well for Al Gore in 2000, then George Bush in 2004. New Hampshire, traditionally Republican, voted Democrats into both Congressional seats in 2006, and may well join Iowa in being the first, and possibly most important wins of the 2008 elections. Both states will significantly impact the process, not only by earning delegates, but also with the chance to so strongly impact the voters readying for February 5.

The upcoming 2008 Super Tuesday is set to make history with 21 states announcing primaries on that day. Voters coming out to cast their ballots on the jam-packed day are more likely to rely heavily on the results of the early primaries, with less time for independent investigation and weighing of issues. The early primaries set the tone for the nation, helping voters base their judgment on candidate performances in the these backbone states.

New Hampshire Political Library President and CEO Michael Chaney, explaining his home state’s significance, said, “With a highly informed and engaged voter population, a level playing field for a wide range of candidates, and strong tradition of local civic engagement, New Hampshire is a unique crucible for national candidate readiness that strengthens the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded.”

But sharing the sentiments of their schedule neighbor, Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee Executive Director Chuck Laudner decided to settle on the chosen January date for very similar, patriotic reasons. “Our presidential candidates deserve a set date,” said Laudner.

Originally published October 27th, at Explore Politics

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