Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul reflected on the South Carolina primary election results late Saturday, vowing to supporters that he will remain in the race.
“We will continue to do this,” the Texas lawmaker pledged. “There is no doubt about it. The message of liberty is being received more people every single day, thanks to your efforts.”
Mr. Paul’s statement comes as South Carolina election results showed him headed for a fourth-place finish in the South Carolina primary. Mr. Paul trailed Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, and Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum finished in third place, ahead of Mr. Paul.
The Ron Paul campaign, which said it will bypass the Florida primary in favor of competing in Nevada and Minnesota, said Saturday’s election results show Mr. Paul remains in position to continue his campaign.
“Ron Paul performed well in South Carolina tonight despite his focus on other states and campaigning in the Palmetto State for only four days,” said campaign manager Jesse Benton. “Dr. Paul quadrupled his 2008 numbers after tripling them in New Hampshire and Iowa.”
“Tonight’s results also throw this race wide open. There still is no indisputable front runner. The long hard road to the nomination is merely beginning,” Mr. Benton added.
Speaking Saturday, Mr. Paul downplayed speculation that he might consider dropping out of the race, noting that his campaign has the support of a number of delegates, the result of a second place finish in New Hampshire and a third place finish in Iowa.
“There’s no doubt in my mind the momentum has been continuing and will continue,” said Mr. Paul in his remarks following the primary. “This is the beginning of a long, hard climb.”
“After tonight, only 37 delegates, or 1.6 percent of total delegates, have been awarded. The race for the Republican nomination is a marathon—not a sprint—and our campaign has in place a comprehensive plan to secure 1,144 delegates and win the nomination,” said Mr. Benton added.
