Ron Paul '08: A Revolution Thwarted?

Feb. 5, 2008 — -- The Republican party's Super Tuesday survey of 21 states could be more a time for soul searching than celebrating for the scrappy, insurgent presidential campaign of Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

Paul defied expectations to make his mark during the campaign with remarkable online fundraising totals and omnipresent supporters. The question now remains: will the brushfire burn out?

Paul has insisted repeatedly that he will not mount an independent campaign, remaining in the Republican race until the money ran out, pointing to Super Tuesday as a bellwether.

Here, for what it's worth, is the writing on the wall:

The blimp supporters inflated in his honor — and floated around the South for over a month — is back on the ground in North Carolina after contributions dried up. There is also no celebration planned for tonight, just a small dinner for staff in the Washington, D.C. Until yesterday, there was nothing on Paul's calendar for this most important primary voting day. He now plans on making an appearance with other Republicans in West Virginia.The next thing on Paul's calendar after the Super Tuesday contests is scheduled for Sunday: a rally in his hometown of Lake Jackson, Texas, where Paul is running for reelection to the House of Representatives concurrently with his White House bid. The campaign manager for Paul's congressional campaign recently sent a fundraising letter to the Texas congressman's presidential campaign mailing list.

"Let the Establishment know that the movement will continue, whether in Congress or in the White House," wrote Mark Elam, in the message to supporters.

Paul faces a local challenge in his district in the March 4 Texas primary from Chris Peden, a local CPA and mayor pro tempore in Friendswood, Texas. If Paul is downcast by his showing today, it will be interesting to see what happens at Sunday's rally. Candidates ending a presidential bid traditionally return home to make the announcement.