Ron Paul looks ahead, says GOP contest will be ‘a long, hard slog’

Ron Paul made clear he had no plans to drop out of the presidential race despite placing fourth in the South Carolina Republican primary on Saturday. 

In a speech where the Texas congressman touched on most of his libertarian talking points, Paul said that supporter numbers for his campaign “have been growing.”

“This is the beginning of a long, hard slog,” Paul said. 

{mosads}Paul’s speech began rather sedately, but by the end he had wound up his typically enthusiastic followers. 

“We’re lackadaisical about our understanding and trust in freedom,” Paul said. 

Paul’s speech was notably devoid of any attacks on his competitors. He placed fourth in the South Carolina primary, behind Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.  

Still, Paul made no indication that he planned to drop out. 

He said his campaign has the right message, the determination and the ability to win the Republican presidential primary. 

Paul concluded his speech saying that his campaign would “win this battle for peace and prosperity.”

In an interview on CNN shortly after his speech, Paul said his campaign probably wouldn’t focus on Florida, and instead concentrate on the upcoming caucus states.

“I think the money is better spent to go to the caucus states,” Paul said. The Florida primary is closest primary after South Carolina. After Florida, the next Republican caucus is in Nevada on Feb. 4.

— This story was updated at 9:20 p.m.