Paul vows to fight on

Rep. Ron Paul (Texas) said Tuesday that he would not quit his presidential campaign, arguing that many Republicans are dissatisfied with Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the party’s presumptive nominee.

{mosads}“Voters rejected him in Kansas and Louisiana,” Paul said in a statement, referencing the weekend’s nominating contests. “Even in Washington state, where McCain appears to have won a plurality, over 70 percent of voters felt another candidate better represented them, including 21 percent who caucused for me.”

Paul is far behind McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the delegate count but has attracted a loyal base and showed surprising fundraising prowess throughout the campaign. He said that it is clear that “many Republican voters are not satisfied” with McCain.

“This is why my run for the Republican nomination will not end,” Paul said. “The principles I stand for — limited government, non-interventionism, respect for individual rights and strict adherence to the Constitution — have a long and proud tradition in the Republican Party.”

“As long as my supporters continue to support my campaign, I will not leave Republicans who have yet to vote without the ability to choose a candidate who holds these fundamental Republican values,” the Texas lawmaker added.