Long shot GOP candidate Ron Paul suggests he is dropping out the presidential race, noting in a YouTube video posted Thursday night that his “campaign will soon wind down” and it is time for supporters to continue the “revolution” in another way.

“The presidential campaign will soon wind down…let us hope that we can one day look back and say that this campaign was a significant first step that signaled a change in direction for our country,” Paul said. “Our job now is to plan for the next phase…elections are short term efforts, revolutions are long term projects.”

In the nearly 8 minute video, Paul makes no mention of the Republican party or presumptive nominee, Sen. John McCain.

Minneapolis, MN—

Mitt Romney has won the Maine caucuses this evening. The traveling press found out today from Romney himself upon landing in Minneapolis. According to the Associated Press, Romney won 52 percent of the vote with 68 percent of towns reporting. John McCain came in second with 21 percent, Ron Paul had 19 percent and Mike Huckabee had 6 percent.

Romney’s eldest son Tagg campaigned in Maine and was the one to call his father tonight to inform him of the win. He called it “a people’s victory” and compared his four wins: Wyoming, Nevada, Michigan, and Maine to McCain’s three wins: New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida saying it gives him the advantage:

“It is in my view also an indication that conservative change is something that the American people wanna see. I think you’re gonna see a growing movement across this country to get behind my candidacy and to propel this candidacy forward,” Romney said. “I think it’s a harbinger of what you’re gonna see on Tuesday. It’s coming kinda late in the process but not really too late. You know that there’ve been seven contests prior to Maine. I won three. Sen. McCain won three. With this, that gives me the edge, four to three, I don’t weigh them all the same of course.”

done

Romney happily noted that he was able to win Maine even though McCain won the endorsement of the state’s two senators.

Southfield, MI

Governor Romney ran into an enthusiastic Ron Paul supporter at a rally here today. He was eagerly waving his sign trying to get Romney’s attention and he succeeded. Romney stopped his speech and pointed to the Paul supporter, “There’s a guy up here with a Ron Paul sign that’s very anxiously …” The presidential hopeful was interrupted by a booing crowd. He continued over the boos, “No it’s ok. Let him show the sign.”

He then made his pitch to the Paul supporter and the crowd:

“If any of you need a doctor, Ron Paul was a doctor — he’s got experience there. He’s got his own message. You are welcome to be here and put your sign up. But, if Michigan needs somebody who will fix the economy, you need somebody who’s worked in the economy, who’s had a job in the economy, who cares about Michigan and will get the job done.”

The revved up crowd erupted in cheers of Mitt, Mitt, Mitt!

Though you wouldn’t know it based on some of the messages you are hearing tonight. McCain and Romney aimed their early economic message with Michigan-specific references–where they are battling for a Jan. 15 victory.

Meanwhile, Giuliani is pushing messages (Israel, Castro) for the Florida crowd—his must-win state.

Thompson and Huckabee are actually more focussed on the Palmetto State—where they are set for a fight next week.

And Ron Paul…well, is being Ron Paul.

After Ron Paul answered a question about the Iran gun boat situation saying that the administration is looking for a rush to war. Romney jabbed Paul saying that he “shouldn’t be reading so many of Ahjmadinejad’s press releases.” Romney muttered, “he’s making fun of me.”

What happened to “no personal attacks”, Governor?

Bedford, NH

Governor Romney had a packed day today filled with greeting voters at polling stations and scrambling for those last minute votes. Keep reading for the voting day play by play:

Manchester, NH
7:05AM

His first stop was with his wife Ann and Senator Judd Gregg at 7AM. He missed Governor Huckabee by moments at the Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester. Most people seemed eager to shake the presidential hopeful’s hand, but one man yelled hello to the governor saying it was nice to see him but adding, “I can’t help ya!”

Romney told the press that his campaign had made 100,000 calls in the last day and believes he is going to take it all:

“We are going to end up winning this thing and for that matter that will mean that I have gotten more votes than anybody else in this process so far with Iowa, Wyoming, and New Hampshire. So we are on to Michigan after success here tonight.”

Bedford, NH
7:50AM

Romney made his 2nd stop at Bedford High School. He again greeted voters going to the polls and stayed positive saying that this is a 50 state game and that he beat McCain in Iowa and Wyoming and he could beat him here.

A great example of New Hampshire retail politics happened when a man walked by Romney and said, “You’re a good guy, but you call my house way too much!”

Just another presidential candidate in the first primary state of New Hampshire!

done

Number three was the Broad Street Elementary School and it was a mob scene of media, supporters, and of course voters trying to get through.

A loud group of McCain supporters hollered, “The McCain Way!” and “100 feet! 100 feet!” A reference to how far away Romney had to stay away from the polling location. Romney supporters chimed in with, “Let’s go Mitt!” And “We love Mitt!” He tried to greet voters and take pictures, but it was almost impossible with the media hoard.

He gave an update on how he was feeling, lowering expectations just a bit:

“At this stage I feel awfully darn good. I can’t guarantee what is going to happen. I would like to win here. I would like to get the gold here.”

done

(more…)

Per Jake Gibson: Des Moines, Iowa

Sunday, supporters of Ron Paul organized a fundraiser on the anniversary of the Boston Tea party. They raised an astonishing 6 million dollars! Even Dr. Paul seemed stunned.

Check out post in Cameron’s Corner on Ron Paul the 6 million dollar man!