While the other candidates for the Republican presidential nomination focus on Arizona and Michigan, both of which hold primaries on Feb. 28, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas looks to make a breakthrough in two Northwestern states holding caucuses in the first week of March -- Washington and Idaho.
With 43 delegates at stake, Washington holds its caucus on March 3. Idaho, which has 32 delegates, holds its caucus on March 6, the same day nine other states hold primaries and caucuses.
Paul starts off with a solid base in both states based on his showings in the 2008 election cycle. The maverick congressman carried 22 percent and won nine counties to place third in the 2008 Washington caucus -- right behind John McCain, who won with 26 percent, and Mike Huckabee, who placed second with 24 percent. Paul took 24 percent of the vote in the Idaho primary during the 2008 election cycle though the event was held in late May, long after McCain had wrapped up the Republican nomination. Idaho was Pauls best showing in any primary that year.
While Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney battle it out for Michigan, and Newt Gingrich looks to score in Arizona and states that hold contests on March 6 like Georgia and Kansas, Paul has been focusing on Idaho and Washington -- as events this week clearly showed.
Paul spent Thursday campaigning in Twin Falls, Idaho, before heading over to Seattle and Vancouver in Washington. On Friday, Paul plans to hit Richland and Spokane, Wash., before heading back to Idaho to campaign in Moscow. On Saturday, Paul is expected to campaign in Boise, Idaho.
While many elected officials and party leaders have shied away from backing Paul in other states, hes rounded up some impressive endorsements in both Washington and Idaho.
Members of the Washington State Republican Central Committee have endorsed Paul and it appears that he has assembled a strong team in voter-rich Spokane County -- including County Treasurer Rob Chase. Paul has also won the backing of two Republican state representatives: Jason Overstreet of Blaine and Matt Shea of Spokane Valley.
On Thursday, Paul added to his team in the Evergreen State when he unveiled the support of former U.S. Senate candidate Clint Didier who is well-known for his NFL career as a tight end with the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers that saw him play in numerous Super Bowls. With the support of the tea party movement and prominent Republicans -- including Paul and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- Didier ran for the Senate as a Republican in 2010 and pulled 13 percent in the states open primary.
Didier offered strong words of praise for Paul on Thursday.
I believe the next president of the United States needs to be a defender of America, protecting and maintaining her sovereignty, one who understands the worldwide economic crisis we face and first and foremost demonstrates he has Americas interest at heart, Didier said. The next president must understand what constitutes a free market, be willing to stand tall against powerful lobbying interests, and have the courage to fight for a sound monetary policy, fiscal sanity, and individual liberty.
As an American farmer yearning for strong constitutional leadership, I see Ron Paul as a loyal disciple of our Founding Fathers who gave us the opportunity to experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Didier added. He has displayed integrity and adherence to our Constitution for 30 years. I have found no other presidential candidate so disciplined.
Paul has also won the backing of leading Republicans in Idaho, including state Sen. Shirley McKague, a veteran of the Idaho Legislature who represents Meridian, the third largest city in the Gem State. State Rep. Phil Hart, R-Hayden, who backed Paul in 2008 has endorsed him again. Clinton Daniel who serves on the city council in Lewiston -- the second largest city in the state --has also backed Paul.
Despite sinking in the national polls, Paul continues to fundraise well, bringing in $1.2 million in a money bomb event on Tuesday. He is expected to have enough support to remain in the race until the convention even if he continues to fail to win states and caucuses.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
