Ron Paul Team Admits 'Not Strong Enough to Win the Nomination'

In his announcement to supporters on Monday that he was scaling back his presidential campaign, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, insisted that his team would focus on their strategy at the convention in Tampa come August. Jesse Benton, Pauls campaign manager, did exactly that in a memo sent out on Tuesday.

Benton looked to swat down rumors that his candidate was pulling out of the race. Let me be very clear, Benton wrote, Dr. Paul is not dropping out or suspending his campaign. As Dr. Paul has previously stated, he is in this race all the way to the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. And he is deeply grateful for every resource he has been entrusted with to run a historic campaign that continues to defy all expectations.

Looking ahead, our campaign must honor that trust by maximizing our resources to ensure the greatest possible impact at the National Convention, Benton continued. So while our campaign is no longer investing in the remaining primary states, we will continue to run strong programs at district and state conventions to win more delegates and alternate delegates to the National Convention.

Benton insisted the Paul campaign would have several hundred delegates in Tampa and claimed several hundred more, although bound to Governor Romney or other candidates, will be Ron Paul supporters but then he raised up the white flag.

Unfortunately, barring something very unforeseen, our delegate total will not be strong enough to win the nomination, Benton noted. Governor Romney is now within 200 delegates of securing the partys nod.However, our delegates can still make a major impact at the National Convention and beyond. All delegates will be able to vote on party rules and allow us to shape the process for future liberty candidates.

Benton called fora large, respectful, and professional delegation of Paul supporters in Tampa to show the party and the country that not only is our movement growing and here to stay, but that the future belongs to us.