http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-26/ron-paul-rides-in-private-jet-in-iowa-as-money-flows-into-his-12-campaign.htmlIt’s a two-hour drive between Ames and Cedar Rapids, two key Iowa cities for Republican presidential candidates competing in the state that will host the first balloting next year. Ron Paul flew by private jet.
The hop between campaign appearances yesterday by the Texas congressman and Federal Reserve opponent aboard a Westwind jet is symbolic of the heightened resources and support he enjoys, compared with his quixotic bid four years ago.
Now in his third White House try, Paul is given little chance by political analysts of emerging as President Barack Obama’s 2012 challenger. Yet in Iowa, where the Feb. 6 caucuses start the nomination process, he has a committed and well-funded network that some say may be capable of an upset at the Aug. 13 Iowa Straw Poll, a party fundraising event meant to test the popularity and organizational ability of presidential candidates.
“They are far more organized and are running a formidable campaign,” said Craig Robinson, editor of the Iowa Republican website and a former state party political director. “They are easily a spoiler for someone. I think the question is whether Ron Paul finishes first or second.”