Ron Paul, the original Tea Partier according to some, will be announcing a Presidential exploratory committee tomorrow, marking his third run for the Presidency.
Paul's first run in 1988 as a Libertarian candidate garnered little interest, but he played a major role in the 2008 nominating process. He practically invented the use of the “money bomb,” a tactic where you ask supporters to donate on a single day in the hopes of raising an eye-popping figure and garnering good media coverage for it.
Not only was Paul effective at raising large sums of money in short periods of time, but he had some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters, who made a big difference in caucus states, where the depth of your support is often times more important than the breadth. Paul got 10% of the vote in the Iowa Caucus and followed that with a respectable 8% in the libertarian-friendly NH primary.
Paul's run this time will have the added advantage of two Pauls for the price of one with his son, Rand, now a US Senator from Kentucky. Senator Paul will add some chops to his father's already large and energetic movement.
We don't think Ron Paul will be the nominee, but don't doubt for a second that he will have a significant impact on the race, perhaps even more so than last time. The question that remains to be answered though is whether all of his supporters from last time will return or find themselves enamored with a new grassroots pick.