Ron
The message of Liberty and Property and adherence to the limitations of the constitutions has no party. This is your message as much as mine and countless others.......Your post to us today was very disconcerting to me. You must be aware of the carefully crafted disrespect the republican party and the major media has shown you.. and that message. You also must be aware that the people who have supported you are not supporting a party but rather the message.
As such, to rule out an independent run, which you have done in today's post, is a decision that will waste the efforts of all that have and will support you and the message. Why is that a waste? Because, during this run you have attained a national character as never before. You have won the hearts and minds of millions yet unheard from. To let the neocons and media quiet your voice for any reason would destroy that acquisition. There is no next time for you or us. The last time your message came before the people was with president Jackson who won a surprising victory.
You can win as an independent. People want what you are selling. McCain, Clinton and Obama are more of the same. The conservatives I talk to don't like MCCain and will not vote for him...... they will not vote at all if it must only be McCain. many many will vote for Ron Paul no matter what party affiliation in this political environment. Same for many democrates, if obama doesnt' get the ticket, which i project will be the case, will not vote for hillary. many of those will vote for you.
As an independent you throw the national race into a 1/3 1/3 and 1/3 success rate. Perot proved that 20% nationally will come out and vote for you regardless. this political environment is sure to create another 10 to 15% out of disgruntled conservative and liberal camps...... you would be a fool not to take advantage of this dynamic. It would be a huge loss to all of us if you did not.
Please reconsider your willingness to go to what ever lengths it takes to give us all a chance of actually living free.
william Duff