Paul Takes California Straw Poll

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) and long-shot GOP presidential candidate continues to prove that he is not just another pushover among conservatives like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Governor Rick Perry.

The Texas Congressman won the California Straw Poll over the weekend and credits his growing status in the GOP field to a younger generation of Americans who want to see the Washington political atmosphere change.

“They’re young people, mostly, who realize our country’s in a mess… and they’re very open to the ideas of liberty, Paul told the San Francisco Chronicle. “They’d just as soon assume responsibility for themselves… be left alone, get the government off their back and get out of wars.”

The Texas congressman raked in 44.9 percent of the vote winning the California poll. Chants of “President Paul! President Paul!” and a number of signs that read “Paul Revolution” signaled Paul’s victory.

Paul said that the race for 2012 is different than previous races he’s run in the past because of the evolution and impact of social media. Paul praises the youth, who call themselves “Paulistas,” for supporting him and credits the social media mogul Facebook for the success of spreading his message.

“The only way we’ll find out is what happens in January, whether that translates into real votes,” he said. “We see the enthusiasm … and the volunteers. But under our system, the litmus test is: Do they come to the polls and vote? We’ll see.”