'I'm trying to save the Republican party': Ron Paul vows to stay in the race as Romney gets two more endorsements

By Nina Golgowski

Published: | Updated:


Presidential candidate Ron Paul says he's not only still in the race to clinch the Republican nomination but is fighting 'to save the Republican party.'

Appearing on CBS's Face the Nation Sunday, the lagging contender was critical of his party's beliefs after saying he's 'trying to save the Republican Party from themselves.'

'The truth is, I'm trying to save the Republican Party from themselves because they want perpetual wars, they don't care about presidents who assassinate American citizens, they don't care about searching our houses without search warrants, and these are the kind of things people care about,' Mr Paul told CBS' Bob Schieffer.

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Party's hero: Ron Paul says he's staying in the race for the Republican nomination while reasoning that he's trying to save the Republican Party from themselves

Party's hero: Ron Paul says he's staying in the race for the Republican nomination while reasoning that he's trying to save the Republican Party from themselves

Argument: Mr Paul criticized the party's beliefs saying they don't reflect what people care about and therefore need better representation

Argument: Mr Paul criticized the party's beliefs saying they don't reflect what people care about and therefore need better representation

'It seems clear to me that there's no way that you're going to get the nomination now,' Mr Schieffer responded. 'Do you intend to continue hanging around?'

DELEGATES COLLECTED

Mitt Romney: 568

Rick Santorum: 273

Newt Gingrich: 135

Ron Paul: 50

Needed for nomination: 1,144
Delegates left: 1,258

'Obviously yes,' Mr Paul responded adding 'the votes haven't been counted.'

As the race draws near without a party-backed nominee to face President Barack Obama in November, some wonder when the candidates may rally as one.

On Friday Newt Gingrich told WTMJ he thinks Mitt Romney 'is clearly the front-runner' and 'will probably' get the 1,144 convention delegates needed to win the nomination.

Competition: Mr Paul is lagging in both polls and delegates needed for the party's nomination with Mitt Romney soaring in both while endorsed by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis (right) Sunday

Competition: Mr Paul is lagging in both polls and delegates needed for the party's nomination with Mitt Romney soaring in both while endorsed by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis (right) Sunday

Winning: Mr Romney currently has 568 delegates while expecting a win in Wisconsin's primary Tuesday with the help of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis (center) and the Wisconsin senator (left)

Winning: Mr Romney currently has 568 delegates while expecting a win in Wisconsin's primary Tuesday with the help of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis (center) and the Wisconsin senator (left)

Like Mr Paul, however, Mr Gingrich - who's currently in third place among surveyed Republican voters and delegates, one place behind Rick Santorum - says the winner has to earn the votes. He hints at no plans of himself dropping out either.

Following a win over Illinois' primary last week, Mr Romney is expecting to check off Wisconsin this coming Tuesday as well.

The win is eyed by senior Republicans as a potential tipping point for the former Massachusetts governor who makes his second bid for the White House.

Expectations: Mr Paul, seen at the University of Wisconsin campus Thursday, notes that the votes are not all counted while adding he hasn't decided if he'd side with Mr Romney if he wins

Expectations: Mr Paul, seen at the University of Wisconsin campus Thursday, notes that the votes are not all counted while adding he hasn't decided if he'd side with Mr Romney if he wins

'If I can get the boost also from Wisconsin, I think we'll be on a path that'll get me the nomination well before the convention,' he said Saturday afternoon alongside one of his latest endorsers, Rep Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

On Sunday Mr Romney received the endorsement of Wisconsin's Sen. Ron Johnson as well.

Asked by Mr Schieffer if Mr Paul expects to support Romney himself if he gets the party's nomination, he responded: 'I haven't made that decision yet, I'm still campaigning.'

Mr Paul also capped off speculation on whether he believes he could be invited to fill the role of vice president on a Romney ticket, responding:

'I don't see how that would happen. There's too many disagreements ... I have no common ground on economics.'

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