ROCHESTER, MN - The Minnesota caucuses are just days away, and Republican presidential hopefuls are making the rounds across the state.
And for Texas Congressman Ron Paul, that includes a stop in our area.
Although Paul hasn't won a caucus yet, he's hoping to change that in Minnesota. On Saturday he stopped in several cities, including Rochester.
Despite his shortcomings in recent primaries, Paul is remaining optimistic.
"in spite of all the concerns that I have expressed, people are waking up, a new generation is waking up. Those who were in slumber and those who were holding things together, that part of the remnant, they're all coming together and our numbers are growing exponentially," Paul said.
Folks from all over the state came to hear paul speak in Rochester. Some, including Dave Lord, were already avid supporters.
"We're out here to see Ron Paul. We wanted to see him in person. I think Ron Paul's the only candidate that's really dealing with the issues that need to be dealt with," said Lord, who lives in Minneapolis.
And others were just wanting to learn a little more about the Texas Congressman.
"Well I wanted to come out and see the interest in the Ron Paul campaign in the Midwest," said Elise Pemberton of Rochester.
Congressman Paul touched on everything from foreign policy to the economy, but a few key issues seemed to ring a bell with voters.
"Cutting back on spending, staying out of the economy instead of trying to steer it in a certain direction," said Lord.
"People having the ability to have individual freedom and I'm worried about the out of control spending," Pemberton said.
Paul's supporters said even if he doesn't get the Republican nomination, his voice is still being heard.
"I think if he gathers as many delegates as he can, if he doesn't become the nominee, he can possibly be able to write some of the platforms," said Lord.
As Minnesotan's gear up for Tuesday's caucuses, Congressman Paul has a message for voters.
"Get out and vote, vote for liberty. That means they vote for my candidacy," said Paul.
Paul's tour continued on Saturday with stops in Chanhassen and Arden Hills and on monday he'll be in St. Cloud and Minneapolis.
Paul is the third presidential candidate to visit Minnesota this week. Mitt Romney made stops on Wednesday and Rick Santorum was there on Monday.
