This is Congressman Paul's third run for the presidency. He expresses the same views as when he first ran in 1988 as the Libertarian Party candidate.

Analysts wonder if he will switch and run again on the Libertarian ticket if he does not do well in the early primaries. That could split the Republican vote in the general election.

"Ron Paul is going to be a factor in this election. He’s not going to win any primaries. He’s not going to get nominated. But he’s going to be there," noted political historian Allan Lichtman.

Others, like poliltical scientist John Fortier think Paul could win a caucus or primary because of his fervent supporter base.

"It’s small, but it’s intense and that following will give money to him in large amounts and will follow him to straw polls and meetings and conventions," Fortier explained.

The top Republican candidates, Paul included, are taking turns surging ahead in political surveys. The first real test of their electability comes on January 3 for the Iowa caucuses.