With his negligible numbers in Alabama, Mississippi and Puerto Rico we may now safely conclude that Ron Paul will finish in fourth place among GOP contenders this year. I believe however that he has remained a factor in the race longer than any fourth place finisher since the primary season became the principal consideration in who wins. With a little research and some dim memories, I compiled a list of fourth-place finishers. Feel free to dispute some names or share fond memories of these campaigns: 2008: Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul 2004: Wesley Clark 2000: Steve Forbes 1996: Lamar Alexander 1992: Bob Kerrey 1988:Richard Gephardt and Jack Kemp 1984: John Glenn 1980: Bob Dole 1976: Morris Udall 1972: Edmund Muskie Prior to that the primaries were secondary considerations in choosing the winner and late entries had a chance. The 1976 election was messy. Technically Udall comes in fourth because Jerry Brown joined late in April and won a string of primaries at the end. Among those that started the campaign George Wallace would be fourth. Either way I think Ron Paul has overtaken those two gentlemen because his campaign is about something besides a personal desire to be president and should impact the party's agenda (unlike the others on that list.)
Great point! I'd disagree with your assumption that he'll finish fourth, though. Even in the first round of voting at the convention I think Paul will end up with more delegates than Gingrich.
