QUICK TAKE: Ron Paul Says It's Two-Man Race Now

Updated: January 10, 2012 | 8:57 p.m.
January 10, 2012 | 8:47 p.m.

After an impressive second-place finish in the New Hampshire GOP presidential primary, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas said it's a two-man race now.

“We’re next in line to [Romney]. I would say we’re the only ones really in the race with him,” Paul told CNN on Tuesday night.

He told CNN had had “no plans” for a third-party candidacy at this time.

“The people's attitudes have changed and my message got out. The country is in worse shape,” he said. “I've talked about financial problems in this country for 30 years. They realized some of the things I said came about.... I was the only one that offered cutting spending. I think it is a very popular message and the interest will continue to grow.”

The antiestablishment, libertarian candidate came in second in the “Live Free or Die” state with 25 percent of the vote. He had been expected to receive around 17 percent, according to the most recent WMUR/University of New Hampshire poll conducted between Jan. 5 and Jan. 8.

Paul came in third in the Iowa caucus last week, receiving 21 percent of the vote.

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