Ron Paul plans strong presence in Florida primary

By Bobby Caina Calvan, Globe Staff

CONCORD, N.H. -- Upbeat about how it will fare in today’s election, the Ron Paul campaign said today that it may now consider a stronger presence in Florida, which holds its primary at the end of the month.

A Paul spokesman today downplayed previous reports that the Texas congressman would not try to actively compete in Florida, the largest trove of votes in the nascent campaign season.

“We’re not yet spending any money down there, but we have strong grass roots presence,” said the spokesman, Gary Howard.

The key, of course, is money and whether the campaign will have the resources to effectively compete in such a massive state far different from Iowa and New Hampshire.

Paul will actively compete in South Carolina, to which he will travel tomorrow.

Howard expressed optimism that Paul’s supporters, a fervent crew of mostly youthful voters, succeeded in pulling voters to polling places.

In the town of Derry, Paul made two stops this afternoon to mingle with voters. Paul was running behind for his scheduled visits.

Ken Spilman, who is unemployed, waited 90 minutes for the candidate.

“I hope he stays in this race as long as he can,” said Spilman.