Ron Paul files for N.H. primary

CONCORD, N.H. --Joking about his physician's penmanship, Republican Rep. Ron Paul signed papers Tuesday to put his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot.

"I have not used doctor's handwriting because you have to be able to read this, right?" Paul said to Secretary of State William Gardner.

"It's the right prescription," called out a male supporter who had come to see Paul file.

The anti-establishment Texas congressman is a distant long shot in the GOP presidential race, registering 2 percent in the latest poll in New Hampshire. But his supporters -- especially online -- are among the most enthusiastic of any candidate, and he raised $5.2 million in the third quarter, more than some rivals in both parties who get more media attention.

The obstetrician-gynecologist and former Air Force flight surgeon said after filing that he is optimistic about catching on in New Hampshire.

"That's the challenge of the campaign and that's why we're starting to spend a lot of that money we've been saving," he said. "I think our message is very appealing to independents. I think that's why this is a great state to be campaigning in."

Paul is the sole opponent of the Iraq war in the mainstream Republican field. A strict constitutionalist, he favors small government, lower taxes and opposes the private Federal Reserve, the nation's central banking system.

"The Constitution says no emitting of bills of credit, so no paper money, so our whole system is unconstitutional," he said.

"You have to eliminate the power of a secretive central bank to create money out of thin air for the benefit of the special interests," he said.