Paul raking in the cash online

Ron Paul continues to amaze online.

The Texas congressman is barely a blip in the Republican presidential polls, but that doesn't stop him from raising big bucks on the Internet.

As of this afternoon, his campaign reported on its website that it had brought in more than $5.5 million -- including more than $2.4 million just today -- toward a $12 million goal by Dec. 31 to fund his campaign in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, and South Carolina.

After raising a surprising $5.2 million in the third quarter, Paul ended up with $5.4 million in cash as of Sept. 30. He has started spending some of that bankroll to build up his name recognition and support with his first TV ads. A series of five television ads began airing last week in New Hampshire and will continue to appear in November and December.