The Paul Effect, biting into McCain's rear end?

Ron Paul sort of ends his bid.
Narrative ensues. 'Rift' spoken, all over the place.

Does it have traction? Barr is from GA. How much effect will it have not only on GA, but other States in the Southeast? Obviously, Florida especially is a key part of this question.

http://www.boston.com/...

"Paul, Barr throw each other bouquets"

http://thirdpartywatch.com/...

Ron Paul supporters plan Bob Barr money bomb

http://www.thebulletin.us/...

Paul Gives Barr A Pseudo-Endorsement

http://rawstory.com/...

Ron Paul rejects McCain ‘values,’ praises Libertarian Barr

"Congressman Ron Paul has fought tirelessly in both the Libertarian Party and the Republican Party to minimize government power and maximize individual liberty," said Bob Barr, a former GOP congressman from Georgia. "I want to thank him for all that he has done for liberty in this nation, and encourage him to continue his fight through whatever avenues he sees fit."

http://www.boston.com/...

Paul announced his move -- ending his campaign and starting a new "Campaign for Liberty" group to help elect libertarian-leaning Republicans -- in a speech Thursday night to supporters attending the Texas Republican Party state convention in Houston.

"Freedom is very popular. Not only is freedom popular, freedom works," Paul told supporters, according to the Associated Press.

I, for one hope the mutual admiration society they are building continues.

Here in NH, it will not surprise me to see over 10,000 votes for Bob Barr and perhaps 5,000 write in votes for Ron Paul. I think it might be enough to take NH totally out of play for McCain.

What do you think Barr and Paul will do you in your State?
Are there lots of disaffected conservatives?
Will they stay home, or get energized by a Barr candidacy?
If your State is a 'swing State', can it make the difference?

And one negative to consider, can the increased turnout of these types of voters challenge some of our House and Senate races?

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...

(CNN)— Rep. Ron Paul had some words of praise for recently declared Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr Thursday, calling him a ‘very positive’ influence on the presidential race.

Paul, who never officially ended his own Republican presidential bid, told American Morning Anchor John Roberts, "[Barr] talks our language, so I do really believe that he can have a very positive effect in this campaign and let the people know that limited government is a very, very important message."

Paul has ended his bid tonight, per his website.
But he still has $4.7M, and he's not supporting McCain.

"The campaign is going to shift gears. It's going to accelerate. It's going to get much bigger," ... "To me, it's a technical change"

I don't see many Democrats complaining about the failure of Ron Paul to endorse John McCain. And there are a lot of disaffected Republicans and right leaning indies who are looking with interest at both Bob Barr and Ron Paul.

Republicans get to live in interesting times.