Paul says he won't quit GOP run

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas said he will not quit his run for the Republican presidential nomination, pointing to dissatisfaction with the party front-runner.

Paul, in a statement issued Tuesday, noted that voters in weekend voting events rejected Sen. John McCain of Arizona, The Hill reported.

"Even in Washington state, where McCain appears to have won a plurality, over 70 percent of voters felt another candidate better represented them, including 21 percent who caucused for me."

Paul consistently finishes well behind McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and trails behind the two in the delegate count as well.

But he said he remains in the campaign because "many Republican voters are not satisfied" with McCain.

"This is why my run for the Republican nomination will not end," Paul said. "The principles I stand for -- limited government, non-interventionism, respect for individual rights and strict adherence to the Constitution -- have a long and proud tradition in the Republican Party."