I’ve been awed by the number of positive news stories related to Ron Paul’s presidential bid, now that he has reported raising $5.1 million in the 3rd quarter of the year. Check out some of these quotes:

The surprisingly strong performance by Paul, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the Houston area, more than doubled his $2.3 million haul in the second quarter and reinforced the grass-roots strength of his large online fan base.

Paul has been a formidable presence in Republican presidential debates, challenging top rivals like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain and strongly condemning the Iraq war.
(Reuters)

Paul has raised more than $8 million so far this year.

“Here’s a guy nobody is paying attention to and he’s raising real money,” said a stunned Tony Fabrizio, a Republican strategist unaffiliated in the presidential contest.
(Associated Press)

Another Paul constituency, interestingly enough, comes from the military. A study by the Center for Responsive Politics found Paul received more campaign cash from members of the military than any other Republican presidential candidate.

The study, of contributions of $200 and more during the first two quarters, shows that Paul has raised three times as much from members of the military as what’s been raised by GOP fundraising frontrunner Romney, and four times what Giuliani garnered.
(ABC News, Video Here)

Paul, who has $5.3 million cash on hand, now has his sights set even higher.

The campaign has set a goal of getting $12 million in contributions for the fourth quarter.

Fundraising in the third quarter slowed for most candidates other than Democratic front-runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), but in terms of growth, nobody was as successful as Paul.
(The Hill)

And, on a personal note, I just want you all to know that in a kind nod to me and the good name of Ron Paul, my sister-in-law, Leah, donated before the end of the quarter to give the campaign part of its boost. As far as I know, this is (like us) the first time she’s ever donated to a political campaign. You rock, Leah!