SOUTHERN ARIZONA (SGT NEWS) - Texas Representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul has met and exceeded his fourth quarter fundraising goal of $12 million, an achievement that will spark encouragement among the small government community.

As of the time of this writing, Paul has managed to raise over $15.2 million dollars in the 4th quarter, easily beating his goal set several months ago of $12 million.

“I could spend all my time thanking personally you and everyone who has done so much for our country’s future, and not scratch the surface of what justice demands. But I want you to know how much I owe you, and everyone dedicated to the real America,” Paul wrote to his supporters on his campaign web site.

“You and I know our real country -- the America of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, of economic, civil, and personal liberty, of strong families and communities, of great businesses and professions, of strong peace and low taxes and sound money -- all of which are under assault by the politicians who occupy our nation’s capital,” he added.

Paul's campaign manager Lew Moore expressed excitement and encouragement at the fundraising goal. “The outpouring of support is astounding. Americans are rallying to Dr. Paul's message and showing that they want a government that respects their rights and protects their freedoms.”