SOUTHERN ARIZONA (SGT NEWS) - Billed as the fringe candidate, Texas representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul garnered just over 10% of the vote during the Iowa caucuses Thursday night, with results still filtering in.

Although Paul's supporters are known to be die-hard fans and quite energetic, the small government representative was not given much of a chance from the beginning of the campaign season. Paul's polling numbers have steadily increased over the latter part of 2007, and even polls above mainstream candidate Fred Thompson in the state of New Hampshire.

Paul is finishing 5th in the caucus state, behind McCain at 11%, Thompson at 14%, Romney at 25% and Mike Huckabee, the winner, at 34%. Rudy Guiliani managed to garner only 4% of the vote, and Duncan Hunter never broke 0%.

The double digit finish will undoubtedly provide enthusiasm for the Paul campaign and his supporters. Paul's donations have impressed even the most experienced political pundit, and his finish in Iowa should prove to spur further donations to the not-so-money-starved candidate from an eastern district in Texas.