As a disappointed Fredhead, thanks for the warm reception.
Ron Paul was my second choice because I liked Fred's foreign policy better, but other than that, it was obvious from the start that there were only two candidates who understood the proper role of the US government. Now with Fred out, Ron Paul will be the only one who is right on Federalism, constitutional protections, and who agrees with Reagan that the most frightening phrase in the English language is, "I'm here from the government, and I'm here to help."
When you look at the other candidates, you also see that they have spent years (if not most of their lives) grooming themselves for the White House. Once again, Fred and Ron Paul stand out as the two who got into the race for the good of the country rather than for personal gain. Fred was slandered (and sabotaged in Iowa) by rumors he was "lazy" and had no "fire in his belly." Ron Paul has been subject to character assassination over his newsletters and who his friends and supporters are. At this point, I feel that if the establishment hates Ron Paul, that is another reason to support him.
So now I'm going to talk to my friends and family members who also supported Fred, and try to get them to switch to Ron Paul. Maybe we can help to tip California's 3rd or 5th districts.