Ron Paul is causing trouble for the Republican Party. He is still in the running for president despite a media blackout. And he will not endorse McCain, who hasn't a nickel's worth of difference from the two Democratic candidates.

Paul's positions are for a small and limited federal government. He would bring the troops home now, stop the looting of Social Security, stop our overseas spending to help reduce our debt and help veterans, children and seniors by cutting everyone's taxes.

I attended the Maine State Republican Convention held May 2 and 3 as a Paul delegate. I was optimistic, since the results of the caucuses held in February were Romney 52 percent, McCain 21 percent and Paul 19 percent, with Romney no longer in the running.

Eighteen people were to represent Maine in the Republican National Convention later this year. A selection of 36-40 delegates was nominated and seconded. The Paul supporters nominated were not included in a "Party List" handed out to all the state delegates just prior to the majority vote. Only one Paul supporter passed the gauntlet.

Hard to figure since Paul's book is No. 1 on the May 18 New York Times bestseller list.

The word "blackballed" comes to mind.

Reginald Ferran

Waterville

seafairer@hotmail.com