By Pat Shaver

Daily Staff Writer

DES MOINES – Supporters of Congressman Ron Paul, R-Texas, chanted his name as he arrived at his post-caucus reception in the Des Moines Marriot even though he placed fifth in the Iowa Republican Caucus.

“I think the evening went well; I know we didn’t come up on bottom,” Paul said. “I know we beat that Giuliani guy.”

Paul pointed out that his campaign has competed with candidates who have support from political action committees and the media.

“This is not the end, this is the beginning,” he said. “A lot more has happened than I have ever dreamed of.”

Paul continued to stress the rights of the individual.

“We need to have an understanding of how freedom works and how the market works,” Paul said. “We are living on borrowed money and borrowed time.”

According to his Web site, Paul supports a limited constitutional market, low taxes, free markets and a return to sound monetary policies.

Drew Ivers, Iowa State chairman for the Ron Paul campaign committee, said the campaign has continued to grow.

“I have been involved in this for quite a long time. We are making a move that takes a long time,” Ivers said. “Change does not come quickly, it never has and it never will.

Ivers expects to see different and positive reaction in New Hampshire. He said the Paul campaign has done a good job of getting their word out.

“Our people are so determined and so respectful of what they are doing,” Paul said. “This is a stepping stone. We have not taken a step backward.”

Ben Howard, 22 of Maumae, Ohio, attended Paul’s reception and was in Des Moines because of his support for Paul and his interest in the political process.

“I wish I lived here in the past six months,” Howard said. “Even if a Hillary supporter came to my door, I would be like ‘Well tell me why you support her.'”

Howard said he expected Paul to place third at the caucus, but expects him to do better in New Hampshire.

“Paul is the most honest candidate – I trust him,” Howard said. “He has been pretty consistent in his years in office.”