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By Catalina Camia and Jackie Kucinich
USA TODAY
Ron Paul is "unlikely" to endorse Mitt Romney for president, as he continues with his strategy to gain GOP delegates so their voice can be heard at the party's convention this summer.
Paul's national campaign chairman, Jesse Benton, told reporters on a conference call that "it was premature" to discuss whether Paul would eventually give Romney his formal endorsement because the Texas congressman is still in the race.
STORY: Ron Paul scales back campaignPaul yesterday told supporters that he was no longer going to invest money in challenging Romney in upcoming primaries, but he would still try to amass delegates. There are primaries today in Nebraska and Oregon.
"Dr. Paul is willing to listen and willing to have conversations and willing to enter anything with an open mind," Benton said about whether an endorsement is forthcoming.
Paul has some of the most enthusiastic supporters, even if that hasn't translated into votes in primaries. Romney has been working to close what is perceived as an enthusiasm gap among Republicans for his candidacy.
"It sure would help Mitt Romney to earn Dr. Paul's endorsement," Benton said, but he added that at this point, Paul was listening to his supporters and "his heart" about the way forward.
Benton said the Paul campaign had been in contact with the Romney campaign about potentially getting its ideas represented in the GOP platform at the convention.
Asked whether Paul's team had spoken with Romney about a speaking slot at the convention in Tampa, Benton said, "We have not discussed that."
Republicans will meet Aug. 27-30 in Tampa to formally nominate their standard-bearer against President Obama.
Romney is well on his way to gaining the 1,144 delegates needed for the GOP nomination and has been campaigning as the de facto nominee.
Benton said Paul has "more than 100 delegates" who are bound to support the Texan, adding there are "over 200 (delegates) bound to Romney" who are Paul supporters.
