Ron Paul hints he may be quitting race

Long-shot Republican candidate says many victories already achieved

** FILE ** In this June 12, 2008 file photo, then Republican presidential hopeful, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, speaks to a group of supporters in Houston. Dueling delegations pitting Paul's Nevada supporters against those of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., vow to take their fight to the Republican National Convention. That's just one sign that the outsider, Internet-fueled movement led by the feisty Republican congressman from Texas remains afloat in the wake of McCain's victory in the GOP primaries. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

David J. Phillip / AP file

AP file

Video: In his own words
Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, touches upon the primary themes of his presidential campaign.

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updated 1:07 a.m. ET March 7, 2008

WASHINGTON - Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is hinting to supporters that he is ending his long-shot campaign for the presidency.

The Texas Republican congressman addressed supporters in a 7 1/2-minute video on his campaign Web site Thursday night and did not specifically say he was quitting the race.

Republican frontrunner John McCain already has enough delegates to clinch the party's nomination, and other contenders have dropped out.

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Paul said that although victory in the conventional political sense is not available in the presidential race, many victories have been achieved due to the hard work and enthusiasm of his supporters.

He said that he hoped that one day he and his supporters could look back and say his campaign was a significant first step that signaled a change in direction for the country.

Paul said their job now was to plan for the next phase of their effort.

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