Don't think she'll be flying over the Superbowl, but it's okay to dream

Ron Paul Blimp Poised to Catapult Presidential Candidate into the Spotlight?

by Colette von Hessen

Is Ron Paul ready to be airborne again? First there was the Manhattan rooftop emblazoned with the words "GOOGLE RON PAUL" in the hopes that passing aircraft would notice and take heed. Then there were the airplanes flying by with "Ron Paul for President!" on banners flying saucily in the sun. Now there is the Ron Paul Blimp.

Organizers contacted Airship Management Services in Connecticut and were delighted to find that George Spyrou, whom they spoke to, was a Ron Paul supporter himself. They found that they will need to raise approximately $350,000 in order to lease the blimp for one month. A recent donor to the project indicated that she had just given $500 and was very excited to do so, stating that this was a great opportunity for Ron Paul supporters who have already given the maximum amount allowed by law of $2300. Mr. Spyrou offered the group a discount off the artwork for the blimp at the hefty sum of $50,000 to $100,000.

The blimp is one of the largest in the world, and flies at an average speed of about 30 miles per hour. It holds 12 passengers in addition to two pilots, and includes a restroom. Adding further excitement to the equation, all those who donate at least $25 towards the blimp are automatically eligible to be entered in a raffle for one of 20 tickets to ride the in the Ron Paul Blimp. Those donating $5,000 get 5 flying days in the blimp.

The creators of the Ron Paul Blimp website offer would-be donors all manner of tantalizing scenarios in order to entice them to give to the blimp fund:

"A blimp? A blimp!

Imagine..the mainstream media is mesmerized as the image of the Ron Paul blimp is shown to tens of millions of Americans throughout the day (and throughout the month). Wolf Blizter, stunned and as if in a trance, repeats the words "Amazing, Amazing".

As GPS co-ordinates stream to the website a map shows the Ron Paul blimp's location in real time. The local Television stations broadcast it's every move. The curious flock together and make a trip see history in the making. Emails with pictures are sent, then forwarded, then forwarded again. Youtube videos go viral and reach tens of millions of views. Ron Paul becomes the first presidential candidate in history to have his very own blimp. The PR stunt generates millions upon millions of dollars worth in free publicity, and captures the imagination of America."

Given the recent (and future) successes of such grassroots campaigning successes as the Fifth of November, the ad placed by a single self-described "concerned citizen" in USA Today, and Tea Party '07, the Ron Paul Blimp seems sure to ride the skies in no time.

Original article posted here.