Ron Paul Wins Popular Vote In U.S. Virgin Islands GOP Caucus

Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul has finally won something -- sort of.

The Texas congressman has not won a single primary or caucus this election cycle, but he pulled out a win last week in the popular vote in the GOP caucus in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Paul was able to rack up 112 votes, more than Mitt Romney’s 101, Rick Santorum’s 23 and Newt Gingrich’s 18.

Unfortunately for Paul, under the complicated rules governing the U.S. Virgin Island caucus, he won only a single delegate to Mitt Romney’s seven -- which in the fight to win the presidential nomination is what really counts. One other delegate has not yet committed to a candidate.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, voters first cast a ballot for a presidential candidate and afterwards vote on delegates to the national convention. While a candidate may obtain more popular votes, the elected delegates may not support that same candidate. Although Paul won the popular vote, three delegates supporting Romney were selected along with three Republican National Committee “member pledge” delegates, totalling six for Romney. In addition, one uncommitted delegate announced he would also support Romney, bringing the count to seven.

Despite the confusion Paul’s campaign site is calling it a victory for their campaign marking the end of a long losing streak for Paul, who also failed to win a primary or caucus during his 2008 presidential run.

"The AP and others reported yesterday that Mitt Romney won the Virgin Islands caucus. And they aren’t entirely wrong, because of the crazy rules that are around caucuses, Mitt Romney was able to qualify for more delegates, and win them. One of the uncommitted delegates also went to Romney," Paul's campaign said.