Staff report

The campaign for Republican Ron Paul is working to translate his Internet support into organizational strength in Iowa.

The campaign opened an office in Iowa a week before the GOP straw poll in Ames last month and kicked off its organizational effort last week for the congressman from Texas.

Drew Ivers, Paul’s Iowa chairman, said the Internet will continue to play a key role in the campaign, and as a result they will bring in a number of new, energetic people into the Republican Party.

“They have been excited about his positions and now our challenge is to get them activated and into the caucuses,” Ivers said.

The campaign has “just a few” paid staff members in the state, Ivers said, declining to divulge how many.

He’s optimistic about Paul’s chances in the Iowa caucuses.

“The potential is good, because he has tremendous following from young people, and in particular the Internet group that are technically savvy and are following him and are excited by his candidacy and his stand on the issues,” Ivers said.