Remember Ron Paul? He’s the Texas congressman who sought the Republican nomination. Although he raised stunning amounts of money and developed a group of passionate supporters, he ultimately did not receive many primary votes. Paul came to Minnesota this week as well – but not for the Republican National Convention.

Paul held his own convention in Minneapolis, drawing more than 10,000 to his “Rally for the Republic” event featuring speakers and musical performances. Paul supporters were spotted throughout the city, holding signs in protest outside the Xcel center or shouting his name. People exiting the Republican Convention on its first night listened to one man just outside the security fence shouting “Ron Paul!” over and over and over.

Robert Tamburo of Pennsylvania said he was inspired by Ron Paul this past primary season to do what he could to help the Republican Party and “get it back to its conservative roots.” He decided the best way to help was to run as a delegate. He went door to door in the heart of winter seeking enough signatures on his petition to allow him to run as a delegate on his state’s election ballot. He then drove hours in a snowstorm to make sure his petition made it to the state’s board of electors by the deadline.

Tamburo’s efforts paid off when he was selected as a delegate, but he did not get a chance in Minnesota to see the man who inspired him. Why? Tamburo said there was not enough time. “I wanted to fulfill my obligations as a delegate.”