End of the Line for Ron Paul's Insurgent Campaign

Ron Paul's plan for a delegate insurgency has reached the end of the line.

The Texas congressman won just two of Nebraska's 35 delegates at the state party convention Saturday, dashing his final hope of having his name placed in contention for the Republican presidential nomination.

GOP rules require a candidate win a plurality of delegates in at least five states to have their name presented for nomination at the national convention. Nebraska, the last state to hold its convention, was Paul's last chance to reach that threshold as part of his delegate-driven strategy. He was soundly beaten by presumptive nominee Mitt Romney, who won the other 33 delegates, the Omaha World Herald reported.

Paul's loss means he will not be guaranteed a speaking slot at the convention in Tampa, Fla. next month, and will have to rely on Romney and convention organizers to grant him time instead. Paul said Friday he believes the Romney campaign is "insecure" about having him speak, possibly out of concern he would use it to rally his supporters.

According to ABC News, Paul's campaign said it plans to bring about 500 supportive delegates to Tampa, guaranteeing his presence will still be felt. He is also planning to hold his own rally around Tampa, and his supporters have organized Paul Festival 2012, an independent event that will feature live music.