AUSTIN—While many people may not be aware that Republican Ron Paul was still in the race, he officially folded his Presidential campaign Thursday night.

A spokesman said it will happen at the Texas GOP State Convention in Houston. He said the announcement won't be a disappointment, but actually "really exciting." Paul is expected to unveil a new effort to help elect Libertarian-leaning Republicans to public office.

The Paul campaign generated few sparks and collected few delegates, but it showed an ability to raise millions in donations over the Internet. His supporters pushed him to have a speaking role at the Republican National Convention.

Even though John McCain has the GOP nomination locked up, Paul has said he won't endorse him.

Paul made plans to hold an event in Minneapolis that he called a rally and celebration to present a positive case for what he believes should be Republican values, including limited government and personal liberty.

Paul said John McCain is not speaking out about those issues.

"John McCain has a different foreign policy, and he supports No Child Left Behind and higher taxes, even though he talks differently now. He supported higher taxes and McCain - Feingold, you know, a first amendment abuse. So I would say he does not represent limited government values and the Republicans deserve to hear the other side of the story.

Congressman Paul said his event will not disrupt the Republican convention.