Can we always call him "feisty Ron Paul" the way Steve Peoples of the Associated Press does? In an AP article republished by MSNBC, Paul reflects on his chances in Maine, which he believes are good. Romney can probably stand to lose another one of these caucuses, right? And a Paul win would bring his name back into the discussion, as we cycle between the final four unelectable Republican presidential candidates.

Now, Paul has his own unique outlook on the world, so I take everything he says with a grain of salt — but his optimism is downright refreshing.

"I think we have a very good chance," Paul said. Romney will "be better off if he wins it and I'm going to be a lot better off if I win. So this will give me momentum and it will just maintain his. It's a pretty important state as far as I'm concerned."

I mean, he has to say that, but still. Paul has put a lot of effort into Maine, so a loss would not be a good sign. At this point, it could actually signal the end of his campaign: unlike Gingrich, Paul has not promised to stay in the race till August's Republican National Convention. More importantly, a win for Paul would mark the fourth consecutive loss for Romney. Losing that many times — and even once to Ron Paul — can't be a good feeling, right?

So while Paul continues to assert himself as the cool, alternative Republican, Romney keeps trying to prove that he is "severely conservative" (his words).

In my home with my mom and dad I learned conservative values. I want to ask you and the people of Maine for your vote. If I get your vote, it'll help me become our nominee. If I become our nominee, I'm going to beat this guy and bring America back.

Maine will declare a winner Saturday evening. Because there is no reliable in-state polling, this race is anybody's game. Yes, even Herman Cain's. (No, definitely not Herman Cain's.)

[Image via AP]