LAKE JACKSON, Texas - October 24, 2011 - Ron Paul popularized the “money bomb” - an explosive, online fundraising push to raise campaign cash - during his presidential run four years ago. Once again today, the Texas Republican proved that he’s the master of it.

The Patriot Congressman and GOP presidential candidate announced this afternoon that he had raised $2.75 million in donations in his latest money bomb that ran for five days, from Wednesday until noon today.

The campaign announced it had received 44,527 donations - 40,494 of them unique - from all 50 states. The average donation was $61.92, and the median was $25.

The fundraising appeal was called “Black This Out”, in reference to Paul supporters’ accurate claims that he is being ignored by mainstream media.

“This money bomb’s success conveys that Ron Paul’s supporters, whether independent or loosely organized, are poised to dig in deep and back him even during this government-imposed economic downturn,” said National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

Paul raised $8.3 million from July through September. He had raised a total of $12.6 million at the end of the third quarter and had $3.7 million on hand to spend.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry raised $17.2 million in his first months on the campaign and had $15 million cash on hand.

Both Texans trail behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in overall fundraising. Romney has raised a total of $32.2 million.

More than any other GOP presidential contender, Paul has relied on small donations. Perry and Romney have been heavily dependent on large donors that contribute the maximum amount allowed by federal election law, $2,500.