Compared to Ron Paul, State Senator Tom Davis (R-46) is a relative newcomer to libertarian ideals.  Paul, who’s ran for president three times and served eleven terms in the U.S. House, has been preaching the merits of limited government for nearly half of his life (he turns 77 later this month).

Davis, who endorsed Paul for president during this cycle, hosted a fundraiser for the Texas Congressman in Columbia on Monday night. Davis said he wanted to have the event in a central location so supporters from across the state could honor Paul before he retires, which will be at the end of this term.

Davis was one of the few elected officials in any state to support Paul, as some more moderate Republicans feared a move too far to the right would jeopardize the chances of the nominee in the general election. The general election wasn’t a consideration for Davis in endorsing Paul. “Everyone talks about relationships and if someone wins, ‘what they can do for me?’ but I didn’t look at it that way,” Davis said. “(Paul) was speaking to the issues that are really facing the country and the havoc that the Federal Reserve has wreaked on this economy.”

Though Paul came up short in the electoral aspect of his presidential bid, Davis believes that it was ultimately successful. “Politicians in both parties are now finally talking about the issues that Dr. Paul has been talking about for 35 years. That’s a win,” Davis said.

Needless to say, Davis thinks Paul has earned a spot in prime time during the Republican Convention later this month in Tampa. “The things Ron Paul has been talking are what will save the Republican Party. Furthermore, not letting him speak would alienate all the young people he’s energized and who got interested in politics for the first time because of him.”

Paul was late arriving to the fundraiser as his flight was diverted to Augusta due to severe thunderstorms. His remarks before an estimated crowd of 300 were not made available to the media and the session itself was closed.

The event will be a boost to Davis’ campaign coffers. The senator is completing his first term this year and even though he is unopposed in the general election in the fall, he’s raised nearly $550,000.