Report: Ron Paul vouches for Justin Amash in campaign fundraising effort

GRAND RAPIDS, MI In a message to supporters Monday, libertarian firebrand and former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul reportedly said U.S. Rep. Justin Amash faces a serious threat toward a reelection bid.

Paul, a three time presidential candidate, sent an email to Liberty PAC supporters Monday and petitioned them to donate to Amash in his first fundraising campaign of the 2014 election season, according to the Sunshine State News.

The online-only publication appears libertarian-leaning with "an editorial board that believes free-market, less-government solutions."

Paul reportedly told supporters "Amash ... is in trouble" while "the big-government GOP establishment is running a well-financed primary opponent against Justin."

A Facebook posting purportedly details the rest of the message.

Amash, R-Cascade Township, and his campaign staff launched the online "money bomb" campaign called The Establishment Strikes Back: Join the Rebel Alliance! Monday and landed more than $88,000 after the first day, according to its website.

The online fundraiser was slated to end by midnight Monday with a goal of $100,000 but was extended to early Wednesday morning with the goal still in sight.

Grand Rapids businessman Brian Ellis thus far has emerged as a serious contender to Amash, garnering the praise of several West Michigan businesspeople in a recent campaign letter and engaging in an impromptu back-and-forth with the congressman on the radio.

This isn't the first time Paul has gotten behind Amash. The congressman raised more than $39,000 in September 2012 with the lure of having dinner with the two.

Related: Justin Amash raises $39,000 with lottery lure of dinner with Ron Paul

Read more:
Report: Ron Paul vouches for Justin Amash in campaign fundraising effort