When these numbers were released, they were used as “evidence” of the military’s apparent support for anti-war Republican candidate Ron Paul. Well, there’s just a few things you need to consider.

First of all, Ron Paul did not get more votes than pro-war Republicans. Pro-war Republicans received 27, 967 – Ron Paul received 24,965. Ron Paul is the only anti-war Republican in the field. So, he doesn’t have to share those donations with any one else. However, the other 9 pro-war Republicans had to share the pro-war military support. If there was only one pro-war Republican in the race, he would’ve received more donations than Ron Paul. A majority of the military who have donated to Republicans, have donated to pro-war Republicans in the Second Q.

Secondly, the numbers included veterans of previous wars. “Veteran” refers to any former member of the armed services who ever served anywhere for the US. John Kerry is a veteran. Scott Thomas Beauchamp will be a veteran. Ron Paul received nearly a quarter of his donations from veterans. Veterans are not currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many have not fought under Bush in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Finally, out of 1.4 million active duty personnel, 858, 500 reservists, and countless war veterans of all ages, only 95,177 have donated thus far. That means an overwhelming majority of those who are currently or have served in the past, have yet to donate to anyone – Republican or Democrat.

Does that mean Paul won’t end up with a majority of the military vote? No. Who knows? We’re months away from even the first primary. After all of the primaries, we have to go through the general election. These numbers also don’t count donations to the RNC, DNC, et all. But, at this point to make the assumption that the military has chosen their candidate, is naive at worse, premature at best.