(Image Source: News One)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

His legions of fans love his small government ideas.

But it was GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul’s non-pasteurized promise that recently sent a packed room of Iowans into a frenzy.

Here’s the video, courtesy ABC.

REP. RON PAUL (R-TX): “You’re inhibited by the federal government to buy and drink raw milk. I’m all for raw milk. I think you should make your own choice on whether you drink raw milk or not.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, twenty states don’t allow the outright sale of raw milk -- which some believe is more likely to grow certain bacteria. But Paul -- who’s on his third run for the White House -- says that should be YOUR choice. And on Bloomberg, Julie Davis says milk might men a lot, because support is growing for his kind of thinking.

“What it shows you is that he has tapped into this very strong undercurrent of conservatives, principles, advocating people, libertarians who really feel that their issues are not being addressed. They feel that the government is way out of control and they have kind of like an oracle figure.”

An oracle figure because supporters say -- Paul’s been talking about stuff like auditing the Fed for decades. And panelists on MSNBC say -- taking aim at issues like the regulation of raw milk is a shrewd strategy.

“It's microtargeting. When you think about Iowa, think about the folks doing transcendental meditation, who is going to get those guys to come out and vote in the caucus? Ron Paul can do it. He understands there's these little constituencies, might sound zany and out there to you but folks that care about raw milk and he's for them.”

Among other issues where the candidate stands alone in the GOP field -- Paul has called for the complete withdrawal of US troops overseas, as well as closing five federal agencies -- including the Departments of Education and Energy.

A couple of tall orders. Which is exactly why the LA Times’ Jonah Goldberg calls the Texas congressman -- naive.

“I like, even love, many of Paul's proposals... But he’s not the man to get them accomplished, largely because the president doesn't have unilateral authority. … Paul has been in Congress, off and on, for nearly 30 years. … During all of that, he took to the floor and delivered passionate speeches in protest convincing … nobody.”

Iowans vote January 3rd in the first-in-the-nation caucus -- long-considered crucial in the race for the presidential nomination.

And if the latest Public Policy Polling poll is any indication -- Paul is resonating -- leading the pack in Iowa with 23 percent support.