For Paul and Romney, a strategic alliance between outsider and establishment They never do. Despite deep differences on a range of issues, Romney and Paul became personal friends in 2008, the last time both ran for president. So did their wives, Ann and Carol. The former Massachusetts governor compliments the Texas congressman during debates - praising Paul's religious faith during the last one, in Jacksonville. Immediately afterward, as is often the case, the Pauls and the Romneys gravitated toward each other to say hello. The Romney-Paul alliance is more than a curious connection. It is now a strategic partnership: for Paul, an opportunity to gain a seat at the table if his long-shot bid for the presidency fails; and for Romney, a chance to gain support from one of the most vibrant subgroups within the Republican Party. "It would be very foolish for anybody in the Republican Party to dismiss a very real constituency," one senior Republican aide in Washington familiar with both camps said said. Ron Paul plays a very valuable part in the process and brings a lot of voters toward the Republican Party and ultimately into the voting booth, and that's something that can't be ignored. To ensure they are heard - not just now but after election day - Paul and his followers are working to gain a permanent foothold in the Republican Party nationwide. One state at a time, Paul's followers are seating themselves at county committee meetings, standing for election as state officers and convention delegates - all to make sure that Paul's libertarian vision is taken into account. The goal is a lasting voice for an army of outsiders who have long felt ignored but see the nation headed to ruin if that doesn't change. That is just fine with the Romney campaign, which would be happy to bring Paul's constituency - perhaps the most intense and loyal in the country - into the fold. Romney aides are "quietly in touch with Ron Paul," according to a Republican adviser who is in touch with the Romney campaign and requested anonymity to discuss the campaign's internal thinking. The Paul and Romney campaigns have "coordinated" on minor things, the adviser said (even on small details, such as staggering the timing of each candidate's appearance on television the night of the New Hampshire primary for maximum effect). One advantage for Romney in Paul's continued presence in the race is to keep the GOP field fractured. But there is also a growing recognition that Paul plans to stay in the race over the long term anyway - and that accommodating him and his supporters could help unify the Republican electorate in the fall election against President Obama. "Ron Paul wants a presence at the convention," the adviser said - and Romney, if he is the nominee, would grant it. What Paul and his supporters would demand, and what Romney would offer, is the subject of some speculation. One Paul adviser who requested anonymity to speak freely said a prime-time speaking slot for Paul - and for his son, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) - are obvious goals. On the policy front, Paul's top priorities are reforming the Federal Reserve and reducing federal spending. So a promise to audit the Fed, and to tackle deficit reduction seriously, could appease Paul and his supporters, the adviser said.