He will speak at a rally of supporters and a gathering of alternative medicine proponents as well as hold a private fundraiser.

Paul has trailed the front-runners in national opinion polls, but he has built a strident following of grass-roots supporters.

He will be the eighth presidential candidate to visit Utah, the fourth Republican.

Paul has built his campaign around a limited role for government and opposition to the Iraq war. As a congressman, his record for voting against almost every measure that comes before the House has earned him the nickname "Dr. No."

In 1988, he ran as the Libertarian Party candidate for president, even while remaining a registered Republican.

Paul will attend a $1,000-a-plate brunch at the Blue Goose in The Gateway that organizers hope will attract 40 supporters, then the congressman will speak about the Constitution and the proper role of government during a rally in the Grand Hall of the Union Pacific depot from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday evening, he will join a small group of supporters for a $2,000-a-plate dinner where he will address his Health Freedom initiative, which focuses on expanded access to alternative and homeopathic medicine and to information on dietary supplements.

Paul had raised about $13,000 in the state as of the June 30 filing, according to the Federal Elections Commis- sion.

Lowell Nelson, who has been organizing grass-roots support for Paul since June, said at summer festivals and parades around the state he has seen a growing interest and awareness of Paul's candidacy.

"It's building from all walks of life. It's not just Republicans or Libertarians or Constitutionalists," Nelson said. "He's probably the only candidate who adheres to the Constitution. If the Constitution does not enumerate the power to Congress, he will not vote for it."

Nelson noted that Utah's predominant Mormon faith believes the Constitution is divinely inspired, "so anyone who adheres to the Constitution is worth supporting."

Lynda Robison, along with her husband, Vaughn, has started Internet-based grass-roots Ron Paul "meet-up" groups.

"What's amazing to us is how many young people, people who've never voted, young people, 18 on up" have joined the movement, she said.

Robison said she is drawn to Paul because of his commitment to "following the Constitution," which she said is "the original Republican stance."

She also supports his views on alternative medicine and ending the war in Iraq, which she and Paul say was based on false information.