MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Texas congressman Ron Paul says his second-place finish in New Hampshire's GOP primary is a sign of growing momentum for his beliefs.

He's also scoffing at people who call him and his followers dangerous.

Paul says he is dangerous — "to the status quo."

Paul improved on his performance in Iowa's GOP caucuses, where he took third place, with his showing in New Hampshire on Tuesday. While far behind Romney, he was comfortably outpacing his other GOP rivals.

Paul says he called Mitt Romney to congratulate him on his victory but says he is nibbling at Romney's heals.

The Texas congressman says his finish is a victory for the cause of liberty and that he's proud of the discussion of issues that his campaign has sparked.