ARDEN HILLS, Minn.– Rep. Ron Paul said Saturday evening that he did not consider any states “must-win” for his campaign, though he acknowledged the need to continue to win delegates.

Mr. Paul, speaking to reporters following a rally before an estimated 1,500 at Bethel University, said there was “no doubt” that his campaign has gained more traction than in 2008. While he would need to win outright some states to achieve the nomination, Mr. Paul said he is more focused on picking off delegates for the Republican National Convention.

“I want to maximize delegates, and so far we’ve been able to pick up delegates,” Mr. Paul said following the third of three overflow events in Minnesota, which holds its caucus votes on Tuesday evening.

A test for Mr. Paul’s campaign came earlier on Saturday, when Nevada Republicans caucused in a state where the Texas Republican came second in 2008. Mr. Paul said preliminary reports from Nevada suggested another second place finish, though he acknowledged former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was out of reach.

“We are planning on getting some delegates out of Nevada, the number is uncertain yet and later tonight we’ll know,” he said.

Mr. Paul weighed in on a range of issues during his stump speech, which was well received by a crowd that was noticeably younger than at some of his other events. The long-time critic of the Federal Reserve lambasted the central bank and chairman Ben Bernanke, suggesting Mr. Bernanke “literally laughs” at people who suggest record-low interest rates are hurting consumers who seek to build their savings.

Additionally, he said the Fed and the U.S. routinely mislead the public.