Ron Paul lost for the same reasons that Murray Sabrin lost.

Let me spell it out for you: Poor Campaign Management.

J...

But they are suppose to count them. Legally. Correct?

In New Jersey:

The only time write in and absentee ballots are counted is when the number of votes received on the machines is so close, that the absentee and write in ballots could actually make a difference.

In other words, if 20,000 people vote, 100 write in, and 100 vote absentee, unless the difference between 2 candidates is less than 200, they won't count them.

Eventually, most Board of Elections will count them, months later, but the day of the election, not likely.

If you write in a third candidate, they won't count them unless there is a HUGE SURGE of write in ballots, which is almost never.

Eventually too, they are reported, months later, after the fact.

Makes sense, 20,000 people vote, 1,000 write in a candidate. After polls close, you have 19,000 on the machine and 1,000 write in. Its clearly evident the write in candidate didn't win.

J...

Write in votes are eventually counted an reported in CAmden and Gloucester counties, but as stated previously, not usually until well after the fact, although the list is inclusive, listing those with even just 1 vote. The only reason for a write in vote would be a pure oppositional vote akin to voting for none of the above. Bob Barr may noot be a perfect Libertarian but every vote for him is another kick in the nuts to Obama and McCain.