Ron Paul: 'I'm pretty mainstream'

Calling attacks on his positions "gross distortions," Rep. Ron Paul said Saturday that he's "pretty mainstream" and could win the Republican presidential nomination.

Paul is virtually tied for the lead in Iowa, according to the latest Des Moines Register survey, but his opponents have been hammering his positions as too radical. The Register poll found that 29 percent of likely caucus-goers thought Paul was unelectable.

“I’ve been pretty electable,” Paul said on CNN's "State of the Union," referring to his 12 terms in Congress.

"The big question is: Why are the rallies going so well for me? Why are the crowds getting bigger and bigger?" Paul said.

"I would say I'm pretty main stream. I think the people who are attacking me right now are the ones who can't defend their records."

Many of the criticisms have focused on Paul's foreign policy proposals. The libertarian lawmaker has said that the U.S. should not be as adventurous around the world.

"Other candidates say, 'oh, it's dangerous' believing in the Constitution and believing you shouldn't go to war unless you declare the war," Paul said on "Fox News Sunday."