2012

Rand Paul Exploring Presidential Bid

Just months after being elected to Senate.

Just like in 2008, there could be a Paul in the GOP presidential primary—but it might not be the same one. Political watchers are raising their eyebrows at an appearance the freshman Kentucky senator and Tea Party favorite made in Charleston, South Carolina. Not only did Paul stop by the Palmetto State, which hosts a key early primary, he told listeners he also plans to visit Iowa and New Hampshire. But he was coy about whether that means he’ll run for the Oval Office, saying, "The only decision I've made is I won't run against my dad"—Rep. Ron Paul, the Texas Republican who ran in 2008. It would be a very quick turnaround for Paul from political novice and longshot Senate candidate to presidential contender, with a potential bid coming only two years after he won his first elected office.