Rand Paul Lead Shows
Tea Party Strength

First-time politician – and libertarian tea-party favorite – Rand Paul has a double-digit lead in the Republican primary for Senate in Kentucky. Assuming Paul wins next Tuesday, that will mean an embarrassing rejection by voters of Kentucky’s own Mitch McConnell, the leading Republican in the Senate. McConnell personally chose Kentucky state Secretary of State Trey Grayson to run for the seat of retiring Sen. Jim Bunning (R).

Ordinarily, an endorsement from Senator McConnell would have been all Grayson needed to cruise to victory. But in 2010, a year of conservative ideological passion led by the Tea Parties, establishment Republicans can take nothing for granted. Though he is still popular with Kentucky Republicans, McConnell is as “establishment” as it gets.

The rising fortunes of Dr. Paul – an opthalmologist and son of libertarian Rep. Ron Paul (R) of Texas – have caught Kentucky political observers by surprise and thrown a monkey wrench into their general election calculations. Some observers believe Mr. Grayson would be the stronger contender in the November general election. In their opinion, the likely nomination of Paul may give the Democrats a better chance at taking over this seat in this solidly red state.

As a libertarian, Paul holds some views outside the conservative mainstream – such as his opposition to the Iraq war and support for legalized medical marijuana – but that has not diminished the enthusiasm of his supporters.

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Rand Paul Leads Establishment Candidate
May 14, 2010 ... Rand Paul Leads "Establishment Candidate" In KY Senate Race. ... Rand Paul leads Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson by double-digits ...