LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — As he launches his presidential campaign, Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul is delivering a challenge both to Washington and to his fellow Republicans.
Announcing his candidacy today at a rally in Louisville, Paul said he’s worried that “opportunity and hope are slipping away for our sons and daughters.” And he said it seems as if “both parties and the entire political system are to blame.”
Paul drew cheers today when he denounced government searches of phones and computer records — a practice that most Republicans defend as a necessary defense against terrorism. He said, “The phone records of law-abiding citizens are none of their damn business.”
By criticizing his own party, the tea party favorite was trying to distinguish himself from typical politicians.
His rally today was aimed partly at motivating legions of supporters from the two earlier presidential campaigns by his father, former Republican Congressman Ron Paul. He’s also hoping to broaden his appeal outside of the typical GOP coalition.
