Public opinion polls
A March 2014 survey conducted by CNN showed Rand Paul leading the GOP field for presidential
hopefuls, edging out Paul Ryan by one point.
With 16 percent support, Paul also polled better than Chris Christie, who only garnered 8 percent.[24]
A poll conducted by Quinnipiac on December 11, 2013,
showed Paul losing a hypothetical election against Hillary Clinton, with Paul receiving 41 percent to
Clinton's 48 percent.[25]
A McClatchy-Marist poll released December 11, 2013,
showed Paul losing to Christie 12 percent to 18 percent.[25]
A July 2013 poll conducted by Public Policy Polling
found that Paul led other possible Republican presidential candidates by a margin of
16 percent. Other politicians in the poll included (in order of results): Jeb Bush, Christie, Ryan, Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.).[26]
On the issues
Economic and
fiscal Taxes
On his campaign website, Rand Paul proposed replacing the current tax
code with a low-rate flat tax that would include a standard deduction and
personal exemptions. According to Paul, the flat tax would "eliminate
every form of unfair double taxation in the United States, including the capital
gains, dividend, estate, gift, and interest tax."[27]
In 2010, he signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. In
doing so, Paul made a promise to his constituents that he would oppose all tax
increases.[28]
In 2010, Paul expressed his approval for extending the
Bush-era tax cuts.[29] In 2014, he cosponsored a bill that
would provide a deduction for child care expenses and another that would
eliminate the estate tax.[30][31]
Paul voted against a bill that would "allow states
to require out-of-state retailers with annual online sales that exceed $1
million to collect sales taxes on items delivered to the state."[32]
Paul sponsored a resolution disapproving of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule regarding the medical
device tax.[33]
Government
regulations
In January 2015, Rand Paul introduced a bill that would require a
complete audit of the Federal Reserve by the Government Accountability
Office. Paul explained, "The American people have a right to know what the
Federal Reserve is doing with our nation's money supply. The time to act is
now."[36]
In 2013, Paul sponsored a bill that would require a
notice and 15-day grace period for a regulatory violation by a small business.[37] He also sponsored legislation that
would require a joint resolution of approval before any major rule from a
regulatory agency could go into effect.[38]
He co-sponsored a bill in 2013 that would reform the
rule-making process of federal agencies by requiring them to consider the
nature of the problem and alternative solutions in greater depth.[39] The same year, he cosponsored another
bill that would require a cost/benefit analysis of any proposed regulation.[40]
Paul cosponsored the National Right-to-Work Act, which
would prevent employers from requiring that their employees join or pay dues to
a union.[41]
International
trade
In 2011, Paul voted to eliminate funding for the Trade
Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA) program.[45] According to the TAA website, the
program "provides financial assistance to manufacturers affected by import
competition."[46]
Budgets
Rand Paul voted against Paul Ryan's 2013 budget proposal. Paul explained,
"I cannot support a budget that raises taxes and never balances, nor can I
support a deal that does nothing to reduce our nation’s $17.3 trillion
debt."[47]
Paul signed the "Cut, Cap, Balance" pledge in
2012 "to demand that any effort to raise the debt ceiling be
rejected...unless federal spending is cut, capped, and balanced."[48]
In 2011, Paul put forward a plan that would have cut $500
billion from the federal budget.[49] Paul's plan would have balanced the
budget in five years and would have cut the federal Departments of Education, Energy, Commerce and Housing and Urban
Development.[50]
Paul's 2010 U.S. Senate campaign website expressed his
opposition to "all federal bailouts of private industry. He strongly
criticized the $700 billion bank bailout, AIG bailouts, and auto bailouts, as
well as the trillions of dollars the Federal Reserve have printed to fund the
subsidization of bad business."[51]
During his 2010 U.S. Senate campaign Paul said, “I don’t accept
the proposition that earmarks are the only way to have money for your
community. ... Earmarks represent a lot of what is broken in the system.”[52]
Agricultural
subsidies
In an April 2014 article about Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's dispute with
the federal government over land and grazing rights, Paul said, “I hope it’ll
go through a court. But if it were in a court, I would be siding and wanting to
say that, look, the states and the individuals in the state should own these
lands.”[53]
In May 2013, Paul voted for S.Amdt. 953 - the Agriculture
Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013, which would have limited "the amount
of premium subsidy provided by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation on behalf
of any person or legal entity with an average adjusted gross income in excess
of $750,000, with a delayed application of the limitation until completion of a
study on the effects of the limitation."[54]
In 2013, Paul sponsored S.956, which proposed eliminating
price supports for peanuts, sugar and milk.[56]
Paul sponsored S.Amdt.2181 to S.3240 - the Agriculture
Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, which would have limited agricultural
benefits and payments under the Farm Bill to farmers with incomes of $250,000
or less.[57]
Federal
assistance programs
Rand Paul sponsored
S.1469 - the Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act of 2013, which proposed
allowing those eligible for Medicare starting in 2015 to join the Federal
Employees Health Benefit Program and proposed raising the eligibility age to 70
by 2034.[59]
Paul co-sponsored S.1904 - the Welfare Reform Act of
2011. The bill, among other things, proposed revising work requirements,
demanding applicants perform a supervised job search and using means-testing on
an annual basis.[60]
In 2011, he co-sponsored a bill that proposed gradually
increasing the Social Security retirement age to 70 by 2032 and gradually
increasing early retirement to 64 by 2028.[61]
In 2010, Paul indicated on a Christian Coalition survey
that he supported allowing individuals to invest a portion of their social
security tax in a private retirement account.[62]
Foreign affairs
Military preparedness and budget
Rand Paul was a member
of the United States Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations and the United States Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs during the 113th Congress.[63]
During a 2012 interview with Slate, Paul said,
“Conservatives defend military spending. Liberals defend domestic spending. The
idea [is] that both sides get together and compromises and we reduce all spending
… and right now, and really for the last 50 years, we’ve done the opposite. Our
compromise has always been: We raise military spending and we raise domestic
welfare spending. So when people say we’re not compromising, they’re missing it
completely. We’re compromising all the time to spend more money.”[64]
Paul did not support removing the $700
billion automatic defense spending cut that was part of the 2011 debt limit
deal.[64]
National
security
In September 2014, Rand Paul called "for a declaration of war
against the Islamic State," according to The New York Times.[65]
In an op-ed published in the Wall
Street Journal on August 27, 2014, Paul wrote, "A more realistic
foreign policy would recognize that there are evil people and tyrannical
regimes in this world, but also that America cannot police or solve every
problem across the globe. Only after recognizing the practical limits of our
foreign policy can we pursue policies that are in the best interest of the
U.S."[66]
In August 2014, Paul cautioned against
intervening in the uprise of ISIS. He referenced the action taken in
Syria and argued that it resulted in making the area more unstable.[67]
In 2014, Paul voted against "further consideration
of the USA Freedom Act." Paul said, “In the aftermath of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks, Americans were eager to catch and punish the terrorists who
attacked us. I, like most Americans, demanded justice. But one common
misconception is that the Patriot Act applies only to foreigners—when in
reality, the Patriot Act was instituted precisely to widen the surveillance
laws to include U.S. citizens. As Benjamin Franklin put it, ‘those who trade
their liberty for security may wind up with neither.’ Today’s vote to oppose
further consideration of the Patriot Act extension proves that we are one step
closer to restoring civil liberties in America.”[68]
In March 2011, Paul opposed U.S.
intervention in Libya and was critical of President Barack Obama for not gaining congressional consent
for Operation Odyssey Dawn. He said, "the president is going to engage us
in a third war without any consultation, without any voting in congress and
without any congressional authority. I think this is a very serious breach of
our Constitution. I think it is something we should not let happen lightly. I
think it is something we should object strenuously to."[70]
According to a 2010 CBS News article, Paul said
"he would have voted against a declaration of war against Iraq."[71]
International
relations
In July 2014, Rand Paul supported a resolution reinforcing
U.S. support for Israel against Hamas.[72]
In April 2014, he sponsored S.2265 -
the Stand with Israel Act of 2014, which proposed prohibiting U.S. assistance
to the Palestinian Authority.[73]
In February 2014, Paul's initial
position in reaction to the turmoil between Russia and Ukraine was for the U.S.
to maintain a "respectful relationship with Russia.” According to the Wall
Street Journal, "He later changed his tone, criticizing Mr. Putin
after his military mobilized in Crimea," in March 2014. Paul advocated for
economic sanctions rather than military action in response to Putin's
aggression.[74][75][76]
Domestic Federalism
Judiciary
On February 6, 2015, Rand Paul expressed his oppositon for Loretta
Lynch's nomination as attorney general. He said, "Mrs. Lynch has a
track-record of violating the individual freedoms granted to us by our
Constitution. She considers civil asset forfeiture to be a 'useful tool,' while
I consider it to be an infringement on the Fifth Amendment. She remains
non-committal on the legality of drone strikes against American citizens, while
I believe such strikes unequivocally violate rights granted to us by the Sixth
Amendment. Mrs. Lynch also supports President Obama's calls for executive
amnesty, which I vehemently oppose. The Attorney General must operate
independent of politics, independent of the president and under the direction
of the Constitution. I cannot support a nominee, like Mrs. Lynch, who rides
roughshod on our Constitutional rights."[78]
Paul opposed President Barack Obama's appointment, David Barron, for U.S.
Circuit Judge. He opposed Barron's appointment because of a memo written by
Barron "thought to be the basis for the killing of Americans
overseas."[79]
Government
accountability
In March 2014, Rand Paul cosponsored S.2118 - the ENFORCE the
Law Act of 2014, which proposed allowing Congress to take civil action against
the president for not enforcing federal law.[80]
First Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution
On November 3, 2014, Rand Paul posted the following comments on his Facebook
page: "The First Amendment is clear, and its intent is not to keep
religious people out of government, but rather to keep government out of
religion. I'll continue to stand for religious freedom."[81]
Paul has supported religious liberty.
He voted for S.1204 - the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which proposed
amending to the Affordable Care Act to exempt organizations from providing
services in opposition with their religious beliefs.[82]
In 2011, Paul drew criticism from some
for saying, "But if someone is attending speeches from someone who is
promoting the violent overthrow of our government, that’s really an offense
that we should be going after — they should be deported or put in prison."[83]
Second
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
On March 29, 2013, in an op-ed in the Washington
Times, Paul wrote, "When Congress reconvenes next month, Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to bring gun control back to the Senate floor. If this occurs,
I will oppose any legislation that undermines Americans’ constitutional right
to bear arms or their ability to exercise this right without being subject to
government surveillance."[84]
In March 2013, Paul voted "To uphold Second
Amendment rights and prevent the United States from entering into the United
Nations Arms Trade Treaty."[85]
One of the reasons Paul opposed a renewal of the Patriot
Act was because it "gives the government the right to search your home
without a warrant, when you're not home, leave listening devices, and use any
and all information to create a prosecution on any charge regardless of their
original reason for the search." He stated that unless Americans are free
from "unreasonable searches and seizures," their Second Amendment
rights are not fully protected.[86]
Paul has voted against bills that would ban the sale of
"assault weapons" and limit the magazine capacity of firearms.[87]
Fourth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
In 2014, Paul voted against "further consideration
of the USA Freedom Act." Paul said, “In the aftermath of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks, Americans were eager to catch and punish the terrorists who
attacked us. I, like most Americans, demanded justice. But one common
misconception is that the Patriot Act applies only to foreigners—when in
reality, the Patriot Act was instituted precisely to widen the surveillance
laws to include U.S. citizens. As Benjamin Franklin put it, ‘those who trade
their liberty for security may wind up with neither.’ Today’s vote to oppose
further consideration of the Patriot Act extension proves that we are one step
closer to restoring civil liberties in America.”[68]
Paul has been a strong advocate for
personal rights, including the right to privacy and the right to due process.
As a result, he has been opposed to any bills that would infringe on these
rights, including the Patriot Act.[88]
Paul's push for sentencing reform for non-violent drug
offenders and a strict upholding of the Fourth Amendment has given him a voice
with minorities whom he feels have been disproportionately affected.[89]
Fifth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution
Tenth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution
Rand Paul cosponsored
S.2473 - Federal Land Designation Requirements Act of 2011, which proposed
prohibiting the federal government from designating an area as a national park,
forest, wildlife refuge, scenic river, trails or wilderness preserve without
approval by the state legislature from the state in which the area is located.[90]
Executive
powers
On September 12, 2014, Rand Paul said, “I think the first executive
order that I would issue would be to repeal all previous executive orders,
We’ve done way too many things [the wrong way]: Signing statements, altering
legislation by the president, are wrong and unconstitutional and shouldn’t
happen. Executive orders shouldn’t either." Sergio Gor, a spokesperson for
Paul explained Paul's comments. He said, "Senator Paul's statement was
meant to emphasize this president's overt and unconstitutional executive
orders, it was not meant to be taken literally."[91]
Crime and
justice
On August 14, 2014, after the police shooting of Michael Brown and
public rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, Rand Paul argued against the militarization of
local police forces and the erosion of civil liberties in the name of safety.
He wrote, "When you couple this militarization of law enforcement with an
erosion of civil liberties and due process that allows the police to become
judge and jury—national security letters, no-knock searches, broad general
warrants, pre-conviction forfeiture—we begin to have a very serious problem on
our hands. Given these developments, it is almost impossible for many Americans
not to feel like their government is targeting them. Given the racial
disparities in our criminal justice system, it is impossible for
African-Americans not to feel like their government is particularly targeting
them. This is part of the anguish we are seeing in the tragic events outside of
St. Louis, Missouri. It is what the citizens of Ferguson feel when there is an
unfortunate and heartbreaking shooting like the incident with Michael Brown.
Anyone who thinks that race does not still, even if inadvertently, skew the
application of criminal justice in this country is just not paying close enough
attention. Our prisons are full of black and brown men and women who are
serving inappropriately long and harsh sentences for non-violent mistakes in
their youth."[92]
In July 2014, Paul sponsored bills to eliminate minimum
mandatory sentencing, allow some felons to vote, make some felonies
misdemeanors and make it easier for individuals to expunge their records.
According to the Washington Times, "All the proposals would benefit
minorities that Paul said have been impacted by the 'war on drugs.'" Paul
added, “And even though whites used drugs at the same rate as black kids, the
prisons are full of black kids and brown kids. There are Republicans trying to
correct this injustice.”[93]
In July 2014, when asked about his
stance on the death penalty, Paul said that it should be left to the states to
decide, according to the Washington Times.[93]
In his book, "Government
Bullies," Paul called the Lacey Act “a frightening example of our
government criminalizing activity that really shouldn't be criminal.” The Lacey
Act prohibits trafficking of illegal fish, wildlife and plants.[94]
Natural resources Energy production
In March 2014, when asked about energy
independence in reaction to Russia invading Ukraine, Rand Paul stated that if he were president, he
would "immediately get every obstacle out of the way for our export of oil
and gas.”[95]
Paul's 2014 budget proposed opening the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge and the outer continental shelf for drilling, approving the
Keystone XL pipeline and increasing permission to drill on public lands.[96]
During his 2010 campaign, Paul stated his support for the
exploration of domestic oil, gas and mining.[97]
Renewable
energy
Rand Paul opposes subsidizing energy companies,
but he supports giving tax breaks for developing alternative, renewable energy
sources.[98]
Keystone XL
Pipeline
Rand Paul co-sponsored S.2280, which would have
immediately authorized the continuation of the Keystone XL pipeline. The bill
failed 59-41 on November 18, 2014.[99]
Paul voted for S.Amdt. 494: "To
establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to promote investment and job growth
in United States manufacturing, oil and gas production, and refining sectors
through the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline." It passed by a vote
of 62 - 37 on March 22, 2013.[100]
Paul voted for S.Amdt. 1537 to S. 1813, which would have
approved the Keystone XL pipeline project. It failed by a vote of 56-42 on
March 8, 2012.[101]
Fracking
In 2012, Rand Paul cosponsored a bill that would give
states the right to regulate hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."[102]
Cap and trade
Environmental
protection
In November 2013, Rand Paul co-sponsored S.1731 - the Endangered
Species Management Self-Determination Act, which "Amends the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the consent of the governor of a state in
which a species is present for: (1) a determination of endangered or threatened
species status by regulation, and (2) listing of the species as endangered or
threatened by the Secretary of the Interior upon a determination by the
Secretary of Commerce."[104]
Clean air and
water
Rand Paul sponsored S.890 - the Defense of
Environment and Property Act of 2013, which proposed creating a narrower
definition of “navigable waters” and allowing a state or individual to request
judicial review of a determination by the Army Corp of Engineers that affects
their property.[106]
Environmental
Protection Agency
In June 2014, Rand Paul co-sponsored S.2414 - the Protecting
Jobs, Families, and the Economy From EPA Overreach Act, which sought to
prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon
emissions.[107]
In May 2013, Paul co-sponsored S. 861- the Coal Jobs
Protection Act. Paul explained, "To stop Washington bureaucrats from
limiting our energy choices and waging their war against one of the most
affordable and abundant forms of energy we have, I have co-sponsored Senate Republican
Leader, and fellow Kentuckian, Mitch McConnell's S. 861 Coal Jobs Protection
Act. Our bill keeps the EPA from using back-door tactics to stifle coal
production."[108]
In March 2011, Paul co-sponsored S.609
- the Comprehensive Assessment of Regulations on the Economy Act of 2011, which
sought to create a Regulatory Assessment Committee to determine the energy and
economic impact of a proposed EPA rule.[109]
Healthcare
Paul opposes the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act and has argued that the government is responsible for driving up the cost
of healthcare. He explained, "I have long supported making all medical
expenses tax deductible, allowing insurance to be bought across state lines,
tort reform (state-level), and empowering all citizens to save for health
expenses by removing the high-deductible insurance policy requirement to access
to Health Savings Accounts."[110]
According to his 2010 campaign website, Paul is an
ophthalmologist who is familiar with the healthcare system. In 2010, he
supported repealing the HMO Act of 1973, "making all medical expenses tax
deductible, eliminating federal regulations that discourage small businesses
from providing coverage, giving doctors the freedom to collectively negotiate
with insurance companies and drive down the cost of medical care, making every
American eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), and removing the
requirement that individuals must obtain a high-deductible insurance policy
before opening an HSA."[112]
In 2010, Paul argued against a
socialized healthcare system. He wrote, "Socialist medicine does not work
because socialism does not work. When people blame the current crisis on the
free market they are making a grave intellectual error. Simply because these
large companies are benefiting does not mean we currently have a free market.
When the government passes legislation, regulations, and mandates, this can
hardly be called a 'free' market. It is well known that socialism leads to long
lines, rationing, and a lack of choice. But more importantly, socialized
medicine stifles innovation. We might not have the best coverage in this
country (as a result of government intervention), but we do have the best
health care. That is because we are the only country that rewards innovation on
the market place. The answer therefore is more and not less freedom."[112]
Immigration
According to his official website, Rand Paul opposes amnesty, supports legal
immigration, "making English the official language of all documents and
contracts," securing the border, creating "a border fence and
increased border patrol capabilities." In addition, his website states,
"Immigrants should meet the current requirements, which should be enforced
and updated. I realize that subsidizing something creates more of it, and do not
think the taxpayer should be forced to pay for welfare, medical care and other
expenses for illegal immigrants. Once the subsidies for illegal immigration are
removed, the problem will likely become far less common."[113]
In June 2013, Paul said, "he would support a
comprehensive immigration bill if senators accept his amendment to increase
Congressional oversight over border security," according to the Washington
Post.[114]
In June 2010, Paul said "he would support amending
the Constitution to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the United
States," according to The Hill. Paul explained that "the 14th
amendment actually says that you will be a citizen as long as you are under the
jurisdiction of the United States. Many argue that these children that are born
to illegal aliens are really still under the jurisdiction of the Mexican
government. I think we need to fight that out in the courts. If we lose, then I
think we should amend the Constitution because I don't think the 14th amendment
was meant to apply to illegal aliens. It was meant to apply to the children of
slaves."[115]
Education
In July 2014, Rand Paul advocated for education reform. He
expressed his support for vouchers, homeschooling, the use of more technology
in education and remote learning.[116]
During an event at the University of Chicago's Institute
of Politics in April 2014, Paul discussed education policy with Institute
Director David Axelrod and argued that control of education should be returned
to the state and local level. Paul explained, "Education historically was
a state and local subject and I think that what we've seen is since we've spent
about a hundred billion dollars in the Department of Education each year and
that's been going on since 1980. I'm not so sure we're better off than we were
before."[117] Paul is opposed to Common Core and has joined with other members of
Congress to attempt to defund the program. In April 2014, he said, “I don’t
think really the curriculum ought to be nationalized. I think each state can
handle education better than the federal government. The same way that the
federal government doesn’t know whether you are a good teacher or not, they
also don’t know what curriculum is the best. I think more innovation would be
by giving more freedom to the states and localities. So, I’m for less federal
control of education and more local control.”[118]
Abortion
According to his official website, Rand Paul is "100% pro-life. I believe life
begins at conception and that abortion takes the life of an innocent human
being. It is the duty of our government to protect this life as a right guaranteed
under the Constitution."[119]
In 2014, Paul also co-sponsored S.946 - the No Taxpayer
Funding for Abortion Act to prohibit any taxpayer funding of abortions.[120]
In 2013, Paul sponsored S.583 - the Life at Conception
Act of 2013, which "Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution
is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization,
cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being."[121]
During his 2010 Senate campaign, Paul opposed abortion, even
in cases of rape or incest, according to The New York Times.[122] He also explained that abortion should
be illegal when a woman's life is at risk from the pregnancy, but he later
stated that he might make an exception in some individual cases.[123][124]
Gay rights
In March 2013 Rand Paul said, “I’m an old-fashioned
traditionalist. I believe in the historic and religious definition of marriage.
That being said, I’m not for eliminating contracts between adults. I think
there are ways to make the tax code more neutral, so it doesn’t mention
marriage. Then we don’t have to redefine what marriage is; we just don’t have
marriage in the tax code.”[125]
During his 2010 Senate campaign, Paul explained that he personally
opposes same-sex marriage and believes legalizing it should be decided by the
states, according to The New York Times.[126]
Civil liberties
In 2014, Rand Paul sponsored
S.2644 - the FAIR Act, which sought to increase the government's burden of
proof in civil forfeiture proceedings.[127]
Paul sponsored S.3334 - the Protection of Homes, Small
Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2012, which sought to prohibit eminent
domain from being used for private economic development.[128]
Race and
ethnicity
In April 2014, Paul said he supported the Supreme Court
ruling to uphold "a voter-approved ban on racial preferences in admissions
at Michigan’s state-run universities," according to Bloomberg Business.
He said, “There was a time when we had done such terrible things in our country
that there really needed to be special protections. We’ve come a long way, and
I think really that the time in which justice can be colorblind is now, as far
as admissions and things like that.”[129]
Political savvy
Character Integrity
During the 2010 campaign, Rand Paul promised to end earmarks, but shortly
after being elected, he suggested that he would accept what he deemed
appropriate earmarks. He said, "I will argue within the committee process
for things that are good for Kentucky that they want
and also within the context of a balanced budget."[130]
During the 2010 campaign, Paul promised more transparency
and accessibility. In 2011, he introduced a bill that required a waiting period
before a bill, amendment or conference report could be considered.[131]
Principles
In May 2011, Rand Paul was one of only three Republicans to vote against a short-term extension
of three provisions of the Patriot Act and was the sole Republican to vote against passage of the
extensions.[132]
Paul voted against several budget proposals because they
did not cut enough spending.[133][134][135]
Ethics
Plagiarism
In October 2013, Rand Paul was accused of plagiarizing parts of a
speech given in Virginia. He quoted
from a Wikipedia reference about the movie Gattaca without citing
the source.[136]
In November 2013, evidence surfaced that Paul had copied
passages in other speeches and in his book, Government Bullies, without
giving credit to the original sources. It was also found that an op-ed article
he had published in the Washington Times and testimony he had given
before the Senate Judiciary
Committee both contained
material that was virtually identical to an article published by another author
in The Week.[137]
During a November 2013 interview with Wolf Blitzer, Paul
took responsibility for not properly citing sources in various speeches and
documents, but he argued that he had been unfairly scrutinized and held to a
higher standard.[138]
In response to multiple accusations of plagiarism, Paul
announced that he and his staff would cite all borrowed material used in
speeches and written documents. Doug Stafford, a senior adviser to Paul, said,
“From here forward, quoting, footnoting and citing will be more complete.
Adherence to a new approval process implemented by Sen. Paul will ensure proper
citation and accountability in all collaborative works going forward.”[139]
Jack Conway, Paul's opponent in the 2010 election,
accused Paul of being a member of the NoZe Brotherhood as a student at Baylor
University. Mr. Conway aired an ad stating that the group “mocked Christianity”
and alleged that Paul tied a woman up in college and forced her to bow down to
a god called the “Aqua Buddha.” The allegations appeared in GQ, the Washington
Post and Politico, but a source for the allegations was not
provided.[140]
Communications Overall
presence
According to Yougov.com, Rand Paul's "strength may be his
outspokenness. Most politicians, including President Barack Obama and Chris Christie, are often seen as pandering – saying
what they think people want to hear and not what they truly believe. Not Paul.
Nearly twice as many Americans say his statements do reflect what he really
believes as think the opposite."[141]
Paul has broad appeal when he speaks about the government
“spying” on private citizens' lives. The topic appeals to many Republicans and voters of various political
affiliations under 30 years old, as was evidenced by his 2014 speech at
Berkeley. John Dennis (R), who is preparing a campaign to win House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's (D) seat, said, Paul's "helping
to subvert what people think of when they think of Republicans. He's
challenging the administration on the NSA more than anyone else. And his
filibuster was so successful, the people on the left were cheering him
on."[142]
Rand Paul is a potential Republican candidate for the office of President of the United States in 2016.
Paul is a Republican member of the U.S. Senate from the state of Kentucky. He was first elected in 2010. Prior
to his congressional career, Paul worked as an ophthalmologist.
On December 8, 2013, Paul said that his
family would determine whether or not he would run for president, claiming,
"The thought has crossed my mind ... I'm not ready to make a decision
yet."[1] Former Texas Rep. Ron Paul (R), Rand Paul's father, ran for the
presidency three times, including once as a Libertarian in 1988.[2] There have been 16 U.S. senators elected to the presidency, including
President Barack Obama (D).[3]
On the trail
Preparations
During his September 2014 trip to California Paul told the San Francisco
Chronicle that his team was "in the process" of opening an office
in San Francisco. He said, "If we want to win the presidency, we have to
figure out how to compete in California," although he did not specifically
say that he would run for president in 2016.[4]
Paul was one of six Republicans who headlined a major fundraising
event hosted by the Republican National Committee in New York City on September 23, 2013.[5]
In May and June 2013, Paul planned trips to California, Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina in preparation for a possible 2016
presidential campaign.[6]
During Paul's May 2013 trip to New Hampshire, New Hampshire state Rep. Phil Straight (R) called Paul a
"contender" for the 2016 presidential race.[7]
In May 2013, Paul's chief of staff, Doug Stafford
announced that he would resign, in order to manage Paul’s "national
political operation." According to the National Review,
"Stafford will be focused on directing the senator’s organization in
early-primary states, his calendar, and his communications. He will also run
Paul’s political-action committees, which are expected to grow. Those groups —
RAND PAC and Rand Paul for U.S. Senate — are the financial and political
foundation for Paul’s likely presidential campaign."[8]
Public
statements about possible run
On December 10, 2013, when Rand Paul's father, former Rep. Ron Paul, was asked whether Rand would run, he
said, "I think he probably will. I mean he’s been on TV hinting that he
very well might. I think he is handling himself quite well."[9]
On December 8, 2013, Paul explained that the hardships of
public life on his family might prevent him from running for president in 2016.
He said, “It really is an ordeal to be part of public life. ... I also hate it
when family is attacked, and they get into the news." When asked if he
would run, he said, “The thought has crossed my mind ... I'm not ready to make
a decision yet."[1]
When asked in April 2013 if he would run for president,
Paul said, “We are considering it. You know, I want to be part of the national
debate. So whether I run or not, being considered is something that allows me
to have a larger microphone.”[8]
Comments on a Paul candidacy
Rand Paul was endorsed
by fellow Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell (R) upon McConnell's re-election to
the Senate in 2014. McConnell commented on Paul's possible
candidacy, saying, "I don't think he's made a final decision on that. But
he'll be able to count on me."[10]
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) expressed his growing support for Paul in an interview on
September 29, 2014, stating, "I know that if he were president or a
nominee I could influence him, particularly some of his views and positions on
national security. He trusts me particularly on the military side of things, so
I could easily work with him. It wouldn’t be a problem."[11]
Bill Maher, liberal host of "Real Time" on HBO,
spoke with interest about Paul on September 10, 2014. He said, "Rand Paul
is an interesting candidate to me. Rand Paul could possibly get my vote. As I
always used to say about his father, I love half of him. I love the half of him
that has the guts to say we should end the American empire, pull the troops
home, stop getting involved in every foreign entanglement… He’s way less of a
hawk than Hillary, and that appeals to me a lot because I’m not crazy about how
warlike she is."[12]
U.S. Senate
re-election bid
Despite his apparent plans to run for the presidency, on
December 1, 2014, Paul confirmed that he would seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2016.[13] Kentucky law prohibits a candidate
from running for more than one office during the same election cycle. According
to the USA Today, "Sen. Rand Paul says he’s not too worked up about
a Kentucky law that prevents him from running simultaneously for re-election to
the Senate and the White House, if he decides to do so, in 2016." Paul
said, "We do think about it, but ultimately, it’s not something that will
probably deter the process, if we make a decision."[14]
According to the National Journal, "Paul's
political team sees other ways around the current law, potentially filing for
both races anyway and forcing the secretary of state to not let him appear twice,
or not appearing on the presidential primary ballot in Kentucky but everywhere
else."[15]
In December 2014, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) announced that she would challenge
Paul in court if he attempts to run for the presidency and re-election to the Senate. She said, "The law is clear. You
can't be on the ballot twice for two offices."[16]
Paul supported a bill in the Kentucky General Assembly that would have allowed him to run for
both offices. Although the measure passed in the Kentucky State Senate, it was not voted on in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Kentucky Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo (D) said, "Our position is that a
man who can't decide which office to run for isn't fit for either office. I
don't think that bill will ever see the light of day as long as I hold the
gavel."[15]
According to the WHAS11, "Paul may challenge
the law in court as the Republican Party of Kentucky also discusses whether to
hold a presidential caucus rather than a primary, which would allow Paul to
follow the letter of the law by not appearing on the primary ballot, twice."[16]
In 2014, Paul unsuccessfully attempted to help Republicans win control of the state house, which
would have enabled them to change the state law prohibiting Paul from running
for multiple offices.[15]
Political criticism
Criticism of potential opponents
Rand Paul delivered the
keynote address at the California Republican Party convention on September 20,
2014. He criticized Hillary Clinton's role in Benghazi terrorist attack. He said, “I think she had a 3 a.m.
moment. She didn’t answer the phone, and I think it absolutely should preclude
her from being [president]." Paul also advocated for extending voting
rights and making the GOP more inclusive.[17]
During an interview on August 24, 2014, Paul criticized
potential Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and called her a "war hawk."
He said, "I think that’s what scares the Democrats the most is that in a
general election, were I to run, there’s going to be a lot of independents and
even some Democrats who say we are tired of war, we’re worried that Hillary
Clinton is going to get us into another Middle Eastern war because she’s so
gung ho. If you want to see a transformational election in our country, let the
Democrats put forward a war hawk like Hillary Clinton and you’ll see a
transformation like you’ve never seen."[18]
During Paul's visit to Iowa on May 11, 2013, he criticized Clinton
for her handling of the Benghazi terrorist attack. He said, "First question to
Hillary Clinton: Where in the hell were the Marines? It was inexcusable, it was
a dereliction of duty, and it should preclude her from holding higher
office."[19]
Advisors and
staff
On January 14, 2015, Paul hired Chip Englander as his 2016
campaign manager. Englander was Governor Bruce Rauner's campaign manager in his successful
challenge to former Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn.[20]
In May 2013, Paul's former chief of staff, Doug Stafford,
resigned to take over Paul's national political operations. Stafford was one Politico's
“50 Politicos to Watch” in 2013.[21]
According to OpenSecrets, in 2013, Dennis Fusaro,
a former National Right To Work Committee (NRTWC) employee, asked the board of
NRTWC to stop engaging in what he believed to be illegal activity. He accused
the organization of "using its resources to design, write, print and mail
letter campaigns on behalf of numerous conservative Iowa state candidates, and
that top officials of the group knew it." Fusaro also accused NRTWC of
providing an Iowa state senator "with a plane ticket worth at least
$1,000." Fusaro brought these issues to the attention of Stafford, who was
a NRTWC’s vice president at the time, but Stafford did not doing anything in
response.[22]
In June 2014, Paul hired Steve Grubbs to work for RAND
PAC. Grubbs is a "former state legislator and veteran of Iowa presidential
politics," according to Politico. After joining RAND PAC, Grubbs
said, "Rand Paul’s vision for the Republican Party is one that can expand
our base and welcome under-30 voters into the party. And that’s important not
just for this election, but for the future as well. That’s one of the reasons
I’m stepping into RAND PAC as they move forward in the 2014 election.”[23]
http://ballotpedia.org/Rand_Paul_possible_presidential_campaign,_2016
According to his official website, Rand Paul is "100% pro-life. I bel
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