Tagged: U.S. Senator Rand Paul

U.S. Senator Rand Paul has endorsed Republican Andy Barr in the Sixth District congressional race.

Paul announced the endorsement Monday after a chamber of commerce luncheon in Winchester. Barr is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep Ben Chandler in the Nov. 6 general election. It is the Lexington attorney's second time running against Chandler. Barr lost to Chandler in a squeaker two years ago.

Paul says he supports Barr because he is willing to cut spending.

Despite speculation of greater ambitions, U.S. Senator Rand Paul is likely to stay in his current position if Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is elected this fall. 

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is defending his leadership role against conservative critics.

Later this month, McConnell will join fellow Kentucky Senator Rand Paul at a Tea Party rally in the state Capitol. The two are expected to discuss President Obama’s health care law, which has been a punching bag for GOP leaders since its passage.

But observers have noted that McConnell has been at odds with the Tea Party movement since its launch three years ago.

Speaking with WHAS radio host Mandy Connell on Tuesday, McConnell said he has addressed Tea Party groups before and their support is important to have.

"My view is the Tea Party is an important part of the conservative base. If you look at my record leading the opposition to the president over the last three and a half years, I’ve got a lot of support among Tea Party members and I don’t view this as a potentially hostile experience," he says.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul will continue to build his national profile with a speech at the Republican National Convention later this month.

A speaking slot at a convention is usually a springboard for wider national appeal. Senator Paul is a rumored running mate for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and a potential presidential candidate in 2016.

But Paul may have been selected for another reason.