GOP - Rand Paul's Presidential Highlight Reel w/ his Libertarian Twist

[Chef Ramsay]

Will Ron Paul Haunt Rand in 2016?

We don’t pick our parents, and by most any measure, Rand Paul was exceedingly lucky with his. Former GOP Representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul bequeathed to his son a name and a network that propelled his ascent from unknown ophthalmologist to presidential contender in the span of a few short years.

But as Rand Paul prepares for a likely campaign launch this year, it’s clear that his famous father is no longer an asset. Ron Paul retired from Congress in January 2013, but he hasn’t strayed far from the political stage. In columns and interviews, he regularly espouses positions which are out of step with the Republican electorate and which opponents will harness in an attempt to strangle his son’s presidential aspirations.

After the terrorist attack in Paris this week, Ron Paul said that French foreign policy had helped drive the attack. “It’s an overall policy that invites retaliation,” Paul told Newsmax TV. “It doesn’t justify [the attack], but it explains it.” The argument echoed his claim that American military adventurism precipitated the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a belief that doesn’t wash well with a party predicated on national pride.

And if Ron’s foreign policy clashes with the party’s prevailing views, so too do some of his domestic prescriptions. In a column published Thursday, Paul wrote the U.S. “is a police state” marred by a “police culture that accepts the principle of initiating unjustified violence against citizens.” Such convictions are anathema for much of the Republican Party, which considers law enforcement sacrosanct and rejects criticism of cops, particularly in the wake of the killing of two New York City police officers last month.

More...http://time.com/3661628/ron-paul-rand-2016/

Even tho a minority of senior's supporters don't go for the tact that Rand is taking to get the nomination and probably won't support him until he's being unfairly lambasted by the media a la what senior went through, this same media is going to attempt to hang this element of fringe around him like a noose despite him trying to shed it to begin w/, hence losing initial support from some of the more fringe (hardcore) supporters of senior. I think Rand's team will have plenty of money, a top notch game plan and cozy enough media contacts via being a Senator to offset some of this but it won't be easy. Remember, Ron was the victim (over the course of two prez primaries) of hundreds of millions of dollars in constant negative press but since Rand has done his darnedest to shed some of the edges it'll likely be a lot easier for him, but by no means free and clear.

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul Skipping Joint Republican Retreat

At least one of the Senate’s 2016 contenders is bailing on the big House-Senate Republican conference gathering next week in Hershey, Pa.

An aide to Sen. Rand Paul confirmed the Kentucky Republican would not attend the retreat — the first joint gathering of the majorities on both sides of the Rotunda.


CQ Roll Call asked the Paul aide about a report the senator would be traveling to New Hampshire, Arizona and Nevada the second half of next week (including time that overlaps with the congressional retreat). The aide emphasized in an email the senator’s schedule would not require him to miss any business at the Capitol itself.

“Sen. Paul was elected to represent Kentucky in the Senate. He will not be missing any Senate votes or committee business next week,” the aide said.

Still, the scheduling conflicts highlight an emerging challenge for the new Senate majority, as several senators, including Paul, Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, are considering presidential bids.

Cruz is scheduled to attend the retreat, an aide told CQ Roll Call. Rubio’s office did not immediate respond to a request about his plans.

Plans for the joint retreat between Republicans in the two chambers were publicly confirmed at the beginning of December.

http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/rand-paul-skipping-joint-republican-retreat/?dcz=

Can't say I blame him as there's really nothing to be gained by attending this retreat when he can be out in certain states cultivating more support and money in these key areas where he's trending.

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Taps Veteran Adviser for Likely 2016 Campaign (Chris LaCivita)

As Mr. Paul seeks to bridge the gap between his tea party base and the party’s establishment wing, Mr. LaCivita can offer perspective from both sides.

Most recently, he was dispatched to Kansas to help Sen. Pat Roberts beat back a challenge from an independent candidate, Greg Orman. Mr. LaCivita worked as political director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2002 and in 2010, during Sen. Paul’s Senate campaign.

He has also worked for several political outsiders, including former Florida Rep. Allen West and Connecticut Senate candidate Linda McMahon. In 2013, Mr. LaCivita helped lead Ken Cuccinelli’s failed gubernatorial campaign in Virginia.

Mr. LaCivita’s no-holds-barred reputation comes from his role helping to orchestrate the Swift Boat attacks against John Kerry’s military record in the 2004 presidential campaign.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/rand-paul-taps-veteran-adviser-for-likely-2016-campaign-1421060641

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul: Romney is 'yesterday's news'

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is calling potential primary rival Mitt Romney "yesterday's news," in a preview of what could be his line of argument in a presidential campaign.

"Look I like Governor Romney, I like him personally, I think he’s a good person, I think he was a great businessman, but you know that’s yesterday’s news, he’s tried twice," Paul told Fox News radio's John Gibson on Monday.

Romney, the 2012 nominee, has told donors that he is heading toward a third run for president. Paul's criticism of Romney comes as he tries to paint himself as growing the Republican Party and presenting new ideas.

"I don’t really think that there is a third time out there," Paul said of Romney. "I think he did a lot of things right, but in the end you’ve got to have a bigger constituency, you’ve got to attract new people to win and I think it’s just time that probably the party’s going to be looking for something fresh and new."

Responding to the idea that Romney will run to the right of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is also moving toward a run, Paul said, "If he runs to the right of Jeb Bush, he’ll still be to the left of the rest of the party, so it may be a difficult spot to occupy."

Paul pivoted to ideas he has been pushing on criminal justice reform and a less interventionist foreign policy.

"If we say the same old thing with the same old candidates, we’ll get the same old result, so I would say that some of the ideas that I have been talking about do attract new people to the party," he said.

"I’ve been talking about criminal justice, I’ve been talking about having a foreign policy that’s reasonable," he added. "I've been talking about trying to be more inclusive as a party, so I think a lot of those things are helping to grow the party."

Paul has shown a willingness to engage against other potential Republican candidates, and now adds Romney to the list.

Paul said that he would make a final decision on a run "sometime in the spring."

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/229383-paul-romney-is-yesterdays-news


Related
Rand Paul on Mitt in 2016: If Romney Runs To The Right of Jeb Bush, He Will Still Be To The Left Of The Republican Party.

On Sunday’s broadcast of ABC’s This Week Democratic strategist and Clinton confidant James Carville predicted not only will Mitt Romney enter the presidential race, but that he will campaign as the “conservative alternative” to Jeb Bush. John Gibson asked Senator Rand Paul what he thought about it. The Senator laughs while responding “ if Mitt runs to the right of Jeb Bush he will still be to the left of the party, and that would a difficult spot to be in” Take a listen (about 4 minutes in)

Senator Paul also spoke about Keystone, telling Gibson he believes President Obama should get behind what he calls a real shovel ready project that has true bi-partisan support. Rand said a veto by President Obama will hurt the democrat party.

Plus: Paul talks about the rift between NYC Mayor de Blasio and the NYPD, the war on terror and the Paris Unity Rally.

Take a listen to the interview that both listed articles come from...http://radio.foxnews.com/2015/01/12/rand-paul-on-mitt-in-2016-if-romney-runs-to-the-right-of-jeb-bush-he-will-still-be-to-the-left-of-the-republican-party/

[Chef Ramsay]

If Mitt Romney Challenges Jeb Bush, Rand Paul Stands to Gain

It is still not a sure thing that Mitt Romney will run for president. No losing nominee has done so in decades. But it now seems more likely. The Washington Post reported on Monday that he was reassembling his campaign apparatus, and even told one Republican he “almost certainly will run.”
...
But even if Mr. Romney couldn’t attract enough support to win the nomination, he would complicate Mr. Bush’s path to the nomination. He could even provide an unlikely assist to Rand Paul.
...
Mr. Romney could win New Hampshire if he proves to be a strong candidate. If that happens, the effect on Mr. Bush’s chances is obvious. Without New Hampshire, Mr. Bush is likely to go 0 for 2 in the first two contests. Winning the nomination despite losing both Iowa and New Hampshire is not impossible, of course, but it would be hard.

Even if Mr. Romney doesn’t carry the state, he could win enough votes to deny Mr. Bush a victory there — perhaps handing the state to Rand Paul. Ron Paul, Mr. Paul’s father, won 23 percent of the vote in New Hampshire in 2012; even modest additional gains could allow the younger Mr. Paul to triumph over a divided field.
...

More...http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/13/upshot/if-mitt-romney-challenges-jeb-bush-rand-paul-stands-to-gain.html?_r=0

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul announces campaign manager for likely 2016 campaign

By Robert Costa January 13 at 8:00 PM

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Tuesday announced the hiring of a campaign manager for his likely 2016 presidential bid, part of an aggressive effort to build a national political team as the race for the White House heats up.

The hiring of strategist Chip Englander, who recently guided a gubernatorial candidate to victory in Illinois, marks a clear step forward for the Kentucky Republican as he prepares to transform his cadre of loyalists into a full-scale campaign.

Doug Stafford, Paul’s longtime confidant, will remain as his chief political adviser. In an interview Tuesday, Stafford said he will rely on Englander “for the day-to-day execution” of Paul’s operation.

Paul added in a statement: "His management of Governor Rauner's successful race last year highlights his strengths: precise and strategic management of massive, grassroots-driven operations."

Englander joins a group of advisers at Paul's political-action committee that will serve as Paul's brain trust, should he formally enter the 2016 race. Iowa-based Republican Steve Grubbs has already joined the PAC, as has Michigan-based operative John Yob, who serves as Paul's national political director. Chris LaCivita - who advised Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in 2014 and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli (R) in 2013 - is planning to direct Paul's South Carolina campaign. All are senior advisers in the freshman senator's political shop.

Michael Biundo, who was campaign manager for former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum's 2012 presidential campaign, which won 11 primaries and caucuses, is another senior adviser set to run Paul's New Hampshire campaign.

Digital strategist Vincent Harris - who previously worked for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) - is also onboard for Paul 2016 along with online fundraiser Mike Rothfeld and media director Rex Elsass.

More...http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/01/13/rand-paul-announces-campaign-manager-as-he-ramps-up-2016-campaign/

This dude, Chip, helped elect a republican Governor in Illinois recently (aka Obamaland) where the Chief won it by 25 points, in part, by outpacing democrats in some urban areas and among moderate voters. The cast is shaping up quite nicely and I'm really looking forward to what this operation can turn out.

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul looks to steal 2016 spotlight

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is back in insurgent mode, lobbing bombs at his potential Republican presidential rivals and looking to take back a political spotlight that Bush and Romney have been hogging lately. Paul is also heading to New Hampshire and Nevada this week, hoping to strike a fire with voters who want a new voice to carry the GOP’s message to the White House.

“You need a candidate who reaches out to new constituencies and is able to bring new people into the party,” Paul said. “Because if we do the same old, same old candidates, we are going to get the same old result.”

While other Republican House and Senate members attend this week’s rare GOP joint congressional summit in Pennsylvania, Paul will be in New Hampshire to meet with mothers and activists railing against Common Core, the education program reviled by the tea party right. An added advantage: The issue gives him a chance to further needle Bush, a prominent Common Core supporter who would probably be a front-runner for the presidential nomination.

In an interview Tuesday, the Kentucky Republican did just that.
“He’s been a proponent of Common Core, a proponent probably of a much bigger government — a Big Government Republican who believes more things should be occurring in Washington rather than decentralization,” Paul said of the former Florida governor. He added that his rival’s brother and father, former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, also backed education policies aimed at “more Washington control.”

Jeb Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell responded: “Gov. Bush would put his successful conservative governing record up against anyone’s.”
Paul’s assessment of Romney is only slightly less critical.

“I think you are already hearing rumblings that he had his shot,” Paul said of the GOP’s 2012 presidential standard-bearer. “I think he could have been a good leader of the country. But I think many people are going to say, ‘He’s had his chance.’”

For much of the past year, Paul had a major target on his back as his profile rose in the party and the media dubbed him a potential front-runner in the crowded field of likely presidential candidates. His libertarian-minded foreign policy views became a frequent source of criticism from the party’s defense hawks — especially in light of the U.S. war against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants — as did his lack of executive experience.
But as Jeb Bush has taken serious steps toward a presidential bid, and Romney is now floating a third run at the GOP nomination, Paul appears eager to return to his role as a conservative firebrand, unafraid to take shots at his foes while attempting to consolidate support from crucial Republican factions in the four early presidential primary states. In multiple interviews with POLITICO, Paul also sharply pushed back at Rubio’s criticism of his views on Cuba and even ridiculed the Democratic secretary of state in Kentucky, Alison Lundergan Grimes, who has said he cannot appear on the state’s ballots for both president and the Senate in 2016.

Voters, he said, would look past his lack of executive experience and less than one full term in the Senate and instead back a candidate with a “vision” for the direction of the country. But he also believes voters won’t back a candidate who fails to respond aggressively to attacks.

One example of his forceful response to criticism: After Paul expressed support for President Barack Obama’s decision to normalize relations with Cuba, Rubio responded to a question on the matter by dubbing the Kentucky Republican the “chief cheerleader of Obama’s foreign policy.” But Paul fired back at the Florida Republican and anti-Castro hard-liner in an interview last week.

“That’s sort of silly,” Paul said. “We could ask the same, ‘Is he the biggest cheerleader of Obama’s immigration policy?’ That’s childish.”

A Paul presidential run appears increasingly likely, and his advisers expect an announcement in the March or April time frame. He is building a political apparatus in the key primary states and has settled on a campaign manager, Chip Englander, who ran Republican Bruce Rauner’s successful 2014 gubernatorial bid in Illinois.

Wednesday’s trip to New Hampshire will be his third since the beginning of last year. He will meet with roughly 20 elected officials in Manchester, the start of an effort to win backing from influential state legislators who have pockets of support throughout the state. He’ll then stump alongside pro-gun enthusiasts in Litchfield, followed by swings through Manchester and Concord for meetings with anti-Common Core activists and with business leaders, respectively.

Later in the week, he will head to southern and northern Nevada, traveling for a Friday and Saturday swing to Las Vegas and Reno. Nevada is a state with another pivotal early primary.

With their libertarian streaks, New Hampshire and Nevada both present attractive opportunities for Paul, who may have a much more challenging time competing in Iowa, a state dominated by religious conservatives, as well as the first-in-the-South primary state of South Carolina. In 2012, Paul’s father, former Texas Rep. Ron Paul, took second place in New Hampshire, securing 22 percent of the vote compared with Romney’s 39 percent. The elder Paul came in third place in Nevada, winning 19 percent of the vote.

While Paul will certainly rely on the same passionate voters who fueled his father’s rise, the 52-year-old former ophthalmologist has taken steps to broaden his appeal beyond that segment of the GOP base. How he straddles the line between purity politics and political pragmatism without appearing to pander to voters will be a continuing challenge as he navigates the land mines of a presidential run.

Indeed, in the interview, Paul flatly said, “No,” when asked if his father would join him on the campaign trail should he run.

“It’s just I need to represent the ideas and present ideas, because if I were to run, obviously it’s me running,” he added.

But after comparing his own foreign policy views to those of Ronald Reagan and noting he “grew up as a Reagan Republican,” Paul punted when asked if he would consider himself now to be more of a Reagan Republican or Ron Paul Republican.

“I think the thing is I have to express my own ideas of who I am, and people can judge where they come from,” Paul said.

For some Republicans, Paul’s views appear straight from the isolationist wing of the party, something they argue GOP voters will greet skeptically.
“I like Rand a lot, but I’ve never been with him on foreign policy,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and leading defense hawk. “I think his worldview is out of sync with the times in which we live.”

Asked about the criticism, Paul argued that polls in early states like Iowa show a large number of primary voters would back his contention that the Iraq War was a “mistake” and support a less aggressive U.S. role in the world. “I don’t consider that to be an outlier position,” he said, adding that he would have voted against authorizing war in Iraq in 2002 and that the U.S. should resist attempts to oust secular dictators because of the likelihood it would spawn “chaos.”

Yet he chafes at the characterization that he’s an “isolationist,” saying: “I’m for less intervention, not no intervention. And for being wise when we intervene and for intervening when we actually must intervene.”

But as more conflicts emerge overseas, his opponents will have opportunities to bring some of his more contentious views to light — as Rubio did when asked about Paul’s stance on Cuba.
...

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/rand-paul-2016-elections-114243.html#ixzz3OloagjVv

[Chef Ramsay]

Kentucky Makes It Almost Impossible for Felons to Vote. Rand Paul Wants to Change That.

Sen. Rand Paul began the new year by lobbying for one of his favorite causes: criminal-justice reform. Last week, Paul issued a press release urging the Kentucky Legislature to act on a bill that would let state voters decide whether or not to create a path back to voting rights for nonviolent felons who have completed their sentences. "Restoring voting rights for those who have repaid their debt to society is simply the right thing to do," Paul said in the release.

In 2014, the Democratic-controlled Kentucky House approved a bill that would put a constitutional amendment on ballots in the fall—if voters approved the measure, it would have automatically restored the voting rights of nonviolent felons who have served their time. But the Republican-controlled Senate passed a substitute that proposed several tough restrictions, including a mandatory five-year waiting period after prison before felons could reapply to vote. The two chambers couldn't agree, and the issue has stalled. Paul, who favors the less-restrictive House bill, is trying to give the issue CPR. (His office declined to comment for this article.)

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/rand-paul-kentucky-felon-voting

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul: Disability Insurance Wasted On People With Anxiety And Back Pain

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday began a two-day tour through New Hampshire, the first Republican primary state, where where he offered up a heap of red meat to supporters and local officials ahead of a likely run for president in 2016. Attending a breakfast with state legislative leaders in downtown Manchester, Paul engaged in a conversation about the viability of safety net programs. “The thing is, in all of these programs there’s always somebody who’s deserving. But everybody in this room knows somebody who is gaming the system,” the Kentucky Republican said in a video uploaded by American Bridge, a Democratic opposition-research firm.

In New Hampshire on Wednesday, Paul is scheduled to attend a number of events intended to consolidate conservative support ahead of what is shaping up to be a very competitive presidential primary. He will stop at a fish and game club for a “Second Amendment Supporter Event,” tour a public charter school, and hold a session on the Common Core education standards, in which he is likely to draw a contrast between potential rival and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R).

More...http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/rand-paul-disability-insurance_n_6470890.html

[Chef Ramsay]

The marginalization of Rand Paul

Fake conservative Sean Hannity had a question on Facebook earlier

Question of the Day: Which Republican do you want to be president?
Tune in at 10p ET on Fox News and share your thoughts.

For those that have been around, we've seen this kind of thing before years ago. But now, it's undeniable that Rand is a top tier candidate and the freshest of the bunch yet here we go again by one of the top propagandists on the 'right'. Obvious bullshit is obvious.

[Pastafarian]

Rand Paul announces campaign manager for likely 2016 campaign

By Robert Costa January 13 at 8:00 PM

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Tuesday announced the hiring of a campaign manager for his likely 2016 presidential bid, part of an aggressive effort to build a national political team as the race for the White House heats up.

The hiring of strategist Chip Englander, who recently guided a gubernatorial candidate to victory in Illinois, marks a clear step forward for the Kentucky Republican as he prepares to transform his cadre of loyalists into a full-scale campaign.

Doug Stafford, Paul’s longtime confidant, will remain as his chief political adviser. In an interview Tuesday, Stafford said he will rely on Englander “for the day-to-day execution” of Paul’s operation.

Paul added in a statement: "His management of Governor Rauner's successful race last year highlights his strengths: precise and strategic management of massive, grassroots-driven operations."

Englander joins a group of advisers at Paul's political-action committee that will serve as Paul's brain trust, should he formally enter the 2016 race. Iowa-based Republican Steve Grubbs has already joined the PAC, as has Michigan-based operative John Yob, who serves as Paul's national political director. Chris LaCivita - who advised Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in 2014 and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli (R) in 2013 - is planning to direct Paul's South Carolina campaign. All are senior advisers in the freshman senator's political shop.

Michael Biundo, who was campaign manager for former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum's 2012 presidential campaign, which won 11 primaries and caucuses, is another senior adviser set to run Paul's New Hampshire campaign.

Digital strategist Vincent Harris - who previously worked for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) - is also onboard for Paul 2016 along with online fundraiser Mike Rothfeld and media director Rex Elsass.

More...http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/01/13/rand-paul-announces-campaign-manager-as-he-ramps-up-2016-campaign/

This dude, Chip, helped elect a republican Governor in Illinois recently (aka Obamaland) where the Chief won it by 25 points, in part, by outpacing democrats in some urban areas and among moderate voters. The cast is shaping up quite nicely and I'm really looking forward to what this operation can turn out.

Chip Englander is the man! Rauner had a very organized and successful campaign thanks to Chip; Quinn didn't know what to do. Hopefully Chip can produce similar results and get Rand in the White House 

[Chef Ramsay]

Paul Says He'd Be "Happy" to Dissolve the U.N.

Rand Paul is not a fan of the United Nations, and on a campaign-style swing through New Hampshire on Wednesday, the likely Republican presidential hopeful said that he would support dissolving the international governing body entirely.

Speaking to a room full of gun rights advocates at the Londonderry Fish & Game Club, Paul said that while the concept of having a multinational body to "discuss diplomacy" isn't necessarily a bad one, he objects to the current structure, in which the United States has to foot "a huge chunk" of the U.N.'s bill.

“I dislike paying for something that two-bit Third World countries with no freedom attack us and complain about the United States,” Paul said. “There’s a lot of reasons why I don’t like the U.N., and I think I’d be happy to dissolve it.”

The Kentucky senator’s swing through the first-in-the-nation primary state came a day after The Washington Post reported that Paul has hired a campaign manager for his now all-but certain White House run.

Paul was in his element among the libertarian-leaning crowd here, as he took a range of questions on gun policy and noted that he began his successful 2010 Senate bid at a machine gun festival in Kentucky.

“From a freedom perspective, I’m against limiting magazines,” Paul said in response to one question about ammunition. “From a practical point of view, I’m not that great a shot, so I need a few more chances.”

The remark drew laughter from the standing-room crowd that had gathered near the club’s gun range.

Though Paul’s 2016 candidacy is not yet official, the freshman senator mostly dispensed with any attempt to play it coy as he asked for the club members’ support.

“I don’t think you’ll probably find anybody in our primary who’s going to come up here and say they don’t support the 2nd Amendment and they’re not for gun rights,” he said. “So really the job of voters sometimes is sifting through who they think can best advocate for the position, who has advocated for the position, and how do we do it best. I think there’s a lot of overlap between all of the people you’ll see and hear from. But I think one thing that may be unique about my message is that I try to intertwine and make it not just about guns and not just the 2nd Amendment. I tend to make it more about freedom.”

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/01/14/rand_paul_says_hed_be_happy_to_dissolve_the_un_125260-comments.html

[Chef Ramsay]

Senator Rand Paul blasts Common Core education program in New Hampshire swing

(Reuters) - Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul took aim in New Hampshire on Wednesday at Common Core national education standards as he looked to strengthen ties with voters in the first-in-the-nation primary state before an expected 2016 White House run.

With its libertarian leanings, New Hampshire is seen as hospitable territory for Paul's small-government beliefs. His father, former Texas U.S. Representative Ron Paul, finished second in the 2012 New Hampshire primary, trailing only former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who went on to clinch the nomination.

A running theme during Paul's visit to the state on Wednesday was his critique of the federal government's involvement in grade-school education and particularly the Common Core standards adopted by most states and supported by President Barack Obama's administration.

The Kentucky lawmaker told staff and parents at a Manchester charter school that he would rather see local schools develop their own standards, which he argued would encourage innovation.

"If you have a national curriculum and rules, you'll never get to these new ideas," Paul said.

Paul's position against Common Core distinguishes him from former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the Republican who has come closest to officially declaring his presidential candidacy and who has expressed support for the standards.

The Common Core English and math standards are aimed at boosting critical-thinking skills and unifying state guidelines.

But they have come under fire across the political spectrum. Left-leaning groups argue they increase reliance on standardized testing and discourage creativity and flexibility in the classroom. Some conservative groups say they amount to a federal takeover of education.

Paul added that if elected, he would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a sentiment that drew applause from the audience.

He also addressed another issue dear to many New Hampshire Republicans: gun rights. He spoke at a closed meeting for Second Amendment supporters at the Londonderry Fish and Game Club.

Outside that event, Anthony Nino Jr., 49, said he liked Paul and his father for their commitment to individual rights.

"I think we need more people with his sense of duty to the Constitution," said Nino, wearing a hand-made three-corner hat, a style popular in colonial times. "If they have a duty to follow and enforce the Constitution, then they will respect another person's rights."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/14/us-usa-politics-randpaul-iduskbn0kn2o020150114

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand in Vegas and Reno, NV this Fri & Sat 16th & 17th

Media Advisory
Senator Rand Paul To Nevada

ON:13 January 2015
BY:Admin
IN: Media Advisory

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada on January 16th and Reno, Nevada on January 17th, 2015. Senator Paul will focus on meeting local pastors, business leaders and political activists.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015
WHAT: Diner Visit – Las Vegas
TIME: 10:30 am (PST)
WHO: Senator Rand Paul
WHERE: Peppermill Restaurant
2985 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89109

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015
WHAT: Media Availability – Reno
TIME: 1:00 pm (PST)
WHO: Senator Rand Paul
WHERE: Downtown Reno – Exact location TBD

RSVP if you're in the neighborhood - http://www.randpac.com/2015/01/13/senator-rand-paul-nevada/

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul Rejects Judicial Restraint, Says 'I'm a Judicial Activist'
The libertarian-leaning Republican wants the Supreme Court to strike down offensive state and federal laws.

Speaking Tuesday at the Heritage Action Conservative Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) urged his conservative audience to reject the legal philosophy known as judicial restraint and instead embrace an “activist” Supreme Court that’s willing to strike down offensive state and federal laws. “What happens when a legislature does bad things?” Paul asked the crowd. “Should we have an activist court that comes in and overturns that?”

Paul answered that question with a resounding yes. He pointed to a variety of Supreme Court cases where government actions were on trial, from Progressive era economic regulations to state bans on birth control to the 2012 showdown over Obamacare, and pronounced himself in favor of judicial activism against those laws in every instance.
...
When governments “do wrong we should overturn them,” Paul said. “There is a role for the Supreme Court to mete out justice.”
...
For a detailed account of the long-running legal battle over the merits of judicial restraint, check out my new book on the subject, Overruled: The Long War for Control of the U.S. Supreme Court.
...

More...http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/14/rand-paul-rejects-judicial-restraint-say

[BADecker]

None of this matters when the people wake up to the fact that these guys aren't kings or dictators, and that the government only has to do with running itself. Even in taxes, if the person doesn't self-convict, all he needs to do is ask what interest the taxing authority has in his property.

http://1215.org/

http://www.broadmind.org/

[jaysabi]

Paul Says He'd Be "Happy" to Dissolve the U.N.

Rand Paul is not a fan of the United Nations, and on a campaign-style swing through New Hampshire on Wednesday, the likely Republican presidential hopeful said that he would support dissolving the international governing body entirely.

Speaking to a room full of gun rights advocates at the Londonderry Fish & Game Club, Paul said that while the concept of having a multinational body to "discuss diplomacy" isn't necessarily a bad one, he objects to the current structure, in which the United States has to foot "a huge chunk" of the U.N.'s bill.

“I dislike paying for something that two-bit Third World countries with no freedom attack us and complain about the United States,” Paul said. “There’s a lot of reasons why I don’t like the U.N., and I think I’d be happy to dissolve it.”

The Kentucky senator’s swing through the first-in-the-nation primary state came a day after The Washington Post reported that Paul has hired a campaign manager for his now all-but certain White House run.

Paul was in his element among the libertarian-leaning crowd here, as he took a range of questions on gun policy and noted that he began his successful 2010 Senate bid at a machine gun festival in Kentucky.

“From a freedom perspective, I’m against limiting magazines,” Paul said in response to one question about ammunition. “From a practical point of view, I’m not that great a shot, so I need a few more chances.”

The remark drew laughter from the standing-room crowd that had gathered near the club’s gun range.

Though Paul’s 2016 candidacy is not yet official, the freshman senator mostly dispensed with any attempt to play it coy as he asked for the club members’ support.

“I don’t think you’ll probably find anybody in our primary who’s going to come up here and say they don’t support the 2nd Amendment and they’re not for gun rights,” he said. “So really the job of voters sometimes is sifting through who they think can best advocate for the position, who has advocated for the position, and how do we do it best. I think there’s a lot of overlap between all of the people you’ll see and hear from. But I think one thing that may be unique about my message is that I try to intertwine and make it not just about guns and not just the 2nd Amendment. I tend to make it more about freedom.”

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/01/14/rand_paul_says_hed_be_happy_to_dissolve_the_un_125260-comments.html

Maybe "dissolve the UN" is a poor choice of words in favor of "withdraw." It's quite arrogant to take the position that we are done being part of the world diplomatic body, so we're gonna shut it down, despite the fact that there are 190-ish (?) other countries with membership there.

I'm taking my ball and going home, and also forbidding the rest of you to play with a different ball!

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul in the Land of the Free
Why a Crowded Field Helps Rand Paul
When it comes to running for president, the Kentucky senator says, “The more the merrier.”

...
It’s good for the voters to have choices, says Paul, and it seems like Republican voters have more every day. Mitt Romney is seriously considering a run. Former three-term New York Gov. George Pataki just visited New Hampshire to see if anyone remembers him. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is making soundings. It’s getting to be the case that the R next to a politician’s name stands for “Running for president.” “I saw in the paper recently they listed who might run for the Republican primary,” said Paul. “It was like the whole page.”

But Paul isn’t just being ideologically consistent when he says, “More the merrier.” He’s happy to see the others split the vote. On the establishment side of the party, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, and Chris Christie will fight for the share of voters who want a pragmatist with executive experience. Social conservatives will splinter between Rick Santorum, Ted Cruz, and Mike Huckabee. Paul will have relatively less competition for the libertarian conservatives of the kind who supported his father in the state in 2012, when Rep. Ron Paul came in second to Mitt Romney with 23 percent of the vote.

But the son is not the father. To make that clear he has said his father will not be campaigning with him. Sen. Paul’s foreign policy views are less confrontational and isolationist than his father’s are, and he is running a more traditional campaign, assembling constituency groups, not just relying on tribal loyalism. At Murphy’s, Paul talked to small government legislators, at the gun club it was Second Amendment enthusiasts, and at Founders it was education activists. You could almost see the chart on which the careful constituent tending had been mapped out.
...

More...http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/01/rand_paul_campaigns_in_new_hampshire_the_kentucky_senator_welcomes_a_big.html

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul ranks as most conservative 2016 candidate–and the most liberal?

Stanford University researchers have created Crowdpac, a for-profit organization that rates potential political candidates according to three primary measurements: 1. Voting records. 2. Speeches and statements. 3. Campaign contributions. Their most recent ranking explores where potential Republican and Democratic 2016 presidential candidates fall on the left-right ideological spectrum.

A “10C” is the highest rating conservative rating one can receive and a “10L” is the highest liberal score.

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) is the most conservative Republican with a 10+C ranking, says Crowdpac, ahead of Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tx) who received a 9.7C, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker came in at 7.8C followed by former Indiana Governor Mike Pence 7.6C and Dr. Ben Carson at 7.4

Potential candidates Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee all fell below 7 points.

Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt) is ranked as most liberal overall at 8.3L, followed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Ma) who comes in at 8.2L.

But on the civil liberties-related issue of government surveillance and spying on U.S. citizens–Rand Paul was ranked as more liberal than any potential Democratic candidate.

Sanders, Warren, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton–all of them.


...

More...http://rare.us/story/rand-paul-ranks-as-most-conservative-2016-candidate-and-the-most-liberal/#0GO2ItXXc0RWb5pM.99

[Chef Ramsay]

Rand Paul on Immigration: 'The 11 Million Are Never Going Home'

After a tough vote, a new GOP attitude.

HERSHEY, Penn. — In New Hampshire yesterday, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul told a group of supportive Republican legislators that the country needed some immigration fixes. A few hours later, I asked whether, if elected president, Paul would move to overturn the Obama-era executive orders that have essentially legalized millions of immigrants.

"I’ve always been of the opinion that we should do things the proper way," Paul said. "I am in favor of doing immigration reform, but it should be done in the proper fashion." He cited the the need to tighten border security before attempting anything else, but added that "the 11 million, I think, are never going home, don’t need to be sent home, and I would incorporate them into our society by giving them work visas and making them taxpayers."

More...http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-01-16/rand-paul-on-immigration-the-11-million-are-never-going-home?cmpid=yhoo