Rand Paul Wins in Kentucky

Tea party favorite easily takes GOP primary for Senate
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 18, 2010 6:56 PM CDT
Rand Paul Wins in Kentucky
Rand Paul talks to supporters in Bowling Green, Ky., Monday.   (AP Photo/Bowling Green Daily News, Joe Imel)

Political novice Rand Paul rode support from tea party activists to victory in Kentucky's Republican Senate primary tonight, delivering a jolt to the GOP establishment and providing fresh evidence of widespread voter discontent in a turbulent midterm election season. "We've come to take our government back," said Paul—the son of congressman Ron Paul. "This tea party movement is a message to Washington that we're unhappy."

Paul easily defeated Trey Grayson, Kentucky's secretary of state, who had the support of Mitch McConnell and other establishment figures. (McConnell issued a quick statement of support for Paul tonight when the results were clear.) During the race, Paul countered with endorsements of his own from the likes of Sarah Palin, though how loudly he will trumpet his tea party ties in the general election is open for debate. Paul, a 47-year-old eye surgeon who had never before run for office, is hoping to replace retiring Republican Sen. Jim Bunning.
(More Rand Paul stories.)

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