White House 2016: Rand Paul announces presidency bid
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has announced his 2016 White House bid.
The Republican wrote on his website: “I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government.”
Rand Paul stands out from the Republican pack because of his comparatively libertarian views.
He becomes the second Republican to enter the contest that concludes in November 2016.
A first-term senator hailing from one of the country’s most well-known libertarian families, Rand Paul first held elected office when he rode a wave of Tea Party popularity to the US senate in 2010.
Photo Reuters
Once there, Rand Paul soon drew attention when he spoke for more than 12 hours in protest about President Barack Obama’s drone policy and the nomination of John Brennan to lead the CIA.
He has proven to be a thorn in the side of many of his fellow Republicans, openly challenging them on issues such as government surveillance, drone policies and sanctions on Iran and Cuba.
Rand Paul has also questioned the size of the US military and proposed relaxing drug laws that lock up offenders at a high cost for tax payers.
It is not clear how successful Rand Paul will be amongst mainstream Republican supporters.
His father, former member of the US House of Representatives Ron Paul, ran several unsuccessful presidential campaigns that had strong appeal to libertarians who favor limited government and lower taxes.
Rand Paul is expected, however, to run a very tech-savvy campaign that could create appeal to new Republican demographics, like young voters.
He is due to make his announcement in person in a ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 7. He joins Senator Ted Cruz as the two most prominent declared candidates.
Rand Paul could face up to 20 other fellow Republicans doing battle for the nomination, including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, both of whom are expected to enter the race soon.
The triumphant individual is widely expected to battle with Hillary Clinton, the Democratic favorite and former US Secretary of State.
Hillary Clinton has yet to officially announce her candidacy, but is expected to do so in the next two weeks.
Rand Paul attended Baylor University, but did not graduate.
He later attended Duke Medical School.
Rand Paul lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with his wife Kelly and their three sons.
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