From Eric Dondero:

Republican candidate for US Senate Rand Paul proudly identified his campaign with the nationwide Tea Party movement yesterday at a rally in Paducah.

The event was held downtown right across from City Hall in the Dolly McNutt park. About 70 people attended. The crowd included a mix of conservative Republicans, Constitutionalists, Independents, libertarians, and even a few interested Democrats.

The event got started on time, despite the light rain, and thunder clouds. Paul, the opthamologist, arrived decked out in sunglasses. He was accompanied by members of his family from as far away as Texas.

Campaign volunteers handed out "I'm a Rand Fan," stickers, bumper stickers, and yard signs.

Some media showed, included one television station and the local newspaper.

Before the event I had the opportunity to interview a few attendees.

Jamie Smith (photo with black t-shirt) of West Paducah is a Vietnam Veteran and self-described "conservative Democrat" now leaning independent.

I really just want to hear what he has to say. Heard he's for smaller government. Anti-Nanny State. Some of his other views I don't know about. I know of his father's [Cong. Ron Paul] and his views. I want to ask him [Rand] about his views on military issues, Iraq, Afghanistan, if he wants to win or surrender.

My other big issue is the border. They already have the money to build the fence. They need to get it done.

Smith also expressed his hopes that Rand Paul would support repeal of the "health care debacle."

I also interviewed Taylor Harbin, (photo) a self-described "independent" and "libertarian-conservative." He is a recently graduated student of Western Kentucky Univ.

I'm just a young guy wondering about what the future is going to hold: Status of the 2nd Amendment, transparency from the federal Ggovernment, and all the while the government keeps expanding. I followed Ron Paul in his 2008 Presidential race. I like what I've heard and seen so far from Rand Paul. It's more than likely I will vote for him tomorrow. I wish him the best of luck.

As the crowd expanded the emcee took the stage and introduced the candidate.

Excerpts from Rand Paul's remarks:

This is the Tea Party movement!

This Tea Party movement is about getting our government back. It's not just Republicans or Democrats. It's about balanced budgets. And Term Limits... That's the Tea Party message.

They need to read the bills. Is that too much to ask? And every bill should have a provision outlining where they get the authority in the Constitution.

The 9th and 10th Amendments are clear. If it's not in the Constitution the power is left to the States.

The mood of the Nation is ripe for a candidate who is an outsider. We've been lucky enough to get Senator Bunning's endorsement... Sarah Palin.

This is a movement that's not about me. This Tea Party movement is about taking the Republican Party back and the Nation.

After the event I interviewed one more attendee. Erica Weise lives in Paducah. She's a single mom. She has a mixed race young son. She describes herself as a "poor white girl."

Erica came to the rally with her friend, already a Rand Paul backer. But this was Erica's first chance to hear Rand Paul speak. She was turned on to him through Glenn Beck.

Rand Paul is not a politician, and he's a Doctor. He knows what the health care bill will do. It's going to be a tough fight for him [to repeal it]. For everyone of him, there are 30 others who are against the Constitution.

I cannot believe we have a President that apologizes for the country. The President of the United States should be proud of the country.

It is absolutely despicable that what the Founding Fathers did is not taught for a full year in school.

I have a bi-racial kid. Not liking Barack Obama has nothing to do with his color. I just don't want to keep supporting others with my tax dollars. All this class envy is disgusting.

Paul and his entourage headed for Bowling Green, homebase for the campaign for a final rally later in the day.

(Memeo link WaPo)