CPACers love Paul, but is it enough?

AP Photo

Whether it can be Rand Pauls Republican Party is another question.

By Ben Schreckinger

2/27/15 1:20 PM EST

Updated 2/28/15 6:18 AM EST

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. Its still Rand Pauls CPAC. Whether it can be Rand Pauls Republican Party is another question.

A day after other Republicans tossed out hawkish lines that clashed with his own brand of more cautious foreign policy, the raucous response to Pauls Friday afternoon speech from a standing-room-only crowd proved that CPAC remains friendly territory for the Kentucky senator. As he warned against an inept government venturing overseas, he received standing ovations and supporters chanted President Paul.

Story Continued Below

But even Pauls supporters conceded that winning at CPAC is one thing, while winning the GOP 2016 nod is another.

As in years past, the libertarian-leaning Paul enjoyed organized and enthusiastic support among young CPAC attendees. The crowd at this event, however, is hardly representative of the broader GOP electorate. And Pauls views on national security, the war on drugs, and several other issues already put him at odds with multiple factions of the GOP including many older voters, a large and crucial constituency during the primaries and caucuses.

Follow this link:
CPACers love Paul, but is it enough?