Challenges loom for Rand Paul as he sprints toward 2016

WASHINGTON Rand Paul may only yet be a candidate for re-election to the Senate in 2016, but the first-term Kentucky Republican already is sprinting toward the race for president.

The libertarian-minded lawmaker is set to visit several Western states this month before reintroducing himself to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, and his team is working to strengthen his political network in nearly every state.

At the same time, he is readying for a leading role in the GOPs new Senate majority while pushing to improve a Republican brand he says is tattered.

Aides insist that Paul has not finalized his decision about the White House, but his aggressive steps leave little doubt about his ambitions.

Everythings being prepared as if its happening, with the knowledge that the final trigger hasnt been pulled yet, said Paul senior aide Doug Stafford.

Some see the son of former Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a two-time presidential candidate, as a transformational figure capable of expanding the GOPs appeal beyond its traditional base of older, white men.

While calling for a dramatic reduction in the size and scope of the federal government, the 51-year-old Paul plays down social issues such as gay marriage, criticizes a criminal justice system that overwhelmingly incarcerates blacks, and favors a smaller U.S. footprint in the world.

Rand Paul should expect challenges every step of the way.

About his fathers legacy. About contradictions between his past comments and todays words. About his willingness to take on the status quo. About a Kentucky law that says he cannot run for president and re-election to the Senate at the same time.

I just dont see him getting too far with an isolationist foreign policy and a pro-gay marriage agenda, said Hogan Gidley, a GOP operative who previously worked for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and ex-Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who have run for president before and may again in 2016.

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Challenges loom for Rand Paul as he sprints toward 2016