'EVOLVE OR DIE' Paul makes key stop in Maine, looks to unite GOP

April 26, 2014: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, speaks at the Maine Republican Convention, Bangor, Maine.AP

The next presidential election is two years away, but Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Pauls visit to Maine on Saturday is being considered perhaps his most important so far in his potential 2016 White House bid.

The Maine Republican Party has been plagued by infighting since libertarian activists loyal to Paul's father -- former GOP presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul -- seized control of it in 2012.

The activists took over the state convention and elected a majority slate of delegates for Paul.

However, establishment Republicans challenged the move, and the national committee voted to replace half of Maine's delegates for Paul with supporters of Mitt Romney, the party's presidential nominee.

In Maine, Paul is trying to strengthen his appeal beyond his father's passionate supporters to prove he can be a credible national candidate.

And he hopes to promote further party unity ahead of the November re-election test for GOP Gov. Paul LePage, considered one of most endangered Republican governors in the nation. LePage rode Tea Party support to victory in 2010.

On Saturday, Paul told the Maine GOP convention that Republicans must reach out to groups that the country has mistreated and show the party's compassionate side.

He also said that the GOP cannot be the party of corporate welfare and railed against overspending and government waste.

On Friday, Paul said at Harvard University's Institute of Politics that the Republican Party will adapt, evolve or die."

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'EVOLVE OR DIE' Paul makes key stop in Maine, looks to unite GOP