Despite speculation of greater ambitions, U.S. Senator Rand Paul is likely to stay in his current position if Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is elected this fall. Rumors about Paul’s future have picked up ever since he endorsed Mitt Romney earlier this year, even though his father, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, was technically still in the race.
Political observers wondered whether Rand Paul was a potential vice presidential pick or if he would be offered another job in exchange for the endorsement. But Paul tells Kentucky Public Radio that he has not been vetted and he’s unlikely to leave the Senate anytime soon.
“To tell you the truth, being a U.S. Senator has a considerable amount of influence of which way the country goes, and so I just think it’s just unlikely that I would be anywhere but the U.S. Senate if Romney wins,” says Paul.In a sign of his growing influence, Paul has been given a speaking slot at this year's Republican National Convention. In addition to his comments about his role if Romney wins, Paul also says a late August Tea Party rally shouldn’t be a problem for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.Paul will co-headline the event in Frankfort with McConnell. The rally is planned to protest against the Affordable Care Act. McConnell hasn't been a big supporter of Tea Party candidates in the past. And pundits who support the Tea Party have frequently made their dislike of McConnell known.But Paul, a leader of the Tea Party nationally, says McConnell won’t have to worry about an unruly crowd in his home state. “There’s probably been not more vocal opponent of Obamacare nationally than Senator McConnell," says Paul. McConnell has warmed to Tea Party leaders in recent months. Lately, he's been an outspoken supporter of Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is rumored to be on the short list of Vice Presidential candidates. The rally is scheduled for August 21 on the state capitol stairs in Frankfort.
