Lexington Mayor Jim Gray considering a challenge to U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

Ron Aldof Thu, 01/07/2016 - 23:12

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After weeks of rumors, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray confirmed Thursday that he is considering a run for the U.S. Senate this year, challenging presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green.

Although less than three weeks remain before the Jan. 26 candidate filing deadline, Gray would not say when he plans to make a decision. He is a registered Democrat.

“I enjoy my job as mayor, and the only reason I would consider another office is I believe Washington is terribly broken and I could make a practical contribution by helping create jobs and economic opportunity for Kentuckians,” Gray told the Herald-Leader. “That’s what I’ve done in my business career and as mayor of Lexington.”

Gray, who was Kentucky’s first openly-gay mayor, was elected to a second term in 2014.

Paul spokeswoman Kelsey Cooper said Paul “looks forward to putting his record and ideas up against anyone.”

“Senator Paul has tirelessly fought for the people of Kentucky, for the constitution and stood firm against the liberal Obama agenda and war on Kentucky coal,” Cooper said.

Former U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, a friend of Gray’s, said he has “no idea what decision he is going to make, but I think he’d make a tremendous candidate.”

“The fact that our present senator is never in Kentucky tells me that the race is up for grabs,” Chandler said. “I think it’s a seat in play because it’s clear that our present senator is not terribly interested in being the senator from Kentucky.”

Democrats have been desperately searching for a viable candidate to challenge Paul, viewing him as vulnerable after spending months — and a lot of money — in a bid to win the Republican presidential nomination while simultaneously running for re-election to his Senate seat.

Lexington Herald Leader: http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article53577205.html

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#IStandWithRandAndLiberty! Let's get back to Liberty and Freedom. Trump is working with the Establishment.

Donald Trump

01/08/2016 - 04:34

This was my idea

Looks like I was right again. Also, the junior senator should be working for the people of Kentucky, not tip toeing around on lifts aping fellow light weights Cruz and Rubio!

TheTaoistTroll

01/08/2016 - 01:48

Ironically

The reasons they are having trouble finding a plausible candidate is two fold: one, the last election in Kentucky has weaken the Democratic party, considerably; two, the real reason why no-one want to run against Rand is that they are assuming he can't win and Trump will recive the nomination. That would get most people to just vote the down the Republican ticket, which, ironically, saves Rand.

Mitch Miconell is a much easier target, and that what every Democratic Senator wannabe is thinking, and losing the race to Rand hurts them when they try to run again in a much more favorable contest. Perception.

That and the only issue they could run on that has any meat to it is the idea that Rand doesn't care about Kentucky and that why he is running for president. Foreign policy won't be the determining factor in this election. It's the economy and that where Rand is untouchable .

Those who are; are those whom are not.

Ron Aldof

01/08/2016 - 08:30

Kelly Paul US senate KY 2020.

#IStandWithRandAndLiberty!
Let's get back to Liberty and Freedom.
Trump is working with the Establishment.

free_your_mind

01/08/2016 - 13:03

Kelley Paul, elected official.

I like this, a lot.

Kelley Paul is sharp, politically astute, and her background in political consulting and communication demonstrate that she knows her way around politics. Also, the fact that she's a self-described Air Force brat will appeal to the brainwashed Faux News voter. As a former member of this club myself, I recognize the importance of all things "defense" to these folks.

Kelley will also appeal to the older Faux News addicted viewer who, I believe, will look at her and think "She looks just like my daughter or granddaughter." The FN addicted viewer in Kelley's age group and younger will see her as someone they'd love to share a recipe with on Pinterest...she's just got the image and persona that these women will find very accepting and they will vote for her based on that.

It's interesting that none of the other candidates, to my knowledge, have featured their wives so prominently as Rand has. I think they fully understand how beneficial Kelley is to the GOP base, at least. I don't know if she would consider running for either the House or Senate but I would love to see her go for it.

mwstroberg

01/07/2016 - 23:52

I think Rand would have a bigger "Randslide" victory than his

initial victory in 2010. Bring it on, if you dare.