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Rand Paul May Not Vote For McConnell As Senate GOP Leader

Front-runner Rand Paul said in a U.S. Senate debate Monday night that he may not support Kentucky's other senator, Mitch McConnell, for minority floor leader if he's elected.

"I'd have to know who the opponent is and make a decision at that time," Paul said in a sometimes testy televised debate, the final face off in what has become an increasing acrimonious race to replace Sen. Jim Bunning.

His chief Republican opponent, Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, said he "proudly" would vote for McConnell. McConnell endorsed Grayson in the May 18 primary. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, who endorsed Paul, has been mentioned as a potential McConnell opponent for minority leader, though DeMint has said he has no such intention.

Paul is considered an outsider to the Republican political establishment, which has supported Grayson. Paul, a Bowling Green eye surgeon, is leading in the polls.

Paul has strong backing from tea party activists, who have been increasingly showing their political power this year. They most recently helped topple three-term Republican Sen. Robert F. Bennett of Utah at that state's GOP convention over the weekend.

Paul took a hard line against congressional earmarks during the debate, saying he is philosophically opposed to pork barrel projects that have been used to pay for programs across Kentucky unless Congress has the money in hand to pay for them. Grayson said some of the earmarks, like those used to fight drug trafficking, are vitally needed and he would support them.

The eventual Republican nominee will face one of five Democratic candidates, including Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway.

Continues @ Huffington Post
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Very interesting race in Kentucky.