Rand Paul 'Seriously' Considers 2016 Run

On the heels of his 13-hour filibuster, Sen. Rand Paul says he's "seriously" considering running for president in 2016, Politico reports. "I think our party needs something new, fresh, and different," the Tea Party favorite says. Republicans "have to figure out how to appeal to the West Coast, New England, (and) around the Great Lakes area," he notes, arguing that the party needs to win back the Democrats who voted for Ronald Reagan.

"I do want to be part of making the Republican Party again more of a national party, less [of] a regional party, which I think we’re in danger of becoming." The filibuster brought Paul widespread support from potential fellow 2016 contenders and people across the political spectrum, Politico notes. And GOP voices are singing his praises. "He’s got the right combination of principles, oratory skills, smarts, and showmanship" for a presidential run, says a former John McCain strategist. (More Rand Paul stories.)