Republican Senate hopeful Rand Paul says he couldn't have won the GOP nomination in Kentucky without support from the tea party and that the movement criticizes Republicans and Democrats equally.
The Bowling Green eye doctor said Tuesday that he was the "right messenger at the right time" to emerge from political obscurity with the rise of the tea party.
Appearing on Fox News Channel, Paul described the tea party as "equal parts chastisement" of Democrats and Republicans. He said tea party groups ask him if he'll vote against Republicans over spending and other issues, but he didn't say how he responds to those questions.
Paul is running against Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway for the seat of Republican Sen. Jim Bunning, who is retiring after two terms.
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