Rand Paul Endorses Anti-McConnell Kelli Ward But Supports McConnell

GOP Sen. Rand Paul says he supports fellow Kentuckian and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — but also stands by his endorsement of a conservative Senate candidate fiercely opposed to McConnell's leadership role.

In remarks to reporters Wednesday, Paul said he does not always agree with Senate hopeful Kelli Ward of Arizona, who has pledged not to support McConnell if she is elected, The Hill reported.

"I don't think we have to agree on everything," Paul said. "I see a little different perspective coming from Kentucky and that being my fellow senator. But I do, and have opposed leadership, on a number of issues."

Paul endorsed Ward earlier Wednesday, giving her a powerful ally in the upcoming primary in the wake of Arizona GOP Sen. Jeff Flake's decision last week he will not run for re-election, The Hill reported.

But Paul also warned the strategy to oppose Ward by the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with McConnell and Senate leadership, could very well "backfire."

"When Washington comes in and tries to pick somebody, the lines are clearly going to be drawn," Paul said, per The Hill.

"And in some ways, the establishment has learned that in certain circumstances, people react the opposite way. If they come in and attack Dr. Ward like they have in the past, I think those attacks are going to backfire."

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