Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) took a break from campaigning over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday break to perform some charitable eye surgeries in his home state.
Having not visited either Iowa or New Hampshire since mid-December, the doctor decided to make some house calls this week in both early voting states. His first stop was New Hampshire, where “retail stops” tend to be smaller; 200 people would be considered a packed house.
Tuesday, in Laconia, he spoke to about 200 Granite State voters. Later that evening, in Exeter, Paul drew 350, rivalling former President Bill Clinton’s crowd the previous night. Although he often touts his strength with younger voters, the crowds throughout New Hampshire offered a diverse array of ages.
Paul now turns his attention to Iowa and its first-in-the-nation caucus, where he will campaign alongside his wife, Kelley, for a two-day swing. His itinerary includes stops in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Carroll, Boone, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Marion, North Liberty and Davenport.
Along the way, he’ll celebrate a milestone: his 53rd birthday.
“In the final stretch leading up to the Iowa Caucus, Sen. Rand Paul will continue to focus on the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights, and being boldly for conservative ideals that limit the powers of the Washington Machine,” his campaign said in a media advisory Tuesday evening. “He believes his unique message of liberty can unite Constitutional conservatives, young voters and independent voters, which will lead to a successful showing on Feb. 1.”
