(born January 7, 1963) is an American ophthalmologist and political activist who describes himself as a "constitutional conservative".[3] Rand Paul is the chairman and founder of Kentucky Taxpayers United. He is also the son of Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.
In August 2009, Paul officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky. Paul, a Republican, won the party's primary election on May 18, 2010. He will face Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway in the general election on November 2, 2010.
Early life and education
Randal Howard Paul's parents, Carol Wells Paul and Ron Paul, married in 1957. Randal was born in Pennsylvania in 1963. He has four siblings: Ronnie, Lori, Robert, and Joy. Randal was baptized as an Episcopalian.Although Ron Paul was a fan of Ayn Rand, her name was not the inspiration for Randal Paul's first name; he went by "Randy" as a child and "Rand" as an adult.
The Paul family moved from Pittsburgh to San Antonio in 1965, eventually settling in Surfside Beach, Texas in 1968. In 1976, Rand Paul's father was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Paul attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas from fall 1981 to summer 1984, where he was enrolled in the Honors College. Paul had scored approximately in the 90th percentile on the Medical College Admission Test. He never obtained a degree from Baylor, however, instead leaving early when he was accepted into the Duke University School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1988 and completed his residency in 1993.
Personal life
In Atlanta, Paul met Kelley Ashby, a Rhodes College English major. Paul and Ashby were married on October 20, 1990, and moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, less than 30 miles (48 km) from her hometown of Russellville, Kentucky, in 1993.
Kelley Paul is a freelance writer, and she manages payroll and marketing communications for Paul's surgical practice. The couple have three sons: William, Duncan, and Robert.
Medical career
Paul currently owns a private ophthalmology practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He first worked at the Graves-Gilbert Clinic in Kentucky, but eventually established his own clinic in December 2007. Paul specializes in corneal transplants, glaucoma surgery, and LASIK, and began offering sutureless DSEK corneal transplantation in 2007.
As a member of the Bowling Green Noon Lions Club,[13] Paul founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic to help provide eye surgery and exams for those with no health insurance coverage, or who are living on a minimum wage. He is a regular presenter at the annual Men's Health and Safety Day conference held by The Medical Center of Bowling Green since 1998. In 1999 Paul founded the Non-profit organization National Board of Ophthalmology (NBO).
Political activism
As founder and chairman of the anti-tax organization Kentucky Taxpayers United (KTU) since 1994, Paul regularly presents "taxpayers' friend" awards to state legislators. KTU, which regards itself as nonpartisan, but ideological and conservative,examines legislator records on taxation and spending to inform voters where their own lawmakers stand on the issues. Paul's editorial commentary on behalf of KTU has been published and recognized in the Kentucky Post.
KTU sponsors the Taxpayer's Pledge of Americans for Tax Reform, encouraging politicians to pledge publicly to vote uniformly against tax raises.Nine of fifteen Northern Kentucky legislators signed the pledge,such as Senator Dick Roeding and Representative Royce Adams in 1996. In 2000, these legislators considered a hotel room tax hike (favored by Governor Paul Patton for helping expand the Dr. Albert B. Sabin Convention Center in nearby Cincinnati), even though the increase might "incur the wrath of Paul's group," as two newspapers put it.
Paul stated that Patton's argument for "revenue recovery" was merely a euphemism for taxes and said that KTU would fight reelection of any pledge-breakers; Adams requested in writing that Paul's group release him from his pledge, stating that it only applied to his first term.By the close of session in April, the tax increase had failed, although Patton had achieved most of his intended budget; Paul stated legislators were pressured to finalize the budget by deadline rather than to "face accusations of shutting down government".
Paul often speaks on his father's behalf, and he and his son William attended the third Republican presidential debate of 2007 in New Hampshire, as well as campaigned door-to-door in the state for his father. At a New Hampshire rally with 250 in attendance (plus 30 members of his own family), Paul repeated a campaign meme by pretending to take a call from Rudy Giuliani during his remarks, and joking that Giuliani needed campaigners and wanted to borrow the Paul family.
On December 16, 2007, the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, Paul spoke at Faneuil Hall in favor of small government principles, calling for what CNN termed a "modern day revolution". He continued campaigning across the country for his father in 2008,traveling as far as Montana.
2010 Senatorial campaign
See also: United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2010
Rand Paul campaigning in Kentucky.
In the beginning of 2009, Paul was the focus of an online grassroots movement to draft him in a bid to replace beleaguered Republican Kentucky senator Jim Bunning. The news of his potential candidacy became a topic of national interest and was discussed in the Los Angeles Times and locally in the Kentucky press.Commenting on Paul's possible candidacy, Congressman Ron Paul noted that "Should Senator Bunning decide not to run, I think Rand would make a great U.S. Senator."
Campaign
On May 1, 2009, Paul officially confirmed that if Bunning, whose fundraising in 2009 has matched his poor numbers in opinion polling for the 2010 election,[34] declined to seek a third term, he would almost certainly run in the Republican Party primary to succeed him,[35] and formed an exploratory committee soon after, while still promising to stay out of the race if Bunning had ultimately decided to run for re-election. Paul made this announcement on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show, though the news was first broken by a local Kentucky news site. In celebration of the announcement, a group of Paul's supporters launched a spontaneous grassroots mini-moneybomb for the date of June 1, 2009, specifically citing it as the anniversary of Kentucky's admission to the Union. Over $25,000 was raised in the one-day event.
On July 28, 2009, Bunning announced that he would not run for re-election, after facing insufficient fundraising.This announcement left only Paul and Secretary of State Trey Grayson as the remaining candidates for the seat in the Republican primary, with Paul announcing on August 5, 2009 that he would officially run for the U.S. Senate as a Republican. The announcement was made through a series of national TV events, radio, and other programs, as well as through newspapers in Kentucky.
Rand Paul campaigning in Frankfort.
On August 20, 2009, Paul's grassroots planned a moneybomb to kick off his campaign for United States Senate. The official campaign took in $433,509 in 24 hours. According to Paul, This set a new record in Kentucky's political fundraising history in a 24-hour period.
A second "moneybomb" was held on September 23, 2009, to counter a D.C. fundraiser being held for primary opponent Trey Grayson, by 23 Republican United States Senators, 17 of whom voted for the bailout. The theme was a UFC "fight" between Paul and "We the People" vs. Trey Grayson and the "D.C. Insiders." The money bomb ended up raising $186,276 for Paul in 24 hours on September 23; bringing Paul's Senate campaign's total raised since its start to over one million. Later in the campaign, Paul claimed his pledge to not take money from lobbyist and Senators who voted for the bank bailout was only a "primary pledge". Paul is now slated to hold a DC fundraiser with the same Senators who were the target of the September 23 "moneybomb". On December 16, 2009, Paul's grassroots held their third major drive for Paul, with the theme reflecting the 236th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The money bomb raised more than $240,000 for Paul in 24 hours. According to Paul, at that time, this was the second biggest fundraising day for a Kentucky primary candidate in a 24-hour period; with the first being the over $433,000 Paul raised on August 20. This has since been surpassed by another money bomb for Paul on March 23.
On March 23, 2010, Paul's grassroots held a first fiscal quarter moneybomb and their fourth major one for Paul to date. The theme was the anniversary of the "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" speech by Patrick Henry on March 23, 1775. The money bomb ended up raising over $261,000 for Paul's campaign in 24 hours on March 23, making it the second largest online fundraising day in Kentucky political history for a candidate in a primary. On April 19, 2010, a final primary money bomb was held, that raised over $100,000 in 24 hours bringing the four primary money bomb totals to just over 1,000,000 dollars 1/3 of Paul's total fund raising contributions.
On June 28, 2010, Rand Paul supporters held their first post-primary online fundraising drive, this time promoted as a "money blast."
Un-American president comments
On May 20, 2010 in the wake of largest offshore oil spill in United States history, Paul generated some controversy by labeling President Barack Obama's comments as "un-American" when Obama criticized BP. Paul stated,
“ What I don't like from the president's administration is this sort of, 'I'll put my boot heel on the throat of BP.' I think that sounds really un-American in his criticism of business. I've heard nothing from BP about not paying for the spill. And I think it's part of this sort of blame-game society in the sense that it's always got to be someone's fault instead of the fact that sometimes accidents happen. ”
Private Property and Civil Rights
In May 2010, Rand Paul questioned elements of the 1964 Civil Rights Act stating that while he "abhors racism," he doesn't like the idea of the federal government determining who a business may serve. Amid a flurry of controversy, Paul became the first American politician to cancel an appearance on Meet the Press in their 64 year history. Additionally, RNC Chairman Michael Steele, publicly denounced him, saying that Paul's opposition to the Civil Rights Act is a "misplaced" philosophy for the 21st Century.
Paul addressed his feelings about intentions of the legislation relating to public offices, stating that he "overwhelmingly agrees with the intent of the [Civil Rights Act] which was to stop discrimination in the public sphere and halt the abhorrent practice of segregation and Jim Crow laws," and that Constitutional challenges to the law have been settled by the courts. Title II of the Civil Rights Act affected private businesses.
On May 21, 2010, Paul appeared on "The Situation Room" and told host Wolf Blitzer that he would have voted for the Civil Rights Act.
Board certification
On June 14, 2010 the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that Paul, who described himself as a "board-certified" ophthalmologist, was not actively certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. From 1995 through 2005 Paul had an AMA-recognized certification until it lapsed. Paul is currently certified by the National Board of Ophthalmology, a rival organization founded by Paul himself in 1999 with Paul as president and his wife as vice-president.Paul has said the group has since recertified several hundred ophthalmologists.The National Board of Ophthalmology's mailing address is a UPS Store in Bowling Green, Kentucky; the organization lacks a website and is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). A spokesperson for the ABMS stated: "He [Paul] is not board-certified."Neither Paul's National Board of Ophthalmology nor the American Board of Ophthalmology has anything to do with medical licensure, which is handled by state boards.
Paul stated that he founded the National Board of Ophthalmology after a dispute with the American Board of Ophthalmology over recertification requirements.Paul has also explained his decision to let his recognized certification lapse resulting from "the kind of hypocritical power play that I despise and have always fought against." In interviews before the May 2010 Republican Senatorial primary, Paul stated that he was certified by both boards. When first questioned on his certifications, Paul responded, "I'm not going to go through all that right now... What does this have to do with our election?" He subsequently described such questions as "a personal assault on my ability to make a living" and that "you vilify me and make it out to sound, 'Oh, ... there's something wrong with him as a physician because he chose not to register (with the American Board of Ophthalmology).'" Paul's spokesperson stated that Paul's earlier claim of dual board certification was misspoken in response to an unclear question.
ABO administrator Beth Ann Slembarski says that less than 5 percent of the nation’s practicing ophthalmologists are without American Board of Ophthalmology certification.
Paul has been licensed to practice medicine in Kentucky since 1993, and his license is in good standing with no history of disciplinary action. The Courier-Journal reported: "There is no indication that Paul isn't qualified to practice ophthalmology.
Endorsements
Paul has secured endorsements from several public figures and political organizations. They include the Downsize DC Foundation,Concerned Women for America, Gun Owners of America, Steve Forbes,FreedomWorks, Club for Growth, James Dobson,Sarah Palin, Jim DeMint, Cathy Baileyand Jim Bunning.
Primary election results
On May 18, 2010, Paul won the Republican Senatorial primary by a 23.4% margin. He will face the Democratic nominee, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, in the November 2010 general election.
Political views
Abortion and bioethics
Paul is opposed to abortion and supports a Human Life Amendment and a Life at Conception Act. He also opposes abortion in cases of rape and incest, but supports use of the morning-after pill. He opposes federal funding for abortion. He takes a states' rights position, favoring the overturn of Roe vs Wade and allowing states to decide on the legality of abortions without federal involvement.
According to a survey offered by the organization Kentucky Right to Life, Paul is opposed to cloning and supports legislation banning human cloning and the use of embryos for research. He opposes the legalization of euthanasia and would reject an overturning of Kentucky law that prohibits it. In the case of Terry Schiavo, Paul believes she had the right to receive nutrition and hydration.
Campaign finance reform
Paul opposes the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (McCain-Feingold Act) and considers it a "dangerous piece of legislation".Instead, he supports regulating the contracts given out by Congress and placing limits on corporations receiving government contracts. Paul believes that lobbyists and corporations are drawn to Washington because it has so much money and power and provide benefits to their businesses. He opposes legislation limiting the amount of money individuals, corporations, and organizations can give to candidates. Additionally, Paul has proposed "mandating a clause in all federal contracts over $1 million that requires the recipient to pledge not to lobby government or contribute to campaigns during the terms of the contract."
Civil liberties
Paul opposes the USA PATRIOT Act, including warrantless searches and breach of individual privacy.
Economics and tax cuts
Paul has been a longtime opponent of the bank and auto bailouts.
He also opposes the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and the Federal Reserve's control of the money supply and interest rates. He has advocated allowing the free market to regulate interest rates, and supports Congress' constitutional role in controlling the money supply. Paul endorses H.R. 1207, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, a bill, introduced by his father, mandating an audit of the Federal Reserve. Although Paul would abolish the Federal Reserve, he supports transparency and accountability of the semi-private institution. Additionally, Paul opposes inflation and supports "restoring the value of the dollar that has devalued by approximately 95% since the Federal Reserve's inception in 1913".
Paul supports tax cuts and a Balanced Budget Amendment, and has criticized both Republicans and Democrats on deficit spending.
Education
Paul supports returning control of education to local communities and parents and thus eliminating the federal Department of Education. He opposes federal regulation of homeschooling.
Energy
Paul supports allowing the free market to compete and dictate which forms of energy to use. He opposes subsidizing energy companies, and would support allowing tax breaks for companies that produce alternative energy such as wind, solar, or geothermal. He has said that subsidizing the energy industry will only add incentive for companies to lobby the federal government.
Health care
Paul opposes federal government involvement in health care. He would repeal the HMO Act of 1973 that "drives a wedge between the patient and [one's] doctor".He believes that government has driven up the cost of health care and causes the quality and coverage to decrease. Paul would support a free market approach to health care, including tax deductions for medical expenses. He opposes federal regulations discouraging businesses from providing coverage. He supports Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Illegal immigration
Paul has proposed adding security to the border by installing an underground electric fence and helicopter stations. He opposes birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. Paul has said that courts should review the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," to conclude whether or not it should apply to the children of illegal immigrants. If court challenges fail, Paul would support a constitutional amendment that would deny citizenship to children of illegal immigrants who are born in the United States.
Medical marijuana
Paul supports the legalization of medical marijuana.
National defense
Paul supports eliminating issuance of visas to people from nations deemed as terrorist or rogue. He would not vote to close Guantanamo Bay detention camp, and supports trying suspected terrorists in military tribunals. Paul states that there are unnecessary military bases which he would be interested in closing. He says that he would have voted against an invasion of Iraq.
Private property and civil rights
Paul criticized the Bowling Green Daily News on May 30, 2002 for supporting the Fair Housing Act. He explained that "a free society will abide unofficial, private discrimination, even when that means allowing hate-filled groups to exclude people based on the color of their skin." On May 19, 2010, Paul stated that he favors 9 out of 10 titles of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but had he been a senator during 1960s, he would have raised some questions on the constitutionality of Title II of the Act, which prohibits private businesses who provide public accommodations from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, or national origin against their customers, arguing that it infringes upon constitutional freedoms. Paul stated on National Public Radio, "I'm in favor of everything with regards to ending institutional racism". Paul favors community and neighborhood pressure to persuade private businesses, rather than federal laws that he argued might violate the constitution. Paul said he abhors racism, and he would have marched with Martin Luther King Jr. to repeal Jim Crow Laws. Paul's comments on Title II of Civil Rights Act of 1964 stirred controversy and brought concern among Republican party insiders about his viability in the general election. Paul later released a statement declaring that he would have voted for the Act and stated "unequivocally ... that I will not support any efforts to repeal the Civil Rights Act of 1964". Paul has criticized the Americans with Disabilities Act, characterizing it as an overreach of the federal government.
Same-sex marriage
Paul opposes same-sex marriage, but believes the issue should be left to the states to decide.
Second Amendment
Paul would oppose all gun control legislation, a position he says is supported by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
(source:wikipedia)
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