The chairman of the Republican Party of Texas is stepping down in early March to join Sen. Rand Paul’s political operation as the Kentucky Republican makes moves ahead of a possible 2016 presidential run.
In a statement, Texas GOP chairman Steve Munisteri said Mr. Paul shares his belief that the GOP “cannot expect to win a national race unless we attract younger voters and take our message aggressively to the Hispanic, African American, and Asian American communities.”
“He shares my vision of doing so by actively engaging community leaders, traveling to nontraditional Republican communities, and making it clear that everyone that shares our beliefs are welcome in our party,” Mr. Munisteri said. “Most importantly, he believes we can be effective in doing so without compromising our principles.”
Mr. Paul was scheduled to be in Texas Friday and Saturday for local Republican party events. Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry are also weighing bids for president.
The move comes amid other jockeying for staff among potential 2016 contenders; news broke Thursday that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is bringing on Iowa strategist David Kochel, who had been a key adviser to 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, to work for his new political action committee and potentially run a national campaign if Mr. Bush runs for president.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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