Sen. Rand Paul’s high-profile push to scrap the Patriot Act carries both risk and reward for his 2016 presidential prospects, according to GOP analysts, who say that the battle is helping him solidify his libertarian-leaning base, but also could further alienate voters that already have questions about his world view.
The Kentucky Republican has long been a critic of the Patriot Act’s far-reaching surveillance powers and the fight over its reauthorization has helped him carve out a unique space among the 2016 GOP presidential candidates.
He aired his concerns about the 2001 law during a 10-plus hour “filibuster” earlier in May, and on Sunday continued to block efforts to extend key Patriot Act powers.
It’s been a lonely fight — pitting Mr. Paul against numerous lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, his fellow Kentuckian who already endorsed his presidential bid.
“I think in a very near term [Mr. Paul] probably is helped and only because I think his campaign has been stagnant for a while,” said Tom Rath, a veteran GOP operative in New Hampshire. “Whether or not they want to admit it, the genesis of his campaign is the support his father got. For him to be a player in this field, he needs that base.”
The problem, Mr. Rath said, is that Mr. Paul could be torpedoing his chances of broadening his appeal among Republicans, particularly after he accused GOP “hawks” of being responsible for the existence and growth of the Islamic State militant group.
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“You are only going to get so many people to support a nominee for president who thinks that way,” he said.
Jesse Benton, spokesman for the America’s Liberty PAC, said the response to Mr. Paul’s “stand for the Bill of Rights has been great.”
“Almost without fail, the important donors we are courting from the tech community stand shoulder to shoulder with Rand against warrantless data collection and are energized by Rand’s efforts,” Mr. Benton said. “I have also heard from several other donors in the real estate and financial services spaces who are deeply impressed with Rand’s principled stance and have been inspired to get involved in our campaign.”
As the Senate worked late into the night on Sunday, Mr. Paul’s supporters, wearing red “Stand with Rand” T-shirts, packed the public galleries of the chamber to watch their hero decry the extent of snooping the government can do without an individualized warrant.
“I’m not going to take it anymore. I don’t think the American people are going to take it anymore,” Mr. Paul said.
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that he shares Mr. Paul’s concerns, but disagrees with his tactics.
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“Although he and I share a similar concern, I don’t agree with his approach,” Mr. Lee said.
Mr. Paul vowed to kill the law, and he and his campaign allies have highlighted his stance as a face-off with President Obama and “his so-called conservative accomplices.
The pro-Paul America’s Liberty PAC released an ad on Friday that likened the battle to a professional wrestling match.
“Get ready, America, for the biggest brawl for liberty of the century!” a WWE-style narrator howls. “Defender of freedom, Senator Rand Paul!”
Sam Clovis, a conservative Iowa activist, said that members of the liberty movement and grass-roots conservatives appreciate Mr. Paul’s efforts, which they see as part of a broader fight over the size and scope of government.
“There is a clear divide in the Republican Party and Republican candidates between people who are comfortable with big government and those who are not comfortable with big government,” Mr. Clovis said. “I think this is really the argument that is going to take place and this is how this presidential race eventually on the Republican side is going to fall out.”
Ted Jackson, a GOP consultant, said “there is no doubt it is a hot-button issue and one that cuts both ways politically.”
“All these candidates are looking for their slice to make them competitive in the primary,” Mr. Jackson said. “Voters who oppose the Patriot Act are his natural constituency and he needs them engaged and contributing. Out of necessity he is trying to fund his campaign largely through small donors so to that extent it may help. Time will tell if there are enough of them. “
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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