State-Journal.com - Republicans skeptical about Senate hopeful

Photo By Kelly MackeyJenny Gilbert talks with U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul after Paul spoke to local Republicans at The Kitchen.

Although many local Republicans were interested in hearing what Rand Paul had to say, they aren’t ready yet to support him.

Paul, a U.S. Senate candidate, spoke to about 35 Republicans at The Kitchen on Georgetown Road near Forks of the Elkhorn Monday night.

Franklin Country Republican Chairman Stuart Victor said that was more than usual because there’s a lot of interest in hearing him speak.

Paul preached his fiscally conservative message for about 30 minutes, attacking big government and pork barrel spending.

“We used to be a great exporter,” said Paul, an ophthalmologist from Bowling Green. “Now our number one export is debt.”

He pledged to stop illegal immigration, cut government spending and support term limits.

Three other Republicans are in the primary – Secretary of State Trey Grayson, western Kentucky businessman Bill Johnson and Gurley Martin, a World War II veteran from Owensboro.

Several Democrats are seeking the nomination of their party, including Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway.

Most in attendance Monday said they were undecided on which candidate to support.

For example, Jason Gilbert, 33, of Frankfort, says he agrees with Paul that out-of-control spending in Washington will either require a huge tax increase or a sharp cut in services.

“He is in the right direction for what a lot of people in Kentucky want to hear,” Gilbert said. “He’s sick of the attitude we can keep spending, spending, spending with no cutoff.”

However Gilbert said he disagreed on some issues and wasn’t ready to back Paul yet.

Don Stosberg questioned Paul’s leadership ability and others were concerned about his lack of military experience. Paul said he had founded the Kentucky Taxpayers United and led it for more than 15 years.

Stosberg said that’s not enough.

“I think that’s rather limited leadership experience to ask us to elect him to the U.S. Senate on,” Stosberg said.

Gilbert disagreed and said he likes Paul’s outsider status and doesn’t mind his lack of military service.

“A fresh perspective without a lot of baggage is a benefit,” he said. “I would love to see (military experience) but it’s not a showstopper.”

Paul follows the issues closely and his concerns about economic issues are valid, Stosberg said. However, he’s unconvinced Paul is the best candidate.

“I came away a little undecided on if he’s a nut or not,” Stosberg said.

Paul’s proposals are too simplistic, he said.

“Electing people based on bullet-points is not a wise idea,” Stosberg said.

Stosberg said he’s not satisfied with any of the major Republican or Democratic candidates but he slightly favors Grayson.

“Trey has done his homework and put in his time,” Stosberg said.