Rand Paul Lays the Groundwork for 2016 Run

Sen. Rand Paul hasn't said whether he will seek the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. But his aggressive groundwork seems to point to no other outcome.

In recent weeks, the Kentucky Republican announced political hires in quick succession in Iowa, New Hampshire and Michigan— states key to winning his party's nomination. Staffers mention a future campaign headquarters in Louisville and claim an email list of one million supporters, details most potential presidential hopefuls keep quiet. A super PAC launched by backers shortly before the 2012 election offers a repository for big donors.

On Monday, Mr. Paul begins a three-day, 10-stop swing through Iowa, marking his 10th visit in this election cycle to one of the first three states on the traditional nominating calendar. Only Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has made more trips, at 11.

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The early spade work serves an important purpose for Mr. Paul, a 51-year-old tea-party favorite elected to the Senate less than four years ago. As a central figure in a movement at odds with the political establishment and an apostate from his party's muscular stance on foreign policy, Mr. Paul must prove that he has broader national support than his father, former Rep. Ron Paul, a three-time presidential candidate who never won a nominating contest.

"Rand Paul is for real—a 100%, dead-serious contender, and anyone who underestimates him should have his head examined," said Phil Musser, a Republican strategist who advised GOP presidential hopefuls Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney but is unaffiliated with any potential 2016 candidates. "He has changed the perception that a Paul could never win the nomination."

Asked about a candidacy, Mr. Paul said in June: "I would just say it's probably not a conclusion yet, but it is something that's an ongoing discussion."

Of course, early organizing doesn't guarantee electoral success. Other candidates who hired staff and traveled early but failed to win the nomination include John McCain in 2000 and Mr. Pawlenty, a former governor of Minnesota, in 2012.

Also in the 2012 cycle, former Sen. Rick Santorum began giving speeches to religious and political groups and scheduling appearances in Iowa in the fall of 2009, about three years before the general election, but didn't get the nod.

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