The son of Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul, Kentucky U.S. Senator Rand Paul, said Thursday that he does not have plans to join the party’s 2012 ticket as a candidate for vice president, saying he remains committed to helping his father seek the Republican nomination.
“I haven’t really considered it yet,” Mr. Paul said during an event in Louisville, Kentucky. “I’m focused on trying to help my dad.”
The Kentucky Republican from Bowling Green made his comments Thursday morning at the St. Matthews Community Center in Louisville after saying his office would give $500,000 in office funds back to the U.S. Treasury.
The Kentucky Republican said he has read and followed recent speculation on the internet, but noted that he remains committed to serving in the U.S Senate.
The Kentucky Republican also took time to discuss his thoughts on the 2012 campaign, saying he thinks the race comes down to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and his father, Mr. Paul.
“We think it’s essentially a two-man race,” the younger Paul said.
The Kentucky Republican said he expects to see a significant “bounce” from the strong finish in South Carolina “to show that there’s an upper tier and a lower tier and that Ron Paul is in the upper tier, which we’re excited about.”
“Hopefully, when you get to S.C., you want to become the viable alternative to Gov. Romney,” Mr. Paul added. “If you do, maybe people will coalesce around your candidacy and you can challenge Gov. Romney. Gov. Romney is still the guy to beat.”
