US Senator Rand Paul makes acceptance speech after winning re-election
US Senator Rand Paul makes acceptance speech after winning re-election
Posted: Nov 08, 2016 12:56 PM PST Updated: Nov 08, 2016 7:22 PM PST
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has won re-election for a second six-year term, according to the Associated Press.
Paul, a Republican from Bowling Green, defeated Jim Gray, the Democratic mayor of Lexington.
With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Paul has 57 percent of the vote to Gray's 43.
Paul quoted British rock band Pink Floyd as he talked up his libertarian message during a victory speech at the Galt House in Louisville on Tuesday night.
"Whether your ideas are politically correct or not -- whether you're a painter or a self-proclaimed prophet -- the exhortation is to shine, to not let conformity dim your light -- to 'Shine, shine on you crazy diamond.'" Paul said, according to his prepared remarks. "For the crazy diamonds to shine, government must get out of the way."
The race between Paul, an eye surgeon, and Gray, a construction businessman, was contentious at times. During the first and only debate, Gray was the aggressor, repeatedly going after Paul's record -- or what Gray calls his "lack" of a record. Gray said Paul was more interested in being president than a senator.
Paul defended himself, saying he has a 96 percent voting record. He repeatedly tried to tie Gray to the policies of Hillary Clinton and President Obama, which Paul says have killed the state's economy.
Here's one exchange prompted by a challenge from Gray:Gray: "He's not thinking about Kentuckians and Kentuckians' needs and challenges and problems. That's what I'm committed to: serving Kentucky. He has not even agreed that he'll serve a full term. I made a pledge I would serve a full term. And I'll ask him now. Senator, will you serve a full term in the U.S. Senate if you're elected?"Paul: "You know, the funny thing about hypocrisy is people come up with these things and it's like, 'Well Mayor, are you going to serve a full term as Mayor?' You're the only one running for two offices. In fact, if anybody up here is distracted by running for two offices, it's you."
Paul said his top priority was tackling the national debt. Gray said his was jobs.
They clashed on issues ranging from national security to the minimum wage.
During the campaign, the two candidates continued to spar.
"His wild-ass theories, his ideas, they are not mainstream. They are not going to build the first bridge or highway or factory," Gray told reporters, speaking of his opponent.
"We had a little debate, which still kind of cracks me up, with my opponent, I can't remember his name," Paul joked as he addressed his followers.
http://www.wdrb.com/story/33660741/u...ns-re-election
