President Paul? Republican Senator Rand Paul announced on Tuesday, April 7, that he is kicking off a campaign to run in 2016's presidential election.
Paul, 52, has long flirted with a presidential run and finally made his intentions known on his official website. The Kentucky Senator hyped his announcement with a series of videos this week, and scheduled a live event in Kentucky with Fox News' Sean Hannity for midday Tuesday.
PHOTOS:
The son of politician Ron Paul, the presidential hopeful declared simply, "I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government." Pushing a slogan of #StandWithRand to supporters, the politico tweeted promotions reading, "Rand Paul has always stood for and will always stand for limited government," "Rand Paul will defend the constitution," "Rand Paul will broaden the reach of the Republican party," and "Rand Paul can beat Hillary Clinton according to the latest polls."
While Clinton has yet to announce a presidential run, Paul will be facing off against Senator Ted Cruz in his own party.
Paul, who has a medical degree and a background in ophthalmology, is already selling branded swag to supporters.
For the music aficionado, Paul offers Rand Paul Beats Headphone Skins, a $20 set of stickers in red, white, and blue that read "CONSERVATIVE" on the band and "RAND" with the politician's symbol on the earphones. Built for Beats Solo headphones, the skins will make the supporter "look good [while] listening to your jams with Rand Paul."
Paul is also moving branded flip-flops, paper cutouts of his face on a stick, beer koozies, and one particularly political item: an NSA Spy Cam Blocker. "That little front facing camera on your laptop or tablet can be a window for the world to see you – whether you know it or not!" the product description for the $15 accessory reads on Paul's website. "Stop hackers and the NSA with this simple camera blocker. Safe and practical."
