Rand Paul running for Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Rand Paul, the son of 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul, ended months of speculation Wednesday by saying he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated next year by fellow Republican Jim Bunning.

The Bowling Green ophthalmologist told the Associated Press he plans to run as a candidate with “outsider” credentials.

Paul had been considering a campaign even before the 77-year-old Bunning announced last week that he intends to retire when his second term ends.

Two other Republicans – Secretary of State Trey Grayson and western Kentucky businessman Bill Johnson – have already announced they’re running for Bunning’s seat. Two major Democrats, Attorney General Jack Conway and Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, are seeking their party’s nomination.