News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Thayer Mulling Bill to Let Rand Paul Run for Senate and POTUS Simultaneously

LRC Public Information

A state Republican lawmaker is considering filing a bill that will permit U.S. Senator Rand Paul to run for re-election in Congress as well as President of the United States. 

Senate GOP Floor Leader Damon Thayer is mulling legislation that would clarify a state law that prohibits candidates from holding or running for two offices simultaneously.

Thayer says that Paul discussed the issue with members of the Senate Republican caucus earlier this month, when Paul was in Frankfort to testify in support of a bill restoring felons’ voting rights.

“He did bring it up to the entire caucus, and explained much like I just did the situation in that he is running for the U.S. in 2016, but that he is strongly considering seeking the Republican nomination for President," said Thayor. "I hope he does.

“I think Sen. Paul has a strong legal case, whether or not the General Assembly takes action," Thayer said. "So I’m interested in supporting his desire to consider the presidency, because I don’t want him to run with one hand tied behind his back.”

Thayer says he will decide whether to file the bill by this Wednesday, when the filing window for introducing bills in the 2014 General Assembly expires.

Paul, who is rumored to be a GOP frontrunner in the 2016 presidential race, has not officially announced his intention to seek higher office.