Both GOP Hopefuls Lead Democrats in Kentucky Senate Race, but Rand Paul Does Best

Both hopefuls for the GOP Senate nomination in Kentucky are leading their potential Democratic rivals but Rand Paul, son of Texas Rep. Ron Paul, would run the strongest race if Attorney General Jack Conway gets the Democrats' nod, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll conducted Feb. 2.

Paul leads Conway 47 percent to 39 percent with 3 percent preferring another candidate and 11 percent undecided. If Secretary of State Trey Grayson is the GOP candidate, he leads Conway by only 44 percent to 40 percent with 3 percent preferring someone else and 12 percent undecided. The margin of error is 4.5 points.

Should Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo be the Democratic candidate, Paul leads him 48 percent to 37 percent with 5 percent preferring someone else and 12 percent undecided. Grayson leads Mongiardo 49 percent to 35 percent with 5 percent preferring someone else and 11 percent undecided.

"Kentucky remains a difficult political environment for Democrats, given the unhappiness of many voters with the national health care plan and the country's continuing economic problems," Rasmussen says.

The Kentucky Senate seat is being vacated by GOP Sen. Jim Bunning, who decided not to seek re-election.

The Washington Post has a profile today on Paul and the anti-establishment forces and Tea Party activists that are fueling his candidacy. Sarah Palin endorsed Paul on Monday.

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