Rand Paul begins presidential run

Tea party favorite criticizes GOP and Democrats.

Sen. Rand Paul launched his 2016 presidential campaign with a combative challenge both to Washington and his fellow Republicans,

LOUISVILLE, KY. — Sen. Rand Paul launched his 2016 presidential campaign Tuesday with a combative challenge both to Washington and his fellow Republicans, cataloguing a lengthy list of what ails America and pledging to “take our country back.”

Paul’s fiery message, delivered in his home state of Kentucky before he flew to four early-nominating states, was designed to broaden his appeal outside of the typical GOP coalition as well as motivate supporters of his father’s two unsuccessful bids for the Republican presidential nomination.

In a 26-minute speech that sought to eviscerate ”the Washington machine,” he spared neither Republican nor Democrat as he attempted to tap into Americans’ deep frustrations with their gov- ernment.

“I worry that the opportunity and hope are slipping away for our sons and daughters,” the tea party favorite said. “As I watch our once-great economy collapse under mounting spending and debt, I think, ‘What kind of America will our grandchildren see?’ ”

He added: “It seems to me that both parties and the entire political system are to blame.”

By criticizing fellow Republicans, Paul showed he was ready to run a tough-talking campaign.

“Big government and debt doubled under a Republican administration,” Paul said in a swipe at former President George W. Bush, whose brother, Jeb, is expected to be a rival for the GOP nomination. “And it’s now tripling under Barack Obama’s watch.”

In a jab at rivals like Jeb Bush who are considered more mainstream, he added: “If we nominate a candidate who is simply Democrat Lite, what’s the point?”

Paul promised a government restrained by the Constitution and beholden no more to special interests.

“I have a message, a message that is loud and clear and does not mince words: We have come to take our country back,” he told cheering supporters.

Paul is a fierce critic of Washington, where he is in his first term as a senator, but often not in line with his party’s leadership. A banner over the stage in Louisville proclaimed: “Defeat the Washington machine. Unleash the American dream.”

DANIEL ACKER / BLOOMBERG Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, formally announces his presidential campaign Tuesday at the Galt House hotel in Louisville, Ky.