In full 2016 mode, Rand Paul starts New Hampshire blitz

It’s his first time to the Granite State since he made a two-day swing in October to campaign for Scott Brown, and his fifth visit to the state in the past year.

But this time there’s no hiding under the guise of a 2014 surrogate. The Kentucky Republican, who’s likely running for president, is roaring to get started as Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie also make big pre-campaign moves.

Look no further than the blunt criticism Paul offered of his potential rivals on the eve of his New Hampshire trip. In an interview with Politico, Paul knocked Bush as a “Big Government Republican” and argued that Romney already “had his chance.”

Rand Paul will make a public appearance at the Peppermill Restaurant in Vegas on Friday and talk to reporters in Reno the next day.

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