Presidential candidate Rand Paul seeking support in Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. — Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul gave a forceful
defense Friday against using telephone records and other means without a warrant
during a rally at Arizona State University.

“What I do on my phone, what you do on your phone and your phone records, I
say it’s none of the government’s damn business,” Paul said, eliciting cheers
and a few “Stand with Rand” chants.

He cited Thursday’s ruling by a federal appeals court that the bulk collection
of Americans’ phone records by the government surpasses what Congress has
allowed.

“All of this was started by executive order. If I become president, on day one
I’ll end it all,” Paul said.

He argued that gathering data on millions would not mean a better chance of
capturing terrorists.

“You had a home-grown terrorist from Phoenix that was involved in a
shooting,” said Paul, citing the recent shooting at Texas cartoon contest
involving depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. “We had investigated him. But
maybe we’re spending so damn much time on innocent people, that we’re not
spending enough time going after the perpetrators.”

The remarks from the Kentucky senator at the Republican Party of Maricopa
County event included a thinly veiled jab at U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Paul accused McCain of being willing to stain suspected terrorists without a
trial.

Both Republicans have exchanged harsh words on foreign policy and national
security.

McCain once called Paul one of the “wacko birds” for a filibuster over
unmanned drone attacks on American soil. Paul called McCain “some old guy” who
is a lapdog for President Barack Obama’s defense policy.

Paul said Friday he would prefer disagreements with the lawmakers not take a
personal turn.

“I think it would be better probably just to have more of the debate and
discussion about issues,” Paul said after his speech. “I’m more than willing
to take it down a notch to that. But we’ve had a little bit of trouble doing
that. But I think it’s mostly coming from the other side.”

McCain announced last month that he would seek re-election, stretching his
Senate career beyond three decades.

State Sen. Kelli Ward, who is considering running against McCain, introduced
Paul at the rally.

State Senator @kelliwardaz intruding 2016 Presidential Candidate @RandPaul during political rally @ASU pic.twitter.com/Dia3y6MvPe

— Cooper Rummell (@CooperRummell) May 8, 2015

Ward is running a “retire McCain” theme and says it’s time
for fresh blood to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. But Paul stopped
short of endorsing her.

“We haven’t made a decision about getting involved in the race. I don’t think
she’s officially declared,” Paul said. “I have a great deal of respect for her
she’s been part of the liberty movement for a while.”