Kentucky Senator Rand Paul address attendees during the Republican National Committee spring meeting at the Peabody hotel in Memphis on Friday, May 9, 2014. Paul urged members to rethink policies on national security and drug prosecutionsMEMPHIS – Lunging for control of the GOP ahead of high-stakes elections, the Republican National Committee on Friday took steps to end free-for-all presidential debates and vowed to punish potential contenders who participate in rogue forums.
At the same time, an independent organization with deep ties to the conservative Koch brothers has elected to spend $125 million on the battle for control of the Senate this fall, giving the 168-member central party meeting a stark reminder that outside groups will have significant sway over Republican political fortunes through the 2016 presidential race.
One of those potential presidential contenders, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, publicly broke with the GOP over voting rights, saying in an interview that officials should stop passing state laws that tighten controls on voting. The New York Times published the article Friday, the same day Paul spoke at a luncheon during the RNC meeting.
As he opened the party’s meeting, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said the national committee can’t control everything in politics. “But we have an important mission,” he said, “and we’re going to get the job done.”
As he spoke, reports circulated that Americans for Prosperity plans to escalate its television advertising across the nation, improve voter data collection and strengthen its 31-state ground operation. It was a bracing reality check for the RNC: Despite the committee’s efforts, the GOP establishment won’t be the only one setting Republican priorities.