This story is free to read.

Rand Paul ready to join 2016 presidential campaign

FILE - In this March 20, 2015, file photo, Sen., Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaks in Manchester, N.H. Ready to enter the Republican chase for the party’s presidential nomination this week, the first-term Kentucky senator has designs on changing how Republicans go about getting elected to the White House and how they govern once there. Paul will do so with an approach to politics that is often downbeat and usually dour, which just might work in a nation deeply frustrated with Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File) FILE - In this March 20, 2015, file photo, Sen., Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaks in Manchester, N.H. Ready to enter the Republican chase for the party’s presidential nomination this week, the first-term Kentucky senator has designs on changing how Republicans go about getting elected to the White House and how they govern once there. Paul will do so with an approach to politics that is often downbeat and usually dour, which just might work in a nation deeply frustrated with Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

By Associated Press April 7, 2015 1 min read

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Sen. Rand Paul is ready to test how much change voters want, both for their government and for the GOP.

The tea party favorite and frequent antagonist of leaders of his Republican Party will begin his White House campaign Tuesday, kicking off the run with a rally in downtown Louisville. He will then jet to early nominating states with a pitch aimed at the libertarian corners of the GOP.

Paul begins the 2016 race as the second fully declared candidate, behind Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. But he could face as many as 20 rivals for the nomination before the lead-off Iowa caucuses early next year.