She’s not the first candidate’s wife this presidential cycle to meet with Iowans on behalf of her husband, but Kelley Paul commanded the attention of 20 Polk County Republican women on Tuesday afternoon with a speech about her grandmother and her family’s background.
“She was my inspiration for patriotism and bravery,” said Paul to the group. “The greatest lesson she taught me was that no matter what situation you are in…it does not define you.”
Paul is no stranger to speaking to groups of caucus voters, having campaigned for her husband Rand in South Carolina, Kentucky (their home state), and New Hampshire this election season. She is also a published author, most recently of “True and Constant Friends.” But Tuesday was the first time with a gathering of Iowans.
“We just try to split our time as much as possible, as the Senate is back in session and he (Rand) has to be in D.C. this week,” said Paul. “And I said, hey, I’ll go out and give some speeches and meet people. That way we really can be more places at one time.”
Though she is not out to sign up Iowans to caucus for Rand during this two-day trip, Kelley Paul said her appearances aim to show a different side of her husband to voters.
“I feel like it lets people know a little more about who Rand is as a person if they get to know me,” said Paul. “I think it opens up another dimension of Rand. It’s like any kind of campaigning. It lets people get to know you not only what your political message is, but who you are as a person. He’s not a career politician, and I think that makes him stand out.”
Paul also addressed why the Rand Paul campaign has not hosted events in Iowa since August 1st, and even through the summer, the Senator’s visits to the state have been scarce.
“Rand has really tried not to miss Senate votes,” said Paul. “In June and July, he was not missing votes. And some of his Senate counterparts who are running that are doing that, and that’s their choice. He also spent a lot of time in Haiti doing pro-Bono surgery along with four other doctors, and he feels like that’s a really meaningful way to give back.”
One Polk County GOP woman asked Paul after her speech about the most surprising thing that’s happened this election season with her husband, Rand.
“Uh, I think probably the Trump phenomenon,” said Paul. “And I’ll leave it at that.”
Kelley Paul is visiting the eastern part of the state later today and tomorrow. Rand Paul will be in Indianola, Marshalltown, Ames, and Nevada on Friday and Saturday.
