Tea Party Sets Its Sights on Attorney General

Rand Paul set to challenge Jack Conway in Kentucky

If the Tea Party movement hadn't yet achieved political relevance in the eyes of mainstream politicians, it certainly should have moved a step closer when Rand Paul claimed the Republican Senate nomination in Kentucky.

Paul, a respected figure among the Tea Party movement, defeated Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson. His next opponent will be Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway.

Even though some of his views -- particularly on foreign policy and security policy -- diverge from mainstream GOP views, Paul hopes that Republicans will united behind his candidacy come November.

"Primaries divide people, but I think generals bring us together," Paul said. "The general election, I think Republicans will pull together and we've already had discussions with the state party about how things will go forward after the primary."

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway will be a key target come November, particularly for the Tea Party movement. Many within that movement believe much of the Obama administration's legislation -- in particular, it's health care reform package -- to be unconstitutional.

For the Tea Party to topple a Democratic candidate with such a high-profile legal background will send a strong message.

Paul's election also poses key challenges to the GOP itself. Trey Grayson was the hand-picked preference of Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell.

If Rand Paul -- the son of former Presidential candidate Ron Paul -- manages to transform his Tea Party appeal into electoral success in November, however, one would have to imagine that McConnell will be satisfied just the same.