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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, says he's definitely running for re-election in 2016.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Washington (CNN) -- Sen. Rand Paul announced his bid for a second term in the Senate on Tuesday, launching what will likely be a complicated election season as he attempts to keep his seat and run for an expected presidential campaign.

In a low-key campaign rollout, the Kentucky Republican declined to hold a traditional kick-off event, making the announcement instead in a lengthy press release that listed his local and national policy efforts.

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In fact, Paul wasn't even in Kentucky on Tuesday. He stayed in Washington for votes and to speak at a Wall Street Journal event.

"What he just decided was he didn't need a big rally and a lot of fan fare," Doug Stafford, Paul's senior adviser, said on a call with reporters. "He wanted what he has done to speak for itself."

The problem for Paul is that Kentucky only allows candidates to appear on the ballot once during an election. If he runs for president--a decision he said Monday is "four to six months" away--that would pose a challenge come May 17, 2016, Kentucky's primary day.

And if he wins the GOP nomination for both offices, the dilemma could come up again six months later on Election Day.

"I don't think we've abandoned any option, nor have we settled on any option." Doug Stafford, Rand Paul's senior adviser

Continued here:
Can Rand Paul run for Senate and president at the same time?