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By Niels Lesniewski Posted at 12:47 p.m. on May 21

Sen. Rand Paul is dismissing the idea that Minority Leader Mitch McConnells Republican primary victory in Kentucky Tuesday night was a defeat for the tea party movement.

Paul, who upset the establishment-backed candidate in his own 2010 primary, had endorsed McConnell early in the race, which was a sour point for some on the right who viewed the incumbent as too entrenched and insufficiently conservative.

Im probably considered to be from the tea party, but I supported Sen. McConnell because I like, you know, that hes a conservative, Paul told reporters Wednesday in the Capitol. I dont know that thats a defeat of the tea party necessarily when he wins. I think he stands for conservative principles, and him winning is consistent with the tea party.

Its not always, I think, as clear cut who is since the tea party has no membership, Paul continued. Its sort of like everybody or a lot of people say theyre in it, some people say theyre not.

Now, Paul is seeking party unity as McConnells general election race against Democratic nominee Alison Lundergan Grimes kicks into gear. TheKentucky Senate race is rated Leans Republican by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

I was happy with Sen. McConnell winning yesterday, and I think hell be a good candidate and have a good chance in the fall, Paul said.

Paul said McConnells primary challenger Matt Bevin had a credible campaign despite getting less than 40 percent of the voteTuesday. He also offered an olive branch of sorts to Bevin.

Its just hard to win against an incumbent, but you know, I think hes got a future if he wants to continue work in the party, Paul said of Bevin. I hope he will support Senator McConnell, the nominee, because I think thatll show that there are no sour grapes and that hes really willing to, you know, do whats best for Kentucky and for the Republican party.

Read more from the original source:
Paul: McConnell Win 'Consistent With the Tea Party'