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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is helping North Carolina Republican Senate candidate Thom Tillis even after Paul supported his chief rival in the primary and may not see eye-to-eye with him on one major issue.

The potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate was planning to campaign with Tillis at a downtown Raleigh restaurant Wednesday and attend a Tillis fundraiser before going to Greenville for an evening appearance with U.S. Rep. Walter Jones.

Paul, wrapping up a two-day swing through the Carolinas, spoke with college students and attended a local Republican Party event in South Caroilna, which holds the first-in-the-South presidential primary. North Carolina legislators also have moved up the state's 2016 presidential primary by at least two months to gain more influence in the selection.

Tillis got help raising money the previous two weeks from other possible presidential wannabes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

For now, Paul's current goals include helping Tillis defeat Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan and securing a GOP majority in the U.S. Senate.

Paul endorsed Cary obstetrician Greg Brannon in the Senate primary. Brannon was considered a tea party favorite and Paul protege who called Tillis, the state House speaker, too moderate and "unelectable" in November.

While Paul lent his name to Brannon's fundraising appeals, Paul campaigned for Brannon only once, on the eve of the May primary. Brannon finished second but received 27 percent of the vote.

Tillis said last week it's not strange that Paul is working to get Tillis elected. Paul "called me up on (primary) election night and said, 'Tell me how I can help?'" Tillis told reporters.

Paul's appearance may persuade Brannon supporters that Tillis is worth supporting, instead of giving their votes to Libertarian Party candidate Sean Haugh of Durham. Paul is known for his libertarian positions on civil liberties and foreign policy.

Tillis and Paul differ on requiring photo identification to vote and restrictions on early voting.

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Rand Paul in NC to help Tillis, Jone