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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.(Photo: James R. Carroll, The Courier-Journal)Buy Photo

WASHINGTON - Even with Jeb Bush in, it's a spread field for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

That's the underlying picture from two new polls on the contest, which also show that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is bunched in the pack but certainly in the hunt.

The polls were released Tuesday as Bush, the former Florida governor, brother of President George W. Bush and son of President George H.W. Bush, surprised the political world by admitting he was "actively exploring" a White House bid.

Paul was generous about Bush's move.

"I think we have a big tent, and we can use moderates, conservatives, libertarians - we need 'em all," he told reporters at the United States Capitol, according to a report in Talking Points Memo.

Could Bush win the nomination? "You know, I think the more the merrier," Paul replied. "The public will determine that."

The Kentuckian has said he will make a decision on running for president in March or April, although some analysts now think that with Bush showing signs of interest, it may force Paul and others to accelerate their decision timelines. need 'em all,"

An ABC News-Washington Post Poll shows Bush in the lead without 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney in the mix, with 15 percent support among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

Paul and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who was Romney's running mate, each receive 11 percent support, according to the survey.

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Two 2016 presidential polls put Rand Paul in the hunt