Guess Who's Coming to Howard University? Sen. Rand Paul
Senator Rand Paul, who is rumored to be seriously considering a presidential run in 2016, is wasting no time reaching out to minorities in an effort to expand support beyond his Tea Party base. The Kentucky Republican with a libertarian bend is heading to Howard University to deliver a speech that "will focus on younger voters, as well as minority groups," according to a press release issued by the HBCU.
Paul also will talk about the historical relationship between African-Americans and the Republican Party and issues such as school choice and civil liberties.
Engaging HBCUs and educating students on Republican ideals and the party's history was one of the pieces of advice in a recent autopsy report of the 2012 election commissioned by the Republican National Committee to help the GOP re-brand itself and attract minorities to help win future elections. It also called for the Republican Party to establish a presence in African-American communities and organizations like the NAACP.
Paul also has been working to attract Latino support. He recently did a major about-face on immigration, and to the dismay of many fellow Republicans, he is now open to offering a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
BET Politics - Your source for the latest news, photos and videos illuminating key issues and personalities in African-American political life, plus commentary from some of our liveliest voices. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.
(Photo: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)