James R. Carroll

WASHINGTON - Step by step, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is beefing up the infrastructure of his political operations - signs, perhaps, of his 2016 intentions.

The Republican's latest move is the hiring of a New Hampshire political consultant and former Mitt Romney adviser as chief New England strategist for Paul's political action committee, RANDPAC.

Paul's hiring of Michael Biundo is also a poaching of sorts from a potential 2016 rival: Biundo was the national campaign manager in 2012 for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who is looking at another run.

Paul has said he is considering a bid for the White House but will not announce his decision until after the conclusion of the mid-term elections in November.

The senator recently hired a chief strategist for RANDPAC in Iowa.

Paul said in a statement that Biundo "will be a valuable asset to my team."

"His experience, passion and leadership will help me advance the principles of liberty," Paul said. "The Republican Party needs to grow and Mike will be a vital part of that effort."

Biundo last year set up RightOn Strategies, a national consulting firm based in Manchester, N.H., the city where all presidential campaigns base their operations every four years.

"Rand's unique ability to connect with Americans of all backgrounds, while still fighting for and carrying the conservative banner, is unparalleled - and that is exactly what our party and country need right now," Biundo said in a statement. "I look forward to joining Senator Paul's many efforts, both in New England and around the country."