Sen. Rand Paul makes 'Time' most influential list

Catalina Camia, USA TODAY | USATODAY

Sen. Rand Paul is a Tea Party favorite, potential 2016 presidential candidate and now one of the most influential people in the world.

The Kentucky Republican made it onto Time magazine's annual list, and it's only fitting that the tribute to him is written by Sarah Palin, who endorsed his candidacy in 2010.

"Senator Rand Paul is a voice of reason awakening the public to what must be done to restore our prosperity and preserve the blessings of liberty for future generations," wrote Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee.

Palin also said she sent Paul some caribou jerky from Alaska after watching the senator's "Capraesque filibuster" in which he held the Senate floor for nearly 13 hours to protest the Obama administration's policy on drones.

Paul is also going to grace the cover of Time, in one of seven separate covers about the list. The issue hits the stands on Friday.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another possible 2016 White House contender, also made the Time list of influential leaders as did President Obama, Vice President Biden and Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. (One highlight: Coburn's tribute was written by Obama, his friend and political polar opposite.)