Kim Norvell

knorvell@dmreg.com

Sen. Rand Paul presented himself Monday as not beholden to the Republican Party when it comes to addressing the problems the United States faces.

The Kentucky senator said he is less “reactionary” than his fellow GOP presidential contenders when it comes to working across the aisle or giving credit to Democratic ideas if he agrees with them. Paul met Monday with The Des Moines Register editorial board, which is deciding which candidate to endorse prior to the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses.

“I think I’m probably the one candidate who looks beyond party more than any other candidates,” Paul said. “I’m pretty ecumenical in laying blame where blame deserves to be laid.”

Paul said he believes the No. 1 threat to the country’s national security is its debt — and both parties are responsible. He singled out Marco Rubio and Hillary Clinton, saying both want to increase military spending, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who voted to increase the debt ceiling.

But he’s also willing to give credit where credit is due, even to a Democratic president, he said.

Paul gave kudos to President Barack Obama for commuting the sentences of 46 nonviolent drug offenders in November, particularly that of Katina Smith. Smith, whose son Demaryius Thomas is a receiver for the Denver Broncos, spent 15 years in prison for drug trafficking.

Paul has called for criminal justice reform, including eliminating all mandatory minimum sentences and allowing for criminal records of nonviolent offenders to be expunged. He said he plans to work with Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to add amendments that address these issues on the Iowa lawmaker's criminal justice reform legislation. He’s also worked with Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, on the REDEEM Act to expunge criminal records for both children and adults and with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, on legislation to end bulk data collection by the NSA.

Paul calls for criminal justice reform at Drake shop

“I don’t see issues with regard to party and I’m unafraid to compliment and work with the other side,” Paul said.

In the meeting, the senator also complimented Obama on the Iran prisoner swap, which brought home four United States citizens. Unlike other Republican candidates, Paul said there is “nothing wrong with” the proposed Iran nuclear agreement if the Iranians follow it, although he would have gradually lessened sanctions in return for good behavior. He said the next president should be sure to hold Iran to the standards that were negotiated in that deal.

“It is worthwhile when something good happens to admit that something good happens. I think we should celebrate them coming home," Paul said. "What I object to with some of the other candidates is everything immediately has to be 'well this is an opportunity to blast Obama.' So he’s responsible for them being there for four years, when in reality the Iranians are responsible and we should celebrate them coming home.”

In response to a question about a perceived failing campaign, Paul said he’s struggled in the race because of the media’s obsession with Donald Trump and polling numbers. He said all candidates should be given equal time, regardless of their standing in the poll, and debates should be centered on policy and not “all the stupid stuff (Trump) says.” Paul sits at 5 percent in Iowa, according to the latest Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics Iowa Poll.

“It’s become absurd. You can’t turn the TV on without hearing him and as a consequence it’s dominated people’s minds,” Paul said. “I think it’s a disservice that we’ve been sort of lead by the celebrity nature of this race and by the polling without trying to wait and let voters make a decision.”