Rep. Ron Paul, the Texas Republican who struggled to crack 10% in presidential primary polls in 2008, runs dead even with President Obama in a new Rasmussen survey out today.

The survey of 1,000 likely voters in a hypothetical Obama-Paul race gave the Democratic president 42% and the veteran congressman 41%. Paul was particularly strong -- as you would expect -- among independents. He out-polled Obama 47% to 28% among voters who are not affiliated with either major party.

Rasmussen says:

Paul, a anti-big government libertarian who engenders unusually strong feelings among his supporters, was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. But he continues to have a solid following, especially in the growing Tea Party movement.

This raises the obvious question: will the Pauls be the next political dynasty, like the Kennedys and Bushes?

Paul's son, Rand, is a strong contender in Kentucky's open Senate race. A Rasmussen survey earlier this month shows Rand Paul beating all potential Democratic rivals -- although first he needs to win the GOP primary.

Change is definitely in the air.

(Posted by Eugene Kiely)