Peter Wallsten reports on politics.

Rand Paul spent much of 2007 campaigning for his father, Ron Paul, the iconoclastic Republican thorn-in-the-side.

Associated Press Republican Rand Paul speaks on Aug. 1 at the 129th annual Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky. (AP Photo/ Daniel R. Patmore, File)

But now the younger Paul, an ophthalmologist, is making his own bid for office, and he is doing so in the family tradition: Making Republicans uncomfortable.

Paul is running in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, his home state since 1993. He is leading in the most recent poll and raising buckets of money. He is outperforming Secretary of State Trey Grayson, who has the support of Kentucky’s most powerful pol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Like his father who became an Internet phenomenon during his presidential run, Rand Paul also seems to be somewhat of an Internet sensation. But whether he can actually win is an open question.

The Kentucky race is featured in a Wall Street Journal story today looking at efforts by underdog Republicans to catch the wave of anti-establishment fervor in their party.

Here are excerpts of our conversation with Rand Paul:

Washington Wire: Are there any areas where you disagree with your father’s views on issues?

Paul: There are some minor areas where we disagree. One is on taking the pledge not to put earmarks in bills. He’s probably the most fiscally conservative member of the House, but he’s just taken the position that when his constituents ask for a particular road or museum, he puts them through. I think the whole system is broken down, and it’s my opinion that we shouldn’t put earmarks on bills.

Washington Wire: So do you think drugs should be legalized?

Paul: It’s a state issue. All issues of crime are better addressed at the state level…