Laura Acchiardo

Laura.Acchiardo@thegleaner.com

Despite a dicey relationship with Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, Republican Sen. Rand Paul believes Trump is now the best choice for Kentucky and the country.

Sen. Paul spoke at a combined meeting of the Evansville and Henderson Rotary Clubs Thursday afternoon.

Paul's senatorial seat is being challenged in the general election by Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, a Democrat.

When asked about his thoughts on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Paul criticized Clinton's plan for a no-fly zone in Syria, saying that it would cause military conflict with Russia. Though Paul admits Trump wasn't his "first pick," he does believe Trump's policies would be better for Kentucky and the U.S.

"It comes down to what is best for Kentucky and best for the country, ignoring how people behave and how vulgar and rude they are," said Paul. "We've seen this on both sides. I think Bill Clinton is one of the most vulgar presidents we've ever had by his actions. Donald Trump is no saint either. But if you look at the policies for Kentucky, coal is an important issue. Hillary Clinton says she will continue to wage the war on coal. Trump says he'll repeal it. Trump will be better for the country and better for Kentucky."

Paul also criticized Clinton for her alleged involvement in arms deals in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

"We find out from hacked emails that the weapons we're selling to Saudi Arabia are going to ISIS," said Paul. "We have sold $100 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia in the last two years and some of that has gone to ISIS. Some of them are now going to buy bombs in the bombing of Yemen. They're selling weapons to the wrong people."

He also referenced forcing a vote on blocking the $1.15-billion sale of tanks and other military equipment to Saudi Arabia. Though the measure still passed 71 to 27, allowing the sale despite his stance, Paul emphasized the importance of bringing the issue to the public forefront.

In regards to the I-69 bridge, Paul said that there needs to be an increase in infrastructure and highway funding. In order to do that, the senator suggests pulling extra income from outside sources.

"We have to take the money from somewhere else, and I would take it from overseas," he said. "We spent $100 billion on infrastructure in Afghanistan. Let's bring that money home."

Paul also addressed increased federal regulations, especially from the Environmental Protection Agency.

"There is a war on coal mines in our state," he said. "There is also a war on the family farm. They have regulations that come from President Obama's administration that will make 95 percent of the farm community in Kentucky under federal review. What does that mean? People will go to jail for moving dirt on their land. I think if there were no federal regulations, we would be just fine. We can have state regulations. We have a state EPA. That way the person enacting regulations would live in your community, go to your church and he or she would realize if they go too far then they put people out of business."

Paul also placed an emphasis on internet privacy. He referenced information that is stored in the cloud, saying the government should not have access to private information unless it is a guided search with regards to security.