Senator Rand Paul visits Rock Hill, blasts NSA data collection

FORT MILL, S.C. -- He's not shy about being unconventional and maybe that's why he's gained support. Friday, U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Rand Paul spoke to supporters in Rock Hill just two days from a potential special vote in Washington.

"It's none of the government's business, these are private matters," said Senator Paul.

Paul focused his thoughts on the upcoming special session surrounding the Patriot Act; under which the NSA collected phone records from millions.

"The Department of Justice came out with a report last week, the Inspector General, and they looked at all the classified information and they came to the conclusion that not one case has been cracked by this so not only are you giving up your privacy, it isn't working from a practical point of view," said Paul.

As Paul tries to gain support for the republican nomination for president, he says the party needs to broaden its support to all of the Bill of Rights, not just certain amendments. Paul spoke at length about standing behind the 4th Amendment.

"Some of it is changing the laws. For examples one of the bills I have is to reform civil asset forfeiture where the government can take your money or your property without a conviction. I have a bill that would simply say the government can never take your property unless you're convicted of a crime," said Paul.

Paul spoke in front of roughly 50 supporters at the Palmetto Room in Rock Hill and planned to make a stop in Greenville, South Carolina. Supporters hope his ideals will gain steam nationally.

"He's very adamant about online protection, privacy of Americans and I think that's issue a lot of young Americans have right now," said Tyler Griffin of Fort Mill.

Senator Paul says he will filibuster a bill that extends the Patriot Act. Paul will be back in Washington for that debate on Sunday.