In addition to the event, Paul has taken steps to prepare for a presidential campaign. Rand Paul in S.C. on Inauguration day

As President Barack Obama was sworn in ceremonially for a second term Monday, the early primary state of South Carolina hosted a man who may vie to succeed him.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is the Inauguration Day guest at the Charleston Meeting, a South Carolina-based conservative power event hosted by businessman Mallory Factor.


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The event is an offshoot of the Monday Meeting, a regular conservative gathering Factor helped launch in New York.

A top Paul adviser confirmed his attendance at the meeting. The first-term Republican will also speak to the media this afternoon.

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Factor was among those who traveled with Paul to Israel on his recent trip.

Paul is the featured speaker at the Charleston Meeting, along with National Rifle Association President David Keene. Paul recently defended the NRA against criticism from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over a Web video invoking President Barack Obama’s children.

Paul has made no secret of his possible interest in a 2016 presidential run. The timing and symbolism of his South Carolina visit is unmistakable.

In addition to the Charleston event, Paul has taken other traditional steps to prepare for a presidential campaign. He has visited Iowa and New Hampshire during the past year and recently returned from a trip to Israel.

South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly accompanied him on the overseas trip.