Washington Post: Paul Moves KY Republican Primary To One of America's Most Competitive

Washington Post writer Chris Cillizza reports that Rand Paul's surge in the polls and his ability to raise double what former Bill Clinton-supporter Trey Grayson raised last quarter, has now placed the Kentucky Republican U.S. Senate primary as one of the most competitive in the nation:

8. Kentucky Senate (R): Businessman Rand Paul's $1 million third quarter shows that the powerful Internet-based fundraising operation built by his father in the 2008 presidential campaign remains decidedly robust. And, the dynamic in the race -- Paul as outsider, Secretary of State Trey Grayson as party insider -- is sure to appeal to those conservative ideologues looking to re-create NY-23. (Worth noting: Grayson is not New York state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava; he is a down-the-line conservative.) One other element of the race to keep an eye on: there is, according to smart Bluegrass operatives, growing dissatisfaction among grassroots GOP activists in the state with the political godfather role that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) has taken on over the years. Grayson is a McConnell protege and could become the focus of anti-McConnell sentiment in the party.