Rand Paul's Wife Shocked by Religious Attack Ad

The wife of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul defended her husband on Wednesday, calling a TV ad that raises questions about his religious beliefs "a desperate, shameful attack on our family."

Kelley Paul held a press conference in Bowling Green to defend her husband's Christian faith, saying the two have been members of a local Presbyterian church for about 18 years.

Since late last week, Democrat Jack Conway has been airing an ad that focuses on allegations that Paul was affiliated during college with a group that mocked Christianity and that he worshipped a god he called "Aqua Buddha." Kelley Paul called it "a desperate, shameful attack on our family."

Ky. Sen. Race: Rand Paul (R) vs. Jack Conway (D)
CBS News Complete Coverage: Election 2010

The odd topic has so dominated the news in Kentucky that it's been difficult for either candidate to expound on other issues.

Rand Paul told syndicated radio talk show host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday he doesn't remember the episode described by the anonymous woman, or the woman.

"I wish I had a great story about it, but I don't remember anything about this story," he told Ingraham.

"It wasn't some big thing that any of us remember. I mean I talked to other people that were, you know, part of these hijinks, and none of them remember this woman or any of her characterization of it."

One of the heavy-hitters of Kentucky's Democratic party, state Auditor Crit Luallen, rejected Paul's contention the ad questions his faith.

"This is not about Rand Paul's faith," she said. "It's about his judgment and his character."

Kelley Paul disagrees.

"I could hardly believe my eyes when I first saw it, and neither could our three sons, who are ages 11, 14 and 17," she said.

Kelley Paul, a church deacon, spoke to reporters in a local convention center on her 20th wedding anniversary while her husband, an eye surgeon, treated patients across town.

"I am truly shocked by Conway's ads questioning Rand's character and his faith based on nothing more than anonymous accusations from nearly three decades ago," she said. "Rand and I are both Christians and our faith is very important to us."

Paul said she's hoping that her husband can get back to discussing real issues in the final two weeks of the race.

Paul campaign manager Jesse Benton said his staff decided this morning to arrange for Kelley Paul to speak to reporters to "highlight" the public outcry about the ad, which has been denounced by both Republicans and Democrats. Christian leaders also have criticized the ad, saying many people had done things during their college years that they'd rather not have publicized.

Kelley Paul chided Conway for the "personal, gutter attacks."

"At the end of the day, we all have to look ourselves in the mirror, and I'm proud to say that my husband will be able to do that when this race is over," she said.

[element51]

I watch these political adds and they turn my stomach. All I have seen is attack adds and not a single one on either side actually addresses the problems we have and tells us how they would try to solve them. If the adds on both sides are true then we are really in trouble. Can it be that all the candidates are as bad as they are shown to be? I wish I could say that my party is taking the higher ground but I can't. Sad what this country has become.

[realist51]

lets see a democratic questions what a republican did years ago. the family takes it as a personal attack on there religious beliefs and they feel victimized and cry foul. And yet just yesterday rush limbaugh made statments equating Presuident Obama as looking like the devil.and other BS religous statments. no foul there. too 38% of republicans think the president is a muslim. more double standard talk from the republicans. feel sorry for rand paul and vote for him.send him your social security check, or ask him how much of his income comes from insurance payments for eye care.

[element51]

My, My realist. Don't you know that Rush's talent is on loan from God? That being said it seems logical that he is highly qualified to slander the President any way he pleases. But since I believe all religion is BS I'm not really quallified to defend the President. Sadly you had better prepare yourself for what's coming. America is going to commit political suicide in November. The gun is loaded, they are holding it to their head and will pull the trigger on election day. As one of the great entertainers used to say, "You ain't seen nothin yet."

[johndevinejr]

Rue Paul should be proud. This is better than his belief that resturant owners have the right ro descriminate based on race. Maybe the Aqua Buddha religion is not as nasty as Christianity.

[kuching88]

As usual, RELIGION POISONS EVERYTHING!

[brewhafunk]

Kelley Paul called it "a desperate, shameful attack on our family." Think what you want about the ad but Jack Conway NEVER attacked Rand Paul's family! So go ahead and cry "petty politics" Mrs. Paul; we all know why you are "speaking out". It's is just as sad of an attempt to keep the story in the headlines as it was for Conway to put it there. Cry "low blow" when it benefits you then play the "victim" card for as long as you can. Rand Paul wants to pretend that he is above "Politics" yet he lets the RNC and the corporate "shadow groups" put up ads that are, no doubt, much more deceptive.(I live in the viewing market) Also, for a guy who "speaks his mind" or wants to be "truthful" about tough issues, he sure ran away from his libertarian beliefs about the federal government (specifically Medicare, Medicad, and Social Security) in order to get the elderly vote in Kentucky. You can't play "Politics" when it benefits you and them cry foul when someone else does. Boo hooo whhaaa whhhhaaaaa I'm taking my ball and going home! WWWWHHHHHAAAAA

[msimamaji]

What's so "Christian" about Rand Paul?

Jesus told the rich man to "sell all you have and give to the poor." Jesus spent most of his ministry curing the sick. He never asked about health insurance

Rand Paul glorifies the same wealth that Jesus despised. He wants to eliminate both Obama's health care reforms and Medicare. As far as Paul is concerned, if you get sick and can't pay, you deserve to die.
"Beware of those who come in my name but are not of me." Those are Christ's own words. They certainly apply to Rand Paul. He may claim he is a Christian, but he worships the Golden Idol of Greed, not God.

[wfw3536]

I feel sorry for the Paul family to have to endure this attack on their religion. Conway has no basis for his attach, except what a women said about something years ago. Conway should be ashamed of himself to question someone religion, this is a low as you can go as a politican.

[davemorr]

I saw Conway's ad, and nowhere does it mention Paul's family. Oddly, Paul has never denied he did what he's accused of. Too many witnesses, I guess.

[rightbehind]

She didn't know that Rand worships the aqua buddha?

[chevyhotrod]

Still the gutter rightbehind? Why don't you pick yourself up and get out of the gutter? Or is that asking to much?

[amerilatino]

Reading on what seems to be such an urgently, all-encompassing, critical electoral issue to Mr. Paul, Mr. Conway and many of the voters of Kentucky, I would have to conclude that going into the 21st century, the people of that state are truly screwed. The sad thing is, as many potential lawmakers from other states are, shall we say it, thus "qualified", the rest of us may be screwed right along with them...

[davemorr]

Indeed. Where do the Republicans get these bizarre candidates? Makes you wonder about where the party is heading -- and certainly where it wants to take the country.

[babooph]

I guess the wife did not mind getting tied to a tree& forced to chant for the great BUDDA?That other woman seemed not to care for his... preferences...