Rand Paul 'stomper' asks victim for apology: First reactions

Tim Profitt has been dismissed by Rand Paul's campaign for violent behavior, but still insists he has done nothing wrong

Best Opinion:  Washington Monthly, Ann Althouse...

The video: The Rand Paul supporter who was caught on video stomping on the head of a MoveOn.org protestor has suggested that an apology from his victim is in order. (Watch a local news report below.) Tim Profitt, a former Paul campaign volunteer, told a local TV station that his stompee, Lauren Valle, is a "professional" rebel-rouser and had "initiated the whole thing." Kentucky police have issued a criminal summons for Profitt, who was dismissed by the Paul campaign after the incident.
The reaction: So "the guy who stomped on a defenseless woman's head wants her to apologize to him?" asks Steve Benen at Washington Monthly. "Maybe she smudged his shoe or something." An apology might be a bit much, says Ann Althouse at her blog, but "the MoveOn.org woman came to the event to create an incident." If the Paul supporters felt threatened, then the "violent incident was prompted by the urge to defend." Just think what the Secret Service might have done to her. Watch Tim Profitt request an apology on WKYT:

 

 

 

Jack Conway vs. Rand Paul: The 'Aqua Buddha' war

The Kentucky Senate race is boiling over amid charges of idol worship and "bearing false witness." Is this helping either candidate?

Democrats and liberal bloggers are sparring over the Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway's controversial "Aqua Buddha" ad, which raises GOP rival Rand Paul's reported college antics as a campaign issue. (Watch the ad below.) Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) calls... More

Rand Paul's poll slump: 5 theories

A new poll shows support drying up for the Tea Party-backed candidate in Kentucky's senate race. Why?

If a new poll is to be believed, voter support for the GOP's anti-establishment Senate nominee in Kentucky has taken a big hit in recent weeks. According to new survey from Public Policy Polling, Rand Paul — son of Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) — is now running... More

Is Rand Paul a real doctor?

The medical certificate held by the Republican candidate for Kentucky's senate seat is not recognized by the state. What does this say about his candidacy?

Libertarian Rand Paul, the eye doctor turned Republican Senate candidate in Kentucky, may not be a "board-certified" ophthalmologist, as he reportedly claimed. Paul's certification comes from a board he incorporated and heads, but he hasn't been certified by an... More

Is Rand Paul the new Sarah Palin?

Palin says Paul — who's been undergoing a media grilling — is learning what it's like to be her. Is it a fair comparison?

After his rocky debut on the national stage, Rand Paul canceled an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," citing "fatigue." Sarah Palin, on Fox News, was sympathetic, saying the Kentucky GOP Senate candidate is learning, as she did in 2008, that "prejudiced" reporters... More

Does Rand Paul's win signal a 'Tea Party tidal wave'?

The insurgent conservative calls his massive victory in Kentucky's GOP senate primary a "message from the Tea Party." Are there lots more to come?

Rand Paul trounced "establishment" Republican Trey Grayson in Kentucky's senate primary, saying his win was a "loud and clear," unambiguous "message from the Tea Party." Republicans pledged unity after the divisive vote, but Paul said he would stick with the Tea... More