Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican and libertarian, Monday argued that hes the most electable GOP presidential candidate in 2016 and suggested that fellow GOP Sen. Ted Cruzs appeal wouldnt reach beyond the partys core voters.

Mr. Paul couldnt say exactly that hes running for president, because he hasnt declared himself a candidate. But during a Monday night Fox News interview, Mr. Paul took a series of shots at Mr. Cruz on the day the Texan launched his presidential campaign. (Mr. Paul did say hell have some kind of announcement April 7th.)

This isnt just about rousing the base. Its about exciting the base by being for the principles of liberty, but its then taking those principles of liberty, not diluting them, and taking them to new people and bringing them into the party, Mr. Paul said. Thats the way you win general elections.

He continued: Ted Cruz is a conservative, but it also goes to winability. And people will have to make a decision, which is the Republican who can not only excite the base but also bring new people into the party without giving up their principles.

Its hardly the first time Mr. Paul has taken shots at would-be 2016 Republican presidential candidates. Hes he a regular critic of Jeb Bush, a likely rival for the GOP nomination, and squabbled with GOP Sen. Marco Rubio in December over Cuba policy. He fought with Rick Perry, the former Texas governor, about Middle East foreign policy last summer.

So it was no surprise Monday that Mr. Paul took a few other unprovoked shots at Mr. Cruz on his big day. Mr. Paul noted that attendance at Mr. Cruzs Liberty University campaign announcement speech was required by the school. And 11 hours after Mr. Cruz made the case that Republican primary voters should choose a candidate who appeals to the base, Mr. Paul said he would try to grow the GOP to include African Americans and voters in liberal enclaves.

Ive spent the last couple years trying to go places Republicans havent gone and maybe not just throwing out red meat but throwing out something intellectually exciting to people who havent been listening to our message before, he said.

______________________________________________________

Politics Alerts: Get email alerts on breaking news and big scoops. (NEW!)

Capital Journal Daybreak Newsletter: Sign up to get the latest on politics, policy and defense delivered to your inbox every morning.

More here:

Rand Paul, Tweaking Ted Cruz, Says GOP Must Reach Beyond Its Base