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Sen. Rand Paul has been looking for a way to run for president and for re-election to the Senate at the same time in 2016, and his complex strategy got a boost Tuesday when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) shelved his qualms and agreed to support his colleagues proposal to get around state law to run for both offices.

In a shift first reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader, a McConnell aide said the senator had decided to support Mr. Pauls proposal that the Kentucky GOP establish a presidential selection caucus in March separate from the states May primary for other offices. That would allow him to be in both contests without violating a state law that prohibits candidates from appearing twice on one ballot.

Mr. Paul has asked the Kentucky GOP to consider the proposal when its central committee meets March 7 about a month before the senator is expected to announce his presidential candidacy. He is also up for re-election to the Senate in 2016 and has said he wants to run for both offices a pragmatic nod to the fact that he is still considered a long shot for the White House.

In asking the party to allow him to run for both offices, Mr. Paul cites laws in other states such as Wisconsin, which allowed Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) in 2012 to run both for re-election to the House as he also ran as his partys vice presidential nominee.

Mr. McConnell, whose top political priority is retaining GOP control of the Senate in 2016, had remained silent on the Paul proposal. Some Republicans have raised questions about whether holding a caucus would complicate other state races, cost too much money, or make it harder for the party to hold onto his Senate seat. If Mr. Paul were to win the partys nomination in summer of 2016, it would be too late for the GOP to put another Senate candidate on the November ballot.

After Mr. McConnell discussed the issue at length with Mr. Paul Monday, Mr. McConnells chief of staff Brian McGuireon Tuesday issued a statement saying Senator McConnells initial reaction to the caucus proposal could best be described as respectful skepticism, but after a lengthy discussion of the details with Senator Paul he has become convinced that switching from a primary to a caucus is worth his support.

Not only would it be helpful to the senators presidential campaign but, as a one-time event paid for with funds that hed raise, would do no damage to the state party or interfere with this years state races, Mr. McGuire said.

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Mitch McConnell Backs Rand Pauls Bid to Run for Both Senate, White House