Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul took first place in the Maine Republican Party's straw poll, after speaking at the state Republican Convention Saturday.
Coming in with 26% of the vote, Paul bested Texas Senator Ted Cruz (14%), Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (10%) and other rumored 2016 presidential contenders, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (9%) and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (8%).
Paul courted establishment GOP donors and young voters during a swing through Massachusetts last week, touting his libertarian worldview and an urge for inclusivity within the party's ranks.
“The Republican Party will adapt, evolve or die,” Paul said Friday. “The Republican Party needs to look like the rest of America in order to have a chance.”