“Ron Paul is going to have to carry the libertarian movement on his shoulders because they don’t want to lose that to [Texas Sen. Ted] Cruz, and they know it’s value, especially in the early states — New Hampshire and Iowa,” Wead said. “Rand has to prove himself to evangelicals, or he’s not going to get the nomination. He has to have some strength in the South that Ron didn’t have.”

In order for Rand Paul to broader his appeal in that regard, he will have to highlight his differences with his father along with personal nuances on hot-button issues like drug decriminalization and foreign aide to Israel.

This venture may prove more difficult for the father to watch than for the more politically dexterous son to execute, Wead suggested.

“I’ve seen Ron Paul, when quizzed by a liberty person who says, ‘Is Rand going to stick by your principles?’ I’ve seen him kind of roll his eyes and say, ‘We’ll see,’” Wead said.