But Paul’s cautious approach on foreign policy, among other positions, has generated skepticism from the GOP establishment. And Paul is less of a libertarian purist than his dad, former Rep. Ron Paul, a failed presidential candidate who fans such as CPAC attendee Mike Battey said was “too good, too honest, not enough of a politician” to appeal to mainstream Republicans.

Still, Rand Paul is getting support from Battey because the Stony Brook University senior thinks he’s got what it takes to win the presidency. “You have to play the game, and if you’re not willing to play the game, you’re never going to get elected,” Battey said.

Other young voters pointed to Scott Walker as a candidate who is palatable to multiple wings of the GOP. The Wisconsin governor earned a thunderous reception and cheers of “Run, Scott, Run” during his speech on Thursday. At 7:30 Friday morning, following a night that at CPAC is traditionally reserved for partying, about 100 college students packed an overheated hotel room to see Walker.