Drew Ivers, Ron Paul’s 2012 Iowa chairman, suggested there was an inherent conflict in Rand Paul’s presidential slogan — “Defeat the Washington machine” — and the fact he campaigned for members of the Capitol Hill establishment, such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. “That is a mixed signal.”

Ivers, who is not aligned with any candidate in the 2016 race, said Paul’s efforts to court both the right and left was a flawed strategy. “It has backfired,” he said…

“I’ve looked at Rand Paul. He’s quite different than his father in some aspects,” said Gary Kastrup, 71, after watching Cruz speak at a restaurant in Sac City, Iowa.

The retiree supported Ron Paul in 2012 and hasn’t decided whom he is backing this time around. He has ruled out Rand Paul, saying he considers the senator too moderate on issues such as immigration and too close to establishment Republicans in Washington.