There is little difference between the two...Rand Paul just learned to become more pragmatic in his rhetoric to sound more mainstream in order to win his Senate primary and ultimately the general election.
Rand questioned his commitment to conservatism as well (Rons also out doing that, accusing Santorum of being very liberal.)
Heres Rands version, from the radio:
Well, you know youre starting to see that some of the conservatives have gone here and there and theyre looking for someone who they think is their champion. But before they settle on Santorum they need to realize he was a big supporter of Medicare Part D, the expansion of Medicare, a big supporter of No Child Left Behind, Ive seen him asked directly about the Department of Education, hes for it. We still believe in eliminating the Dept. of Education, that there is no function on the federal level for that.
But Rick Santorums a big supporter of the Department of Education; he in fact voted to double the size of the Department of Education with No Child Left Behind. So I call him a big government moderate and I think conservatives need to be wary before thinking Santorum can be their champion.
I have been getting all kinds of red flashing warning signs about a lot of people who seemed to be the side of the tea party. I add him to the growing list.