PAUL ENDORSES SULLIVAN. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky today becomes the latest conservative leader to back former state Rep. Victoria Sullivan for Manchester mayor. Sullivan and Paul have known each other for at least six years. A fellow liberty conservative, she was a co-chair of Paul’s New Hampshire presidential campaign in 2015. The two also have a mutual friend and political connection in longtime New Hampshire GOP operative Michael Biundo, who was a senior adviser to Paul’s presidential campaign. Biundo is now the general consultant for Sullivan’s campaign through Ascent Strategic, a firm he co-founded and co-leads as a partner. Biundo is also the lead consultant for the Protect Freedom PAC, which is affiliated with Paul, and he heads the Kentucky Freedom PAC, the super PAC supporting Paul’s reelection. "I've known Victoria for many years and I can assure you, she’s a tough, principled conservative with a track record to back it up,” Paul said. “Victoria is a fighter that who has the courage to stand up for individual liberty and to tackle the tough issues facing Manchester." “My respect for Senator Paul and our shared appreciation for liberty conservative principles compelled me to serve as New Hampshire co-chair for his presidential run in 2016,” Sullivan said. “That is why I am touched and humbled by his support of my campaign for mayor in the ‘Live Free or Die’ state's largest city. “Senator Paul is not afraid to be a leader in the Senate, taking bold, effective stances on issues and giving all the facts even when it isn't politically advantageous. This sort of clear, constructive authority is what is lacking in Mayor Joyce Craig, and I know I can usher in the positive change needed at City Hall." Biundo said: “With the combination of ‘Craig's chaos’ and Victoria's willingness to do the hard work to fix Manchester, she is the well-positioned candidate to win the primary and general election. Senator Rand Paul's endorsement is just the latest proof that momentum is on her side." (Thursday morning update:) Jeff Taylor, Mayor Craig's campaign manager, responded to the critciism by Sullian and Biundo."Mayor Joyce Craig, working with department heads, business leaders and community members developed and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support a plan to best utilize over $43 million in federal ARP funds," Taylor said."Working with Democratic, Republican and independent members of the board, she funded services to reduce violent crime, increase community health, assist infants and new mothers, and provide post secondary education and job training. While Rich Girard and Victoria Sullivan can make unfounded and divisive claims, Mayor Craig is bringing our community together.” Republican Sullivan, Democrat Craig and Republican former Alderman Rich Girard will face off in the officially nonpartisan primary election Sept. 21, with the top two finishers moving on to the Nov. 2 general election.