Kentucky Race Tests Tea Party's Strength

Kentucky voters are casting their ballots in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate contests, which will determine the future of tea-party favorite Rand Paul.

An election of Mr. Paul, a 47-year-old eye surgeon and Republican, would signal the movement's growing political influence, while a defeat to Democrat Jack Conway would mark a substantial setback for the conservative grass-roots effort.

Holding his wife Kelley's hand and walking with his son Robert, 11 years old, Mr. Paul arrived at an elementary school here in his hometown at about 9:30 a.m. central time to cast his vote.