Politics

Rand Paul's Filibuster Ranks as Ninth Longest Senate Speech

And an important push for civil liberties

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After nearly 13 hours of talking, Sen. Rand Paul's filibuster is one for the history books.

The Kentucky Republican comes in at No. 9 on a draft list of longest Senate speeches kept by the historian's office, clocking in at 12 hours and 52 minutes.

Paul's talk-fest delayed a final vote on the confirmation of John Brennan as CIA director and highlighted the senator's concerns about the Obama administration's policy on drones.

Paul fell more than 11 hours short of the record set by Republican Sen. Strom Thurmond, who protested the 1957 Civil Rights Act for 24 hours and 18 minutes. Paul joked he wanted to try and eclipse Thurmond, but he needed a bathroom break.