FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Tea party leader Mica Sims has joined U.S. Sen. Rand Paul's staff as a field representative based in Lexington.

Sims, one of the most recognizable tea party activists in the state, operated a political blog in Lexington for the past three years.

The 28-year-old said Tuesday she's excited to work for Paul, whom she has supported since he initially formed an exploratory committee to take a look at running.

Paul won his Senate seat in 2010 with strong support from the tea party. As a field representative, Sims will work for Paul in central Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, serving as a liaison between constituents and government agencies.