LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Sarah Palin is defending her endorsement of Rand Paul in the Republican primary for Kentucky's U.S. Senate seat.

Palin was asked on "Fox News Sunday" about criticism of her support for Paul, a Bowling Green eye surgeon who is the son of former Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

Palin called Paul a "federalist" who "wants the states to have more say." She added that she doesn't agree with Paul on every issue, but she liked him because he stands for "limited government."

Palin was criticized by Bill Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, who pointed out that Paul is in favor of closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba, repealing the Patriot Act and leaving drug law enforcement to the states.

Paul is facing Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the May primary election.