I believe it's in the spirit of a "unified" Republican Party.
But Rand Paul clearly stated that he was running as a Tea Bagger? How does that help in the spirit of a "unified" Republican party?
I honestly don't understand how so many grown adults can find the "Tea Bagger" nonsense funny. It's juvenile, not funny, and doesn't add to any conversation whatsoever.
Now back to the question. You don't see how Rand Paul, who is the Republican Party nominee, or the Republican Party would benefit from a unified Republican Party? Rand needs the support of the Republican Party for this election, because Conway is going to have the support of the Democratic Party. The Republican Party wants to keep the seat currently held by Jim Bunning in the Senate, and Rand is their nominee, so they need to support him.