KRGV.com

WASHINGTON (AP) A Republican senator from Kentucky used an old-style filibuster to take control of the chamber and block Senate confirmation of John Brennan's nomination to be CIA director.

Sen. Rand Paul ended his 13-hour filibuster Thursday shortly after midnight, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would continue to oppose Brennan's confirmation and resist ending the debate on President Barack Obama's pick to lead the spy agency.

Paul's performance, which centered on questions about the possible use of drones against targets in the United States, energized a number of his GOP colleagues, who joined him on the floor in a show of support.

Actual talking filibusters have become rare in the Senate, where the rules typically are used in procedural ways to block the other party's agenda.