a self-certified ophthalmologist, didn't reveal which qualifications allowed him to make the diagnosis.

As a darling of the tea party and a political ally of Fox News' Sarah Palin, Paul may have reason to deemphasize any connections between Loughner and conservative ideology.

Giffords was on Palin's so-called hit list of Democratic districts being "targeted" for defeat.

When Palin's name was mentioned at a vigil for Giffords Saturday, Fox News quickly cut away.

Paul also said Sunday that calls for more restrictive gun laws shouldn't play a part in the tragedy.

"I don't think that plays into this at all. I think they're unrelated," he said. "This is probably about a very sick individual and what should be done for that person."

"But the weapons don't kill people, it's he individual that kills -- that killed these people."