Oh, I think that he'll make a great Senator.
And, I think that Sarah Palin's endorsement will help to keep the Paul People willing to work within the Republican Party. ("Hey! Somebody -- the likely 2012 front-runner, at that -- is actually willing to listen to us! Yay!!")
This is good for the Paul People, good for the GOP, and good for Sarah Palin's support in 2012. IMHO.
Yes, I think that you are right on all points!