Sanford steps into bigger role for GOP; S.C. governor an adamant voice for limited government

The State, Columbia, SC ^ | 2008-12-04 | John O'Connor

[rabscuttle385]

Gov. Mark Sanford has become one of the most visible Republicans in the wake of November election losses, urging the GOP to remember its roots and speaking against further federal bailouts.

In the past month, Sanford has been elected chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association and become a major voice countering President-elect Barack Obama and his proposal to assist states facing budget deficits.

Sanford has written opinion pieces for The Wall Street Journal, CNN and Politico, and made the rounds on cable news shows. He has been designated a Republican to watch, prompting speculation that Sanford is preparing for a presidential run.

[rabscuttle385]

Mark Sanford ping!

[goldstategop]

He didn't run this year. And I think Republicans are going to wait to see how the political winds blow in 2012 before deciding on a run. If Obama looks unbeatable, they may take a pass.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Arguendo]

I don’t think it’s a wise move to “take a pass” because the incumbant looks unbeatable, since so much can change in two years. IIRC, Reagan was supposed to be very beatable in 1984 (we know how that turned out), while Hillary took a pass in 2004 thinking Bush was unbeatable—giving up what was likely her only shot at the Presidency—when it turned out Bush was almost certainly beatable.

[pissant]

We could do ALOT worse than Sanford. And usually do.

[MattinNJ]

Not sure who I like more, Palin or Sanford. Unfortunately, Sanford does not seem to care for Palin.

[BGHater]

Be wary of Sanford. Watch him like a snake.

[ari-freedom]

well he now has plenty of experience to be president and especially by the time candidates start running

[Antoninus]

I like Sanford a lot. I'd love to see him and Jindal and Palin duke it out in the 2012 primary. That would be a win-win-win in my opinion.

The sooner we get beyond Romney-mania the better.

[kenavi]

Be wary of Sanford. Watch him like a snake.

Why a snake?

[mick]

Why? And I ask this because I really don't know much about him except for a short interview on Fox when he seemed to avoid saying Sarah Palin was a future leader of the party...I was a little put off with his smugness toward her....but maybe I was over reacting.

[11th Commandment]

I don’t think it’s a wise move to “take a pass” because the incumbant looks unbeatable, since so much can change in two years. IIRC, Reagan was supposed to be very beatable in 1984 (we know how that turned out), while Hillary took a pass in 2004 thinking Bush was unbeatable—giving up what was likely her only shot at the Presidency—when it turned out Bush was almost certainly beatable.

And don't forget Clinton who ran against Bush I when his approval was at 90%...

[randita]

Obama’s between a rock and a hard place. If he reneges on his leftist campaign promises, he might face a legitimate challenge from the left - maybe a third party candidate. If he goes full fledged liberal, he’ll lose in 4 years.

Obama’s supposed to be a miracle worker. As time passes and the economy doesn’t improve dramatically, reality will set in.