Posted on 05/21/2009 10:59:50 PM PDT by rabscuttle385
Southern Republicans the backbone of the GOP are not sold on any of their partys possible high-profile presidential candidates in 2012, a finding that could be good news for S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford.
Sanford rubbed shoulders at a Columbia health care forum Thursday with former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who remains highly regarded by many in the Republican Party.
It was another moment in the spotlight for Sanford, who has generated buzz about his 2012 presidential prospects with his frequent television appearances and outspoken opposition to Democratic President Barack Obamas federal stimulus plan.
Southerners overwhelmingly back Sanfords opposition to the stimulus plan, according to a new poll of South Carolina and 10 other Southern states conducted for Winthrop University and ETV. Results of that poll were released Thursday.
For Republicans, any successful run for the White House starts in the South, a bedrock of conservatism where GOP candidates have fared well.
Gingrich, a potential candidate, said he thinks Sanford would be a formidable candidate.
Among conservative Republicans, he has a real following around the country because of the toughness and the courage hes shown on spending, said the former Republican congressman from Georgia. He certainly would be on anybodys list of potential candidates, depending on what he wants to do.
(Excerpt) Read more at thestate.com ...
ping!
Sanford sort of lacks that essential component to popular election: charisma.
If the economy is still in the crapper come 2012, Sanford will be able to make a strong case against Obama and would have a real shot at getting elected.
But if the economy recovers in enough time, Sanford will be toast. He will be seen as standing in the way of necessary recovery.
he may be the guy I go with, if he can put together the coalition to beat Romney in New Hampshire. But for now, the focus is on ‘10.
“But if the economy recovers in enough time”
Recover?? Are you serious?
I think our economy could recover reasonably well enough that Obama could sell it as proof positive that his “stimulus” plan worked. Even anemic growth, say bringing unemployment under 7% by the summer of 2012 could give him enough steam going into November. Don't forget he will have the media pulling out all the stops for him as well. He only has to sell the illusion of recovery, which only requires anemic positive numbers to pull off.
>>Gingrich, a potential candidate, said he thinks Sanford would be a formidable candidate.
Based on what I assume was a fund-raising call the other night, Gingrich is trying to make a go at it. Assume, because I shut it down before they asked, saying “Yes, I agree with all those statements from Newt, but he had his chance and blew it. Someone else needs to lead the charge.”
Can he win Florida? If so, can he win Arizona and Colorado?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.