Barbour to back GOP in Iowa, N.H. He's emerging as party leader

The Washington Times ^ | June 16, 2009 | Emily Wagster Pettus and Beth Fouhy

[Scanian]

JACKSON, Miss. | If the Republican Party is in danger of being marginalized as a conservative, white-male Southern enclave, is Haley Barbour - the longtime Washington power broker and current Mississippi governor - the best person to turn things around?

Many rank-and-file Republicans and party leaders say yes as the 61-year-old Mr. Barbour prepares to ramp up his national profile this month with back-to-back trips to the early presidential voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Mr. Barbour will headline fundraisers in both states but says the visits are part of his duties as incoming chairman of the Republican Governors Association. Both states have gubernatorial races next year.

"I've told everyone I know that every Republican ought to be focused on governors' races in 2009 and the 2010 elections," Mr. Barbour told Associated Press.

A former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mr. Barbour has emerged as a leader of his party's efforts to retool for the future. His allies think he could be a formidable presidential contender if he chooses to play.

"Haley's unique in that he's a brilliant strategist who led the party and has also run in and won a competitive governor's race," said Ed Gillespie, a former RNC chairman. "He commands a lot of respect from rank-and-file Republicans, as well as the leadership of the party and many Democrats. He's a happy warrior who stands up for conservative principles."

Mr. Barbour typically sidesteps questions about his presidential aspirations, saying he will wait until after next year's elections to decide.

[3D-JOY]

I want to see FR reaction...will return later.

[who knows what evil?]

The primary system needs a major overhaul...

[Covenantor]

Well, I still have a question ot two for Mr. Barbour regarding his partners in the “Caucus Room”, Terry McAuliffe, Thomas Downey, a former Democratic congressman and now a lobbyist, and other lobbyists. .

.http://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/30/us/steak-and-chips-and-a-side-of-politics.html

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

I thin that Haley’s only real problem is his old time Deep South accent. Not a problem for me, but he would have problems in northern climes.

[cbkaty]

Good....The GOP must select a leader that appears on the radar screen....Michael Steele, so far has been stealth...

[Venturer]

I think I will wait a while and pick my own candidate?

So far the Gop picks havent shown me a lot.

[Loyal Buckeye]

I like Haley. He is smart, articulate and does not back down.

[ClearCase_guy]

From what I know of him, he seems like a decent addition to the field. But I have my eye on Palin and I can't imagine really caring about anyone else. Last time around I focused on Duncan Hunter until he dropped out. I reluctantly voted for McCain in the end. I won't be doing that again. If the GOP gives me a truly conservative candidate, I will vote for them. But my vote is no longer guaranteed for the GOP: I am prepared to sit at home, if the GOP establishment sets up a RINO for the final battle.

[cbkaty]

I thin that Haley’s only real problem is his old time Deep South accent.

That was my first thought....and I am Texan...so Haley sounds foreign to me...GRIN

[cbkaty]

He is smart, articulate and does not back down.

He is a bulldog....!

[Dr. Sivana]

I thin that Haley’s only real problem is his old time Deep South accent. Not a problem for me, but he would have problems in northern climes.

Yes, I like the man, but I agree that his speaking style does not make a good first impression on northerners.

[Nervous Tick]

>> Michael Steele, so far has been stealth...

Michael Steele would be an EXCELLENT (R) standard bearer, except for three things.

1) He has no brains
2) He has no skills
3) He has no principles

But hey, other than that...

[Nervous Tick]

>> From what I know of him, he seems like a decent addition to the field. But I have my eye on Palin and I can’t imagine really caring about anyone else. Last time around I focused on Duncan Hunter until he dropped out. I reluctantly voted for McCain in the end. I won’t be doing that again. If the GOP gives me a truly conservative candidate, I will vote for them. But my vote is no longer guaranteed for the GOP: I am prepared to sit at home, if the GOP establishment sets up a RINO for the final battle.

Except for the Hunter part (I supported Thompson early), I could have written that myself.

+1

[WKB]

Mississippi ping

[WKB]

He is a bulldog....!

No actually he is Ole Miss Rebel :>)

[Covenantor]

Haley’s only real problem is his old time Deep South accent.

Nah, his real problem is that he’s business partners with Terry McAuliffe and a few other dems and lobbyists in the Washington DC restaurant, the “Caucus Room” since the Clinton years.

So whose interests is he serving?

[IamConservative]

I was very impressed with Haley Barbour during the Katrina fiasco. He went to work and solved problems. Whereas Mr. “Chocolate City” next door was standing in water on TV 24/7 “Hep Me” and the “Blank One” doing the “who me? I’m in charge?” Good contrast between a leader and a couple of liberal whiners.

That said, I think Haley’s accent would be a liability. The media would have a very simple stereotype to exploit - white southern racist.

[9YearLurker]

And, unfortunately, he’s old and overweight with jowls—those would be problematic for him coming from any region.

But Southern white guy candidates only help the Democrats—by moderating their wacko-liberal identity. A fat, old Southern white guy plays into the worst of the GOP stereotypes and doesn’t have a chance nationally, in my opinion.