The Mike Pence Boomlet

Wash Post ^ | 9/22/10 | Chris Cilizza

[pissant]

Chances are, you've never heard of Indiana Republican Rep. Mike Pence.

But, thanks to his victory at last weekend's Values Voter 2012 Straw Poll, Pence is drawing some buzz in Republican circles as he seems to be leaning more and more into a presidential bid.

To date, Pence has only dipped his toe in the presidential waters but appears to be growing more active as the start of the 2012 race (aka Nov. 3) approaches.

Pence will headline an Iowa Christian Alliance dinner on Oct. 2 in Des Moines -- remember the Fix adage that no politician goes to Iowa by accident -- and has brought on veteran online fundraisier Becki Donatelli to help amp up his cash collection efforts. (Donatelli, briefly, worked with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last year.)

In conversations with neutral Republican strategists as well as those aligned with other potential 2012 candidates, there is a recognition that Pence's resume -- and sharp speaking skills -- make him a serious potential candidate. Major questions remain, however, about how he would position himself in the race and whether he has either the organizational or financial heft to compete with the likes of a Mitt Romney or a Tim Pawlenty.

[pissant]

IF we get to chose between Pence, DeMint, Bolton we'll be in good shape.

[ScottinVA]

IF we get to chose between Pence, DeMint, Bolton we'll be in good shape.

I agree, though I would really like to see Bolton as SecState for either of the other two. Imagine... a SecState that would take a forceful hand on behalf of the country.

[Lou Budvis]

Of the three you name, Pence might have the best shot. I really can’t picture campaigning, shaking hands, kissing babies and the like. DeMint would be great except he’s not as telegenic as Pence and there could be bonus in not running a Southern WASP male against 0bama.

[Lou Budvis]

meant that I can’t picture Bolton on the campaign trail.

[WVRockDJ]

It looks like Pence’s catching fire at the right time. While there’s no perfect candidate, I’d vote for Pence in a heartbeat.

[mmercier]

pence is a good man.

unfortunately he is from indiana.

bolton is hillary’s dream opponent, short gingrich.

awaiting that random particle...

[Kimmers]

I have been a Pence fan for years.

loved his speech @ Hillsdale.....

[Crichton]

Looks like the Pence-worshipers will be posting at least one thread of Pence-worship material per day, from now through the end of 2011 at least.

Pence is a talker, not a doer.

[pissant]

Who the hell is worshiping him? He’s one of several actual conservatives that is considering running and that has generally sound, proven credentials. He’s not Reagan, he’s not Goldwater, but he is far preferable than the gaggle of RINOs who’ve all but declared.

The only worhiping claptrap ‘round here comes from the coronation crowd.

[Crichton]

Who the hell is worshiping him?

You are, for starters.

There was a whole group of Pence sycophants running around FR last presidential cycle, at least some of whom were on Pence's payroll.

[pissant]

That’s peachy, coming from someone who just arrived here from the stork.

And if you knew anything about the last cycle here on FR, you’d know that Pence was mentioned far less than many others, and had little intention of running.

And I’ll guarantee that I wasn’t pushing him. In fact I was pounding him over his stupid plan to compromise with the amnesty pimping senators.

[jla]

To 1 - You've omitted 'Palin'.
Pence, if he wishes to run, had better make his move now.
*I* would love to vote for him but *I* do not make a plurality of the electorate.

We can though all agree on one thing - Obama is a duplicitous, piece-of-shite Marxist who needs to be denied the opportunity to defile the White House after January '13.

[rob777]

"Pence is a talker, not a doer."


Excuse me, but he is one of the few Republicans that has consistently opposed big government even when the GOP was in power. He got taken to the woodshed on a couple of occasions by GOP leadership when he criticized their big spending ways and suggested specific cuts to be made. His rebellion was followed by some minor cuts. There are a a lot of Republicans that oppose big government and excessive spending now that the Dems are in charge. I want someone who has not been sticking his finger to the wind, but has been constant in opposing big government. There are not a lot of politicians running around who match that description. Pence certainly is one, DeMint is another.