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I'm certain because there's no reason for him to run. Edwards isn't power-hungry. He's president-hungry.

But he needs a platform to run from in 2008 if he can't get nominated this time around. I really can't see him as governor (Democrat Gov. "Tax Hike Mike" Easley might not run for reelection in 2004) and he at least relishes the national attention he gets grandstanding on the floor of the senate.

Arkansas: I agree that Asa is probably the most popular politician in the state, but why wouldn't Huckabee vs. Blanche Lincoln be any different from Huckabee vs. Jimmie Lou Fisher? The only reason Tim Hutch. went down was his divorce -- this is a good state for Republicans, especially with Dubya on the ballot.

Alaska: Whoever runs in 2004 will have the support & endorsement of Stevens & Murkowski. I'm confident that Murkowski's appointment will be of enough quality that they can hold the seat even against Tony Knowles. The appointment will be younger, for one thing, ready to build up years and years and years of seniority.

http://www.adn.com/front/story/2144648p-2231440c.html

In California there has been talk of Issa and Ose (I'm not crazy about Bono) as well as Condi Rice and US Treasurer Rosario Marin, a Mexican-born woman who could do wonders for the California GOP demographically even if she lost. I'm a big Chris Cox fan but he seems content in the House; The Terminator will run for governor, even though he's to the left of Richard Riordan on social issues.

But he needs a platform to run from in 2008 if he can't get nominated this time around. I really can't see him as governor (Democrat Gov. "Tax Hike Mike" Easley might not run for reelection in 2004) and he at least relishes the national attention he gets grandstanding on the floor of the senate.

No, he doesn't. Many credible presidential candidates weren't in office at the time they ran, though they had served previously. GHWB wasn't in office in 1980. Reagan wasn't in office in 1980. Walter Mondale wasn't in office in 1984. Paul Tsongas wasn't in office in 1992. Lamar Alexander wasn't in office in 1996. Bill Bradley wasn't in office in 2000.

Edwards is focused. You don't get to where he got in life without being focused. He's focused on becoming president. He can do that with 6 years under his belt as a senator. He's unlikely to win the nomination, but even if he does and loses-- he'll be seen as a sacrificial lamb; not a poor candidate. He can raise money for his run in 2008 and set up his nationwide organization. He can donate money to politicians and collect chits. He can give speeches on public policy. He'll run as the experienced Southern outsider-- like Carter and Clinton.

I agree with you on California; if Dreier, Cox and Rice choose not to run, Marin would be my fourth choice. From what I heat, she is tremendously popular and well-known, and let's face it, it helps to have a Latino woman joining Bush at the top of the ticket. I'm sick of hearing about Schwarzenegger -- what makes anybody think that he's qualified as a politician.

I like the article from the ADN on Murkowski's potential appointments. Johne Binkley sounds good to me, as does Gen. Joseph Ralston. I heard a rumor from Bob Novak that Murkowski might appoint Jerry Hood, the head of the Teamsters -- I can only hope that this will not happen.

Don't underestimate Blanche Lincoln. She is likable and moderate, and when running for the House, she beat her former mentor in the Democratic primary. I don't think Huckabee can beat her. We need Asa, but that state remains "Leans Dem" for the time being.

I also have a good candidate for NC Gov - Rep. Walter Jones. If he runs for governor and Rep. Richard Burr runs for Senate, we could have a clean sweep in '04, with Bush at the top of the ticket.