Frist is unknown by most American voters; outside of the Northeast, so is Pataki. Jeb Bush is unelectable -- Americans will not vote for a Bush as the 44th President.
There are stronger Republican candidates. Guliani is one. I'd love to see numbers head-to-head against Sen. Clinton for that.
Also, do bear in mind -- in 1997, who would have suggested that George W. Bush would run for President in 2000? Trying to identify who will run in 2008 is a tricky proposition at best, and more likely an exercise in futility.
"There are stronger Republican candidates. Guliani is one."
The problem with Giuliani is that he's a pro-choice, anti-gun social "moderate." There will be a third party conservative on the ballot if Giuliani runs, mark my words. Mark and Denise Rich will provide the financing, if necessary. And then Hillary can win with the 43-45% of the vote she is garnering in these polls. Just like her hubby, who won with 43% in 1992.
We need to nominate a pro-life, pro-2nd-amendment, anti-illegal-amnesty conservative. She will divide and conquer this party, otherwise.
Actually, I expected G.W. to be the candidate in 2000 even before '97.
I have no clue at this stage who will be the candidate in '08 for either party. Nor do I particularly care, as it is my opinion the RNC candidate will be dependent on a strong four year Republican record to have success in '08.
Therefore, focus needs to be on strong accomplishments of policy, rather than a "star" or whether or not Hill will even win the DNC nomination at this stage. The strongest competitors for the nomination will emerge in time, and likely not among the favored at present.