Posted on 01/05/2005 11:26:57 AM PST by WoodstockCat
PREMATURE 2008 PUNDITRY [Rich Lowry ] Here is how one GOP insider sees the state of play (in other words, not necessarily my take on things). Rudy Guiliani wasn't fundamentally hurt by the Kerik flap. Its ultimately Kerik's problem, not Giuliani's. The former mayor is loved by GOP crowds and has great all-around political skills. He has something of George W. Bush's ability to connect with individuals in a crowded room. He was a wonderful surrogate for Bush last year. But his problem on gays, guns, and abortion is probably insurmountable. It is likely he can't fix it short of totally revising his positions, and that will be difficult given his tough-guy, straight-shooter image. Bill Frist is in perhaps the strongest position. He will soak up publicity as Senate Majority Leader, leading on issues like judges. He headed the senatorial committee when the GOP took back the Senate. He is close to the White House, has a good relationship with Dick Cheney, and is loyal to Bush. He is pro life and knows how to talk to socially conservative audiences. He will be able to raise a ton of money. Jeb Bush won't run. He is arguably the most talented GOP officeholder in the country. He would probably be the strongest GOP candidate. But he considers the dynastic issue too serious to overcome. Because of his family and faith, he doesn't lust after the job like most politicians. And he is 52 in February, so is young enough to wait, eight years if neccessary (he probably wouldn't take the VP slot if offered). The theory is that he has to skip at least one cycle the way W did to have some distance from his dad and the way Hillary did to have some distance from Bill. George Allen is a politician to watch. He wears cowboy boots, he is tall and handsome, he doesn't take himself too seriously, he's a solid conservative, and he's putting together a tip-notch team. It will be hard for any senator to get traction, however, when the Senate Majority Leader is running. Mitt Romney is going to have a hard time connecting with the social sonservative base of the party given his Mormon faith--just a fact of life. For what it's worth... Posted at 02:08 PM
done!
"Don't count Dean out"
Bring......it.......on......... (To be said in a Kerry-like monotone.)
"Don't count Dean out"
Bring......it.......on......... (To be said in a Kerry-like monotone.)
You can put me on the George Allen ping list, I think he'd make a fine candidate.
welcome SoDak
Same as in horse racing. Some people bet the jockey instead of the horse.
Pollsters, finance chairmen, media consultants, direct mail and now Internet professionals are all important.
One way to spot the vanity candidates who aren't in the race to win is by their lack of professional staff.
I recently had an architectural project near Cumberland Gap (where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginny come together) and it usedta take me over 7.5 hours to get there from Richmond, while I can get to Atlanta in 6.5 hours.
FReegards...MUD
The District chairman of the "Fightin' Ninth" Congressional District used to be from Lee County..as fer out as you can get in Virginia.
At state conventions, during roll call, he would start out "From Jonesville in far Southwest Virginia, closer to the Capitals of 7 (or 9?) other states than it is to Richmond..."
Jonesville is west of Detroit.
Truly, I think the only group that has a problem with Jews are liberals. Personally I had no idea Rep. Cantor was Jewish until "Cooter" went out of his way to point it out in '02. It doesn't make a bit of difference to me or Republicans that I associate with.
I'm in the 7th District myself, so that's why he comes to mind first. Fortunately, there's potentially room for both Cantor and Davis. One can succeed Allen; the other can oust Jawn Wahner.
Wouldn't that be a perfect storm of Virginia politics?
I've been thru Jonesville on many a trip, but I wouldn't have figgered that...MUD
Thank you.
I'm a NYC guy, but I happened to live in Virginia for 3 years during Allen's governorship.
I heartily endorse him. My wife and I thought very highly of him, and I'm glad to see this groundswell starting up. In some ways a dream candidate for us.
I'm not sure that's an issue. Cantor doesn't shout "hey look at me, I'm Jewish" nor does he hide from his faith.
In the urban areas, where we have to be more competitive, it might help him.
"Wouldn't that be a perfect storm of Virginia politics?"
YES!!!
Next item would be getting me some representation in Richmond --
I'm in the 54th House District, RINO Bobby
And in the 17th Senate District, Dem Houck
UGH
Wouldn't that be a perfect storm of Virginia politics?
I like the way you think!
Dean was the ideal democrat. He believed what he was saying and doing, sKerry merely played a role, the role of a Dean wanna be.
Dean will get his clocked cleaned in '08 no doubt about that, But this time, the weirdos won't pull that ABB campaign out.
Allen is the single best possible candidate the Republicans can field, he combines charisma with intelligence, and a proven conservative record. Everyone is talking about Frist but I just don't see it happening, Frist almost makes John Kerry look like a good speaker.
You've both proven my point!!!!
In Delaware I lived in the state Capitol and could be in Maryland in 15 minutes, PA or NJ in and hour, and Virginia in 2 hours!!!
It's the size of the General Assembly that I'm finding to be even more daunting than the size of the State.....although that may change come the 21st when we talk the long way home from Falls Church.......but even taking the short route, that's at least a 4 hour drive!!!!
I do know you can make it from NOVA to Tidewater in about 3.5 hours...MUD
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