Brownback? This is the first time I've seen his name mentioned as a serious contender. I don't know much about him, though my understanding is that he's a solid conservative.
I'd be interested to get FReepers thoughts on two issues:
1. Is he indeed a strong conservative and what can you say about his record and personality?; and
2. Do you see him as a potentially strong contender for the nomination?
IMHO, Bill Frist has not given us a great deal to be hopeful about his abilities. The filibuster ordeal has been going on with a GOP majority for two years, it should have been over a long time ago. Frist is a nice guy and he's certainly intelligent, but what has he accomplished as majority leader? The other big problem is Hospital Corporation of America. They were investigated a few years back for overbilling Medicare and Medicaid, they paid a huge fine and the CEO was forced out. If Frist is on the GOP ticket that all comes out again and it could get bad.
Sam Brownback sounds good, but he has ZERO name recognition.