I understand that Racicot wanted to go off into the private sector to provide financial security for his family. You can't blame the guy for that, but he could have beaten Max Baucas and chose not to run, and I think many in the party will remember that if he were to run for President.
I like George Allen, and though I need to read up more on him, my gut reaction to the early stable of possible contenders is to favor him over the rest.
The thing about Rick Perry that worries me is the fear that he would be as bad as Bush on immigration. And there may be a Texas-fatigue factor that would work against him. He should focus on winning relection next year, and then running for Senate if Hutchinson should retire sometime after that.
"I like George Allen, and though I need to read up more on him, my gut reaction to the early stable of possible contenders is to favor him over the rest."
This is my guy, and I think during the primaries, Allen will present very well in the debates. He's good, he's a founding fathers type philosophically, and I have high hopes for him. He also has been storing up a large campaign chest, and should be well positioned to run for Prez. He may not have McCain's name recognition, but he's younger, energetic, tall and reasonably nice looking, his father was the famous football coach, so men will bond with that, and he debates well. Hard to trip him up. Plus he's conservative, including on the social issues as well as fiscally. Hope he runs, pretty sure he will.
Good point about Perry and the TX fear factor. He's almost like having Jeb run...we like these TX men but not sure we want another Bush right now.
About Racicot....he ran the RNC for nearly 4 years. I know we hardly ever saw him, McAwful got all the media attention, along with DNC, from the libnutmedia. Maybe Bush persuaded Racicot to take that job rather than run for senate? Plus..IMO...a job in the senate is a few notches down once one has been a state governor.
I'm also leaning to George Allen...all I've read and heard about him, I like! :) I just hope that we run someone strong and conservative for a change...that would be nice.