Posted on 01/06/2007 12:55:51 AM PST by Aussie Dasher
Sen. Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican and favorite son of the religious right, will officially enter the presidential race later this month in his home state.
"He will be fully announcing on January 20 in Topeka, Kansas," Brian Hart, the senator's spokesman, said Friday. The move was expected even though Brownback set up an exploratory committee in December to gauge whether he had enough support for a full-blown campaign.
After the announcement in Kansas, Hart said Brownback will fly to Washington to participate in the anti-abortion march marking the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling.
Brownback is a lesser-known candidate in a crowded GOP presidential field that likely will include Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, rounds out the top tier. All three are considering runs but, to various extents, also have records or positions on social or fiscal issues that don't sit well with the Republican base.
So, Brownback — a Catholic revered by the GOP's conservative wing for his opposition to abortion and gay marriage — sees an opening in the race for someone like him. "I am an economic, a fiscal, a social and a compassionate conservative," Brownback said last month. At the time, Brownback also called for a return to an American culture that promotes family values. He said the main focus of his campaign would be "to save and improve lives, rebuild families and renew the culture" in the United States that supports the institution of family.
Brownback, 50, was raised on a farm near tiny Parker, Kan. — population 281 today — where his parents still live.
His first foray into national politics was in 1976 while a student at Kansas State University, where he campaigned for Ronald Reagan in his unsuccessful quest to wrest the GOP nomination from Gerald Ford.
After receiving his law degree from the University of Kansas in 1982, he practiced law in Manhattan, Kan., and served as secretary of the state board of agriculture. He was named a White House fellow in 1990, and worked in the office of the U.S. trade representative.
Brownback was elected to the House in 1994, part of the Republican revolution that gave the GOP control of both the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years. Two years later, Brownback was elected to the Senate, winning the seat Bob Dole vacated to run for the presidency. Brownback, who promised to serve no more than two terms, has said he will not seek re-election in 2010.
What are his chances?
is he pro-Second Amendment? What's his tand on illegal invaders?
is he pro-Second Amendment? What's his tand on illegal invaders?
I like him to, but he not very charismatic. So many will right him off.
Still, Brownback would be lightyears ahead of of the pack of RINO's currently being shoved down our throats.
He gets a D from Americans for Better Immigration. I think he's an open borders type.
No thank you.
Hunter and Brownback are nearly ideal in their positions from what I've read of them, but have little initial name recognition. Giuliani and McCain have some charisma and big-time name recognition, but their positions are mostly way too liberal. At least McCain wants to win in Iraq. I will be for the serious candidate who seems best able to solve the Middle East mess.
Open borders/amnesty will sink any R candidate.
Voted for the Senate Amnesty Bill. What more do we need to know?
I see you're from Oregon. I'm just glad I live in the Northwest where it's not so bad. I went to Vegas for my last time about 5 months ago. The city has been ruined by uncontrolled growth and illegals. Vast areas turned in to Mexican slums.
I will not let it happen to Washington or Oregon if I can help it. I will not vote for anyone proposing shamnesty.
Brwonback and Gingrich and possibly Rice would be good candidates. But if they all ran the chnaces of beating out RINOs JulieAnnie, MClown or "Mitty" would be remote.
So far, I think Hunter is the best bet, but the media is doing their level best to freeze him out of coverage.
You're right. He's buggered.
Pity. He's so good on the other issues.
Since the list is looking to be shorter, who is NOT running for the White House in 2008?
He's a strong personality. He doesn't have the pretty-boy good looks, but rather the stern visage of a battle-hardened veteran. He communicates very well - see his TV ads on his peacethroughstrengthpac.com site.
If he can pull it off in the primary, as a Representative from San Diego, he deserves the nomination and will have demonstrated enormous potential toward winning the general.
The only one who SHOULD be - Senator Tom Coburn.
Don't neglect dear old Maggie!
She is yet to join them. Hopefully won't for some time yet!
God bless the three of them.
I have been to that site and volunteered my time and money.
So far I haven't heard anything back.
I really like the guy.
I think he could be a second Reagan.
Even a RINO wins the nomination, just like like Ford was, he will be defeated and then Hunter could back and get re-elected.
No Republican will get elected to office on a ticket of Democrat Light.
Yep. Being joined at the hip with the pro-slave labour (illegal alien) lobby is enough to disqualify him.
After much consideration I have decided not to run and spend more time with my family.
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