Posted on 03/02/2007 6:41:14 AM PST by pissant
The FOX television talking heads were gushing over the usual suspects- Mitt Romney, Rudy Gulliani and John McCain- when the results of the South Carolina Republican straw poll rolled in and left the pundits stuttering and speechless in mid sentence.
In a surprise result not predicted by any of the national political commentators, California Congressman Duncan Hunterfinished second with 110 votes behind Rudy Gulliani's 123 votes with 71 of the 75 precincts reporting.
Arizona Sen. John McCain was third with 86 votes, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had 59 votes, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback had 68 votes, and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee rounded out the front-runners with 18 votes.
The underdog Hunter has now taken first in an Arizona straw poll and second in the South Carolina.
The charm of Duncan Hunter is that he is authentic. In a world of hyper-branding and packaging... where politicial speeches sound as if they are the result of focus group studies... Hunter comes across as unscripted, unrehearsed and firm in his beliefs.
...And do not dismiss his unwavering support for Border Patrol Agents Ramos & Compeon. It is the stuff that resonates with people.
As I wrote in The Washington Times back in November, Hunter has a message that connects with republican voters...particularly those in early primary states such as Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. His message is one of peace through strength, conservative social values and conservative illegal immigration policy.
I read somewhere on the web that Romney is a phony pony with a pretty mane.
*snicker*
County GOP Chairman Rick Beltram said at least five campaigns actively worked to get out the vote."If it's 12 hundred to 15 hundred, I think the grass roots are starting to pay attention," Beltram said. "If it's less than a thousand, I would say people are still sleeping on this and all the polls and everything we hear are probably meaningless."
How many people voted?
It sounds like it was less than 500.
Rising fast and soon to be among the top rung candidates. Woohoo!
ALRIGHT!!!!
That's the same guy who has been shilling for Romney. I'd expect him to say that now.
Good for Duncan. If he surges ahead, I will definitely support him.
So you are saying the results in SC are not in yet, and Hunter may come in first instead of second? Great!!
So what is Rudy riding at this point? A veiled chameleon?
Doesn't matter if it was one county. The GOP leadership took it serious enough to play it up in the media. It is a big deal within the Republican Party.
Yes it is. Giving huge advantage to DH, and plenty of time to explore ALL the candidates histories.
"Guess the well-informed people aren't falling for this phony."
"Remember, keep close to the people--they are always right and will mislead no one."
Our 16th president, A. Lincoln, a former Congress-critter.
gots my vote
and me be them independant rascal kind
That is an understatement :-)
Hunter comes across as unscripted, unrehearsed and firm in his beliefs.
Uh gee... could maybe it have anything to do with his Character. And being an Airborne Ranger?
Ranger Creed:I think a certain other (cough) 'republican' candidate should look up Character in the dictionary.R ecognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.
A cknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
N ever shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred-percent and then some.
G allantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
E nergetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
R eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
There is no reason, at this early in the process, to be snubbing the best conservative in the race! Especially when the grass-roots are responding so well already!
You should have heard Rudy's campaign director on Bill Bennett this AM. The tapdancing was astounding. Even Bennett, a Rudy suckup, was less than pleased.
Some, all of the time; all, some of the time; can't get fooled again.
Thanks. I just forwarded this article to a nationwide mailing list.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.