Posted on 02/19/2010 8:06:02 PM PST by Steelfish
Barbour Won't Rule Out 2012 Run
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: February 19, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, two possible 2012 presidential candidates, called for a return to conservative principles before a critical constituency Friday, while Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour wouldn't rule out a White House bid of his own.
''If you see me losing 40 pounds that means I'm either running or have cancer,'' quipped Barbour, a former lobbyist and GOP chairman who Republican insiders say could be a formidable candidate.
The head of the Republican Governors' Association, Barbour made the comments to a group of reporters ahead of a weekend meeting of the nation's governors. He said he would focus this year on helping Republicans elected in governor's races. After November, Barbour said, he might considering running. Still, he called the prospect unlikely.
Several Republicans considering running for president were descending on Washington this weekend for the Conservative Political Action Conference and the National Governor's Association meeting, where they were testing the 2012 ground -- even if they wouldn't acknowledge it.
Earlier Friday across town, Pawlenty and Pence were the latest Republicans weighing candidacies to speak to the annual gathering of thousands of conservative activists and leaders who are important players in the GOP base. Barbour made an impromptu stop at the event late Friday. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were on tap to deliver speeches Saturday.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I just have to say - no thanks Barbour!
the guy would make a good President... he’s a winner
Not sure how this “guarantees” Obama’s re-election? Barbour is a capable guy. He certainly handled Katrina better than that chick that quit as governor of Louisiana.
He certainly knows politics, was part of the Reagan team in the 80s and is a disciple of Lee Atwater. He has many disadvantages but would he be a better candidate than Palin?
Probably.
Haley Barbour took Mississippi, where entire cities and towns WERE the actual focus of Katrina, and rebuilt. He got his hands dirty and got his folks together to get it done.
I remember speaking with a woman in MS just after Katrina. Tough old bird. And she was just plain redoing her life. No whining. No ‘poor me’. Oh, her voice quivered sometimes. But then she was off, talking about getting a new batch of wood planks. Steel.
Tasteless comment smart a$$. You are already toast.
Well if he did run I’d vote for him. He won’t run though, he’s smarter than that, he knows he would have a slim chance. But I like him allot.
Barbour??
oh please
Barbour could beat Obama. Sounds like you’ve already chosen someone else.
Yeah, after watching my Dad decompose from terminal in front of my eyes, cancer isn’t a recommended diet plan.
But, the chemo treated did make his hair grow in better than it had been in decades so that was a positive, right Haley?
What a dick.
Why a “recipe for Obama’s re-election?”
The guy in the woodpile that we have to watch out for is Michael Young. He’s so busy promoting himself, he forgot he’s supposed to be working for the Republican Party. Young will be a spoiler, mark my words. +
“cancer” should be in between “terminal” and “in”.
Hell of a lot better than what we have now!!
Much better than the other GOP possibilities.
OK. I give. I'm a political junkie and I have no idea who Michael Young is.
Actually it comments like yours that are tasteless, it was a joke. In fact a joke most people would find enjoy, and means that he probably would not run. Gees, you obviously don't live in the South.
My dad died of lung cancer just a few years ago. I thought Barbour's line was hysterical. Leave the thin skin for the liberals. It fits them better.
Some things just aren't funny. I don't care who you are.
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