Haley Barbour anted up in early states

Politico ^ | 12/2/10 | Jessica Taylor

[pissant]

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour’s fundraising lags behind other Republican presidential aspirants, but he’s putting his money where his mouth is if he’s serious about a 2012 run.

Barbour’s federal PAC gave $5,000 apiece to state GOP organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire, the critical first and second presidential voting states, respectively. Those donations were disclosed in campaign finance reports filed Thursday. Barbour, who just finished a term as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, also gave to 11 other state GOP committees, but those donations were all for $2,500 or less.

Barbour spent $174,248 and raised $108,152 between Oct. 14 and Nov. 22, leaving his Haley’s PAC with $389,518 still in the bank. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin raised nearly $500,000 in that period, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty raised $140,000. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s federal PAC reported $394,557 in contributions.

[pissant]

FWIW

[freespirited]

I dont know much about him, but what I do know, I like.

I dont care that he has been a lobbyist. There is nothing wrong with it, unless, of course, you’re a crook.

[pallis]

I don’t think Haley Barbour intends to run for president.

[r9etb]

I dont care that he has been a lobbyist. There is nothing wrong with it, unless, of course, you’re a crook.

It's politically problematic because he lobbied for the tobacco industry. I think he's a canny enough politician to successfully downplay it among normal people, though it will generate quite a tizzy among some types of leftish activists.

OTOH, his Wikibio notes that "Barbour has been praised for translating his lobbying skills into success at winning over a legislature dominated by Democrats. He has called several special legislative sessions to force an issue."

I think the lobbying ends up being a net plus for him, just because it's something that has only improved his political navigation skills.

[Hawthorn]

>> I don’t think Haley Barbour intends to run for president <<

I've said it before on FR and will say once again:

My Governor, Haley Barbour, is probably the most skilled political operator/political analyst in the USA. For sheer political IQ, and putting "moral" considerations aside, perhaps only Bill Clinton comes close.

My take therefore is this:

Gov. Barbour won't get into the POTUS contest unless he thinks he can win. And if he thinks he can win, it means he will win.

[freespirited]

I think the lobbying ends up being a net plus for him, just because it's something that has only improved his political navigation skills.

Thank you. Oh how I wish everyone would understand this. A history of success as a lobbyist is an advantage for a politician who has to navigate the snakepit that is Capitol Hill.

[Kevmo]

Haley who?