Pence doesn't have the national name recognition & he's just a House member.
I know a lot of FReepers dislike Rudy's views, but consider this:
Rudy will repackage himself as a social and fiscal conservative and run for President. If asked why he suddenly became pro-life after years of being pro-abortion, he'll explain that as mayor of NYC, his views were more suited to the people he represented.
If there's one thing about Rudy, it's that he can take a complex issue and explain it so succinctly and break it down in plain, everyday English that even ardent opponents will be nodding their heads in agreement.
I'm not a fan of RINOs or most of the GOP, but if Rudy's the only GOP presidential candidate in 2008 (and if he exhibits genuine conservatism) it'll probably be best to throw our support behind him.
I know Pence is your guy and it makes sense to keep dropping his name but not he wasn't even polled here. Of course being unknown at the national level is sometimes helpful as everyone can project the candidate they really want on an unknown - it worked for Carter, Clinton and probably Dubya so maybe your crystal ball will hold. Of course that's the "stealth strategy" that is being roundly trashed here lately.
As for those predicting doom if a RINO is nominated, in RINO land it should be noted that they are also predicting doom if an anti-abortion, anti-gay, "grumpy-old" "in your bedroom" conservative is nominated. The logic (and please don't shoot me as the messenger) is that soccer moms will never vote for the right-wing hard liner. Of course people will hold Reagan up as the example where they did vote for a Conservative but then Reagan had the advantage of running against Carter and then Mondale. Hopefully the Dems will be as generous to us in 08 but I wouldn't count on it - yet again.
He LOOKS presidential, and that's half the battle.
Yea, but what does Pukin' Dog say?
Is this the same Mike Pence that signe on with Lugar to "define" who can report the news?
For what it is worth, there is one name on that list that I would vote for.
Really? I am pretty much resinged that the GOP nominee is going to be a McCain or Rudy type.