You include Fred in that list. Why?
Because I think he's a left-leaning moderate. His political career, lobbying career and his alliances all paint him as a moderate who will grow government as a status quo candidate.
FRed will be the next George W. Bush - a strong leader against the Islamic threat and a huge disappointment to conservatives who are desperate to see limits placed on the size and scope of the federal government.
His down-home way is appealing, and the one time I met him I liked him very much. But I think there's a track record of supporting initiatives that grow government.
There are only two good conservatives in this race, and I don't think either of them stand a chance.