Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(First in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From Hillary Clinton to Fred Thompson, prospective presidential candidates -- announced or not, forthright or coy -- still seek to catch the eyes of influential politicos and the "Big Mo'" that could lead to their party's nomination.
With that in mind, the Mobile Bay Times contacted a number of local and state politicos to assess the lay of the presidential campaign in the here and now.
"My favorite is Clinton; so far I've limited my involvement to word of mouth, but I am considering running for delegate; also, my family has made financial contributions to the campaign (maximum amount, single donor, for primary and general). Clinton's educational and professional background, character and personality are what attract me."
-- Mike Box,
former Democratic state legislator
"... to answer your inquiry, no I am not involved in any candidate's race."
-- Charlie Graddick,
presiding judge, Mobile County Circuit Court
"I can only tell you that before (Bill) Clinton received his party's nomination (early on he was a 75:1 underdog as not many had heard of him), I predicted he'd easily beat (George) Bush, Sr. and the NY Post contacted me before the Democratic Convention in NYC to see if I had changed my mind, and I again stated that Bill Clinton, then a 5 to 1 underdog, would crush Bush, and mercifully (for the country) he did!
"When asked about three years ago about baby (President George) Bush by the NY Post, I said Hillary Clinton (as long as she stayed married to Bill) would be our next president and I'm sticking by that and it's looking better each day baby Bush is in office.
"She'll win the Democratic nomination and win the presidency in November, 2008.
"I don't support (nor am I involved with) any candidate. I am somewhat friends with (U.S. Sen John) McCain and have not met Hillary or any of the other candidate and have no plans to do so."
-- Danny Sheridan,
political pundit
"I am supporting Sen. John McCain. In fact, I am co-chair of his Mobile County Campaign. Most importantly, Sen. McCain is strongly pro-life. He is also strong on national defense, which I believe will be the most important issue to face our next president. Our next commander-in-chief will have to face Islamic terrorist and potential nuclear capabilities from North Korea and Iran. We need strength and experience in the White House. Sen. McCain can be fiercely independent which can be a good thing, especially in attracting independents and Reagan Democrats. Of the top three Republican candidates (McCain, (Rudy) Giuliani and (Mitt) Romney) he is by far the most consistent and conservative.
"I don’t support all of his domestic policies and he is a bit more of a free trader than I am, but he is the right man at the right time."
-- State Rep. Spencer Collier,
R-Bayou la Batre
"... I have not seen one I could support so far."
-- Cooper Thurber,
former president of the Mobile Bar Association
"I have made no formal commitments and I do not offer this opinion as one. In my opinion, Bill Richardson (the Democratic governor of New Mexico) is the most prepared to step into the job."
-- Darrell A. Hamlin,
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Spring Hill College
"(Former North Carolina U.S. Sen.) John Edwards. Because in spite of his tonsorial excesses, he is a friend and I have found him to be a man of integrity. I truly believe his intelligence, upbringing and care for the plight of those less fortunate will make him a great President."
-- Ed Massey,
Mobile attorney
"I'm holding out for Fred Thompson. I like his conservative style and he's not controlled by any special interests."
-- Jim Barton,
State representative, District 104
