Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(Second in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From John McCain to Al Gore, 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.
"I really haven't made up my mind yet. I would like to support (Rudy) Giuliani, but his anti-gun record makes that almost impossible. As a last resort, I may have to hold my nose and vote for him. I certainly would not consider voting for any of the Dems. One of the other Republican candidates may show up better in the future. It's a long, long time from now 'til September. Say, that would make a nice tune title!"
-- Tom Horst,
retired
"I really have not made a decision. I have not become involved with any candidate as yet. I am considering 'Rudy' and McCain ... but only tentatively so far. I do think Guiliani will appeal to a wide variety of 'non-stereotypical-Republican' voters but he may also alienate a large portion of the base. McCain has the appeal of a veteran (my father served a 30-year career in the Army and fought in WWII and Korea), a POW and a maverick, which lots of people like. He also, however, has the knack of annoying 'the base.' Maybe that is why I like them both. I do think that this country needs someone who can truly think for themselves as well as read the signs of popular unrest as well as wants and needs of the general public.
I know -- a very wishy-washy answer. I have to contend with a (relation) who is enthralled with (U.S. Sen. Barack) Obama ... and I have to concede that he is very bright.
It seems that things have become very accelerated this 'cycle' and I am behind the curve. Bush has become a huge disappointment. The Attorney General issue is deplorable and the death toll of U.S. service personnel is beyond daunting. How tragic ... and that does not count the economic cost. Just think of the 'lost opportunity' cost over and above the out of pocket expense.
If I make a commitment I will be happy to be a bit more public."
-- LLL,
veteran elected official
" I think (Mitt) Romney is going to be the guy."
-- Eddie Menton,
former Press-Register city editor
"(Al) Gore -- but I can't tell you everything now."
-- Rick Kuykendall,
Mobile attorney
"I am involved with a Republican, but I can't say (who) -- sorry."
-- Jonathan Gray,
political/media consultant
"I have always admired (former Arkansas Gov.) Mike Huckabee. He has spoken in Mobile several times over the past few years. However, I have not endorsed any candidate up to this point."
-- State Sen. Rusty Glover, R-Semmes
school teacher
"I have not decided who I am supporting. I am not excited yet about any of the declared candidates."
-- Elliot Maisel,
Gulf Distributing Co.
"No comment. I'm neutral, being the chief election officer of the County."
-- Don Davis,
Mobile County probate judge
