Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(Third in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From John Edwards to Newt Gingrich, 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 have no involvement and don't know when I will focus on the presidential race."
-- Jack Edwards,
former U.S. congressman
"I was supporting (U.S. Sen. John) McCain, but don't know whether I can continue to be so politically active in my present position."
-- State Sen. Bradley Byrne,
Chancellor-in-waiting
"I have not saddled up to a particular horse. I think the Dems have an outstanding field. (Al) Gore is creating a lot of buzz. Bill Richardson may be the most qualified, and of course Obama is a terrific communicator."
-- Donald Briskman,
Mobile attorney
"I am not supporting any candidate at this time and have not made up my mind."
-- Charles Dodson,
former Mobile County circuit judge
"I am not involved in any campaign, but I happen to like John Edwards for his intelligence, warmth, approachability and positions on the issues. Also happen to like (U.S. Sen) Joe Biden -- maybe he can make it in someone's Cabinet. Probably feel a kinship to Joe because like Mr. Biden, I have a way of stating things that can cause consternation. Usually my problem is speaking with blunt force trauma!
-- Carol Norris,
Mobile County license commissioner
"Too early to decide."
-- Fred Richardson,
Mobile city councilman
"(Former U.S. Rep.) Sonny Callahan, (Mobile attorney) Dan Cushing and I are supporting Congressman Duncan Hunter from California. He is a hawk and he is against amnesty for illegal immigrants and supports a boarder fence from California to Texas."
-- Braxton Counts,
Mobile attorney
"I am not at this point -- way too early. You almost wish (Lyndon) LaRouche was still around."
-- Pete Mackey,
Mobile attorney
"At this point in time, I am just watching and trying to learn as much as I can about the candidates. Right now I am intrigued by Gov. Richardson. The joy of the early stages of the selection process is that you can find someone who you truly agree with. Later on, I suspect I will have to 'settle' on one of the three or four who survive the process."
-- John Lockett,
Mobile County circuit judge
"Actually, at the moment I am fluctuating between Edwards and Clinton. May I predict an Edwards-Clinton ticket? Edwards, because he is a son-of-the-South and is steadily building momentum, Clinton because she can pull the feminists, the more liberal element of the party, and those who still love Bill and just want to see more of him again (not that he's not in the news constantly, anyway).
I think Clinton will have a difficult time in conservative, right-wing Alabama while Edwards will be persuasive with his Southern accent and good looks (not to mention the votes that his (wife) Elizabeth can garner for him and I don't mean sympathy votes, but those of persons who admire a woman with strength and courage who wants to see her husband succeed).
Gosh! I've said a lot without even touching on issues.
Edwards seems to resonate with moderates around here because he speaks of ending the war, protecting the environment, providing healthcare for all, and demanding honesty and integrity in government. He's very much a family man. If the detractors would simply get over the haircut news and get on with the substance of this race, he will continue to gain while Clinton may have peaked a little early due to the rush to compete with Obama's timing. She violated one important rule -- never let the opponent tell you when and what to do. Her high profile has placed her in the line of fire and she must dodge the bullets. Edwards is, sort of, flying under the radar.
There are several more months before any decisions will be set in concrete, so I think they will be our contenders and I think the Edwards-Clinton ticket will be the result. But, don't make any book on it just yet.
-- Vivian Beckerle,
unsuccessful 2006 Democratic congressional nominee
