Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(Fifth in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From Dennis Kucinich to Michael D. Huckabee, 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.
"Actually I don't have a candidate, but if I had to pull the trigger right now it would be (U.S. Sen. John) McCain.
-- Braxton Kittrell,
former presiding judge, Mobile County circuit court
"I am part of a group working to get Fred Thompson to run. He is a long time friend and a brilliant man. If he does not run I am stumped."
-- G. Sage Lyons Jr.,
Huntsville
"As soon as I decide, I'll let you know. It's between Clinton, Obama and Richardson."
-- Billy Kimbrough,
former U.S. Attorney
"Conservative activists have been disappointed with the candidates and campaigns thus far. There is no Ronald Reagan in the field.
I am considering organizing a slate of uncommitted delegates to run in the Feb. 5 primary. Feb. 5 is much too early for voters to be asked to commit themselves.
If we organize a slate of uncommitted delegates, we will promote it as a legal means to vote for 'none of the above.'
If Uncommitted wins 15 percent or more of the vote statewide or in any one congressional district, it would mean that we would win some of the delegate seats. If Uncommitted wins a plurality, it means we would get enough delegates to control the delegation.
A strong Uncommitted vote Feb. 5 would send a message that conservative voters are disappointed. We want strong specific plans to cut wasteful spending, stop the exportation of industries and jobs to other countries, and stop illegal immigration.
With Alabama being first in the roll call of states, an Uncommitted delegation would put Alabama in a strong position to influence the convention. We could start a movement toward any candidate we later decided to support. We could also fight any attempt to water down the pro-life plank and the plank to stop illegal immigration.
-- Jim Zeigler,
former Alabama Public Service commissioner
"I am so busy with our 50th anniversary celebrations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama which will take place in June that I do not have time right now to evaluate candidates. Will do that later this year."
-- Mary Zoghby,
former state legislator
"Right now, I’m on the sidelines. However, of the three front runners, I like Romney. My first choice would be Fred Thompson. I think Newt would be a great President, but conventional wisdom says he can’t be elected."
-- BPL,
Mobile executive
"I have not made a decision yet."
-- Gary Cooper,
Major General, U.S. Marines (Ret.)
"I'm with Edwards, at this point."
-- Wade Perry,
local teachers' union leader
