Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(Sixth in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From Chuck Hagel to Mark Warner, 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 came to conclude (Mitt) Romney after a lot of homework.
First, a year ago, I called a lot of old friends (of all GOP ideological persuasion) in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and DC and simply asked, "What candidate seems to be the one moving in your state?"
Second, I was stunned that this guy Mitt Romney (a Massachusetts governor) finished second to (Bill) Frist in the Southern Straw Poll at the Southern GOP leadership conference in Memphis. Second to Frist ....... in the state of Tennessee?
So then I decided that I needed to study each of them on an issue-by-issue basis, and after all of that, I concluded that Romney was the most conservative of the "viable" candidates who were running.
Since then it has become more and more apparent.
I noticed McCain was 'hiring' everyone in Alabama but I wondered about a bunch of his issues. As Chairman of the state Party I had to deal with McCain/Fiengold, now this immigration thing ... plus the "Gang of 14" and the judicial stuff.
I thought, still think, Rudy would be the best just to drink a beer with.
But Romney more closely matched my views and those of this state. Plus he is futuristic, extremely articulate."
-- Marty Connors,
former Alabama GOP chairman
"I am still on the sidelines — none of the candidates has my support at this time."
-- Steve Windom,
former lieutenant governor
"I am not supporting anyone at this time. It is still too soon to know who I will vote for. I am hoping someone will enter the race that will get us all excited."
-- Harris Morrissette,
local businessman
"All this may be premature. Starting the primary season a year early seems to be frustrating more voters than attracting supporters. By next January, the announced candidates may have worn off too much of the shine or become so polished as to blind the citizenry. It is quite possible the eventual nominees have not come forward yet waiting for us to tire of the current crop.
In any event, here is my humble opinion of the present scene. Giuliani and Romney lead with experiences as Chief Executives, but Giuliani lacks conservative credentials and Romney's are debatable. McCain is pretty good on defense, but he is a D.C. insider. His capacity for collegial deals with Democrats that give away the conservative farm are very hard to swallow and he will be older than Reagan (was when and if McCain is elected). Huckabee or (former Virginia Gov. James S.) Gilmore could emerge, but still look like minor leaguers.
The risk for conservatives is that any and all the Democrat candidates are intent on and capable of pushing the nation beyond the point of no return down the Socialist spiral staircase. So, the conservatives need a winner and at this point the only one who looks strong enough to beat the Clintonistas in 2008 is Guiliani. That said, I'm still very much undecided because a strong 'leader' who genuinely presents and pushes conservative core values can still emerge and carry the day. The media would have us believe America has veered left, but the real conservative values still ring true and will resonate with voters. This scene may be unrecognizable next year."
-- Pete Riehm,
"self-unemployed entrepreneur"
"My first choice is Rudy Guiliani, then Mitt Romney. If Fred Thompson comes into the race, I would support him over the other two choices."
-- Butch Blum,
Dauphin Realty
