Presidential candidates already catching eyes, though still early
(Seventh in a series)
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
From Tommy Thompson to Wesley Clark, 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.
"Last week in Washington, D.C., (political pundit) Chris Matthews spoke to the National Association of Realtors about the upcoming Presidential election. He handicapped the candidates from each party. Recognizing his Democratic partiality, I discounted his comments to some degree. However, after considering his presentation for a few days, I determined that the Republican platform remains the most attractive alternative for me and my family.
The problem then becomes, which candidate?
To this point none of the current suspects (McCain, Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, ???) ring my chimes. If the Republicans don't find someone with some broad based appeal and a moderate position on Iraq (unless Bush manufactures an end to the war before the election), then I am concerned we may have Bill Clinton picking out china and setting place cards for state dinners.
I know this sounds odd, but I think Bob Riley has demonstrated the most effective leadership of any politician I have observed in the last five years. Just think where Alabama was 5 years ago when he took office, and, look at us today. I am not suggesting Riley as a candidate for President, but, we could probably do a lot worse."
-- Lee Metzger,
local real estate executive
"I am really leaning toward Giuliani -- I like his tough stand on many conservative issues such as crime and terror, and his record of urban redevelopment and reemployment of welfare recipients is commendable.
On more international issues, I remember his 2004 speech at the Republican convention as being inspired. And his understanding that terror began long before the Twin Towers came down is enormously important to international affairs. Also, his stand on abortion is much more aligned with my own than the other Republicans.
Am still open to others, but that's it for today."
-- Buffy Donlon,
Wintzell's Oyster House
"I am supporting John Edwards. I am convinced that he has the best and most workable plan for universal health care."
-- Cecil Gardner,
Mobile attorney
"If the election were today, I'd vote for Rudy. I think that Gore will enter the race after the summer and will not only win the nomination, but will be elected president. It would be difficult for me to choose between Gore and Rudy. Couldn't tell you right now."
-- PST,
former state Democratic administration official
"I have made no decisions or commitments yet. I’m watching the field, trying to discern strengths and weaknesses, worrying over the limited experience of candidates in various areas.
So far, my impression is that if you could take certain candidates and combine them you would have a complete candidate, but that none of them has a complete skill set at this point. And although some of my past support of candidates has not necessarily taken this into account, electability of particular candidates in the general election is something I am not certain of and would want to evaluate more closely before putting my money on one.
Have I dodged the question sufficiently?"
-- Jim Frost,
Mobile attorney
"I am undecided which Republican candidate will get my support. It won't be McCain -- too wishy washy -- not a hero in my book.
Don't know anything about Duncan Hunter
Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas is my kind of candidate ... sees the world through the same glasses I do.
Don't know James S. Gilmore III of Virginia
The fact that Mitt Romney is from Massachusetts is kind of scary.
Don't know Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas or Representatives Ron Paul of Texas nor Tom Tancredo of Colorado, ditto for Governor Tommy G. Thomson.
I think the window of opportunity for former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani is gone
If he ran, I would likely vote for Newt Gingrich based on his complete knowledge of the system and the world and it's issues."
-- John Williams,
Mobile city councilman
