Analysis: GOP Field Has 3 Strong Contenders, but Some Hunger for an Alternative

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

Analysis: GOP Field Has 3 Strong Contenders, but Some Hunger for an Alternative

04-07-2007 4:44 PM
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (Associated Press) -- The GOP presidential race can be summed up this way: three strong contenders and a hunger for someone else. "There's no question that there's a very open field," said Ken Mehlman, a former Republican National Committee chairman. Unlike in 1980, 1988, 1996 and 2000, "there's not a presumptive front-runner," he added.

The nomination fight has become even more fluid since the year began, which is unusual for a party that typically has a clear heir apparent.

For now, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has the lead in national popularity polls. Ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has the most money. Arizona Sen. John McCain may have the superior national political operation.

http://omaha.cox.net/cci/photoview?id=D8OC11T00&channel=news&page=newsnational&portlet=photo
Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani speaks after picking up the support of South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, far left during a news conference, Thursday, April 5, 2007, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

But none has a clear advantage in all three areas _ polling, fundraising and organization _ that are traditional measures in determining which candidate is in the best position to become the nominee. Perhaps more telling, Republicans say, is that none has articulated a message or offered an agenda that a majority of the party supports.

Read more: http://omaha.cox.net/cci/newsnational/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D8OC11T00&_action=validatearticle

[babylonsister]

1. Their 'strong contenders' are Giuliani, Romney, and McCain?

Oye, they're in big trouble! :evilgrin:

[Ian David]

3. That's what I said in 2004.

"No way we'd be stupid enough to give THAT fuckwad another four years."

[skipos]

7. Rudy, despite being a warmongering idiot, beats most Dems in most polls.

McCain, despite being a warmongering idiot, still beats many Dems in many polls. Americans like their faux "heros" and MSM isn't going to turn on the hero status of Rudy and McCain.

A Romney nomination would be great for us, since he wouldn't win his homestate, is the most painfully obvious flip flopping candidate and (right or wrong) would lose some votes due to his religion.

[Ian David]

2. Fred Phelps and James Dobson should run! n/t

[jmowreader]

4. We cannot wish for a better field than that

In terms of defeatability, from best to worst:

John McCain: I've been beating this drum since LONG before this website was started; let me play another crisp ratamacue on it. Senators Don't Get Elected President, and McCain's a senator. He's also too closely aligned with Bush, and his little stroll through the Baghdad market proved that not only is he a lying sack of shit who will do anything to extend an unpopular war, he's also crazier than a shithouse rat.

Rudy Giuliani: If being allied with Bernie Kerik isn't enough to get him stomped in the primaries, and his pro-choice stance isn't enough to get him cashiered in the general, the fact that he screwed his girlfriend in Gracie Mansion so many times his wife filed a restraining order against her should DEFINITELY keep the born-again Christians home. Republicans can't get elected without strong support from the far right.

Mitt Romney: He's from Massachusetts, land of the bean, the cod and the gay congressman and a place that's more filled with liberals than any Republican candidate for president should ever have to tolerate. He flip-flops so bad we could light up Washington (the city or the state, either way it's all good) by wrapping him in magnet wire and connecting him to the grid, he's a Mormon and lots of Christians think Mormons don't believe in Jesus (funny story: one of my cashiers was talking about Mormonism to another associate, and told the guy Mormons don't believe in Jesus. "Uhhh...FiFi, you do know the official name for the Mormon Church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," right?" She REALLY tripped when I told her what they DO believe.), and he's never been divorced so I figure they'll re-register him as a Democrat without telling him.

If the Bible-beaters have their way they'll probably run Newt Gingrich and get stomped, the PNACers will run Condi Rice and get stomped, hell they might even run Bush 41 again. I think they're planning to write 2008 off.

[spooky3]

8. but you may be forgetting the Rethug hypocrisy factor

Rethugs are forgiven any of their weaknesses by virtue of having an H next to their names.

[bbinacan]

5. My worry is

Fred Thompson entering the race.

[madrchsod]

6. dam every time i read an article by an ap writer

i could kick my ass for not finishing college.but since i do have higher standards, i could never work for them..

[opihimoimoi]

9. Water is too cold for the GOP this round.....Bush/GOP caused a meltdown to the extent of Icing 08

Foxes at the henhouse caught in a vice is not nice...