Fred Thompson
Back in April, when I was elected president of the NYYRC, one of the first guest speakers I wanted to reach out to and come speak at one of our monthly forums, was an actor-turned politician-turned actor from the hit NYC drama, Law & Order. I reached out through contacts and eventually got a response that Mr. Thompson may decide to run for president, so getting him to address membership will likely not happen.

At that time, the thought of a Fred Thompson candidacy was a very good idea and looked forward to seeing him on the stump. However, with the media on top of him while he explored a potential run made him come off tired and boring and not up-to-speed on current events. It looked foolish for him to be touring the country and not be “running for president.”

The argument against Thompson in that he entered the race late is silly. He didn’t enter the race late. In 1992, Governor Clinton entered the Presidential race in October 1991, much later than anyone this year (except for perhaps Alan Keyes). The real issue folks were upset with Thompson early on had to do with his avoiding the rules of the campaign finance laws. I blogged on Urban Elephants about how it is hypocritical of a man who voted for McCain-Feingold, but chooses to avoid it by dilly-dallying.

When Thompson stepped into the race the immediate criticism was he comes of as aloof. However, there is a part to play by the President and a part to play by Congress. Thompson could be a very good leader if he lets the American People understand certain matters must be done by the local elected officials. Maybe this would encourage voters to pay attention to who their local leaders are.

Thompson’s message of federalism resonates with me. His tax proposal is progressive and promising. I wouldn’t have any objections to him if he wins the nomination. I may feel disappointed with his lack of charisma, but that isn’t a requirement for a candidate.

Mitt Romney
I have this like-dislike for Governor Romney. I like his record of success as an executive in the private sector, but I’m not pleased with his record as governor, since he served one term and spent the last two years of his term running for president. I like that he’s comfortable in his own skin and speaks well, which is great for communicating the Republican message. However, he looks plastic and sounds like a game show host and I can understand why some voters are unsure about his truthfulness and honesty. As for a select few in our party holding the man to a “religious test” for being our “moral leader,” I wish we, as a party, had the ability to expell you from our registration rolls. Democrats can select a Mormon to be their Senate Majority Leader, but we can’t select a Mormon to be our Presidential Candidate?

When someone challenges a candidate on his record of taxes and spending, when dealing with a governor, you need to take it with a grain of salt. So often you hear, “I balanced four budgets” which isn’t much of a feat when governors are required to balance budgets. If budgets didn’t have to be balanced, I’m sure tax-cutting Republicans would take more of a risk in cutting taxes over balancing their state budgets.

Romney has shown his naivette in the race (as has Thompson), but thankfully our government isn’t a one-man show. Governor George Bush made a fool of not knowing leaders when interviewed in 1999, but he’s been a solid leader in the fight against Global Terrorism.

Ron Paul
Congressman Paul is a great voice for fiscal conservatives and free market activists within the Republican Party. His candidacy should inspire conservatives across the country to run for congress. Wouldn’t anti-regulation, tax-cutting, free market candidates for the House of Representatives be wonderful for the Republican Party in 2008? Mr. Paul has raised more money than his campaign needs, so when he isn’t selected as the nominee, he can channel that money in campaigns across the US.

Ron Paul’s candidacy is also great for the Republican Party in New York City. If the NYC GOP could absorb the libertarian base in the five boroughs, we could increase our chances of winning local seats. The belief of smaller government and federalism is most effective on local seats for congress, state legislature and city government is something NY Republicans need.

John McCain
A while back, I wrote on Urban Elephants on the possible collapse of the GOP field and the return of the war veteran, Senator John McCain. My belief was the “Default Theory” which was the theory that propelled Sen. John Kerry to the nomination in 2004. Kerry was the early favorite but dropped down in the polls for maverick Howard Dean, pretty boy John Edwards and one-time VP candidate, Joe Lieberman.

Just before the Iowa caucus, everyone sort of fell by the wayside, except for Howard Dean. Dean’s deaniacs when across the state, door to door, encouraging... or should I say "insisting" that registered democrats vote for their man. This turned off a lot of voters and in the end John Kerry won the caucus. Then, we all know history; like lemings, the democrats in every other state decided to jump off the cliff with their Iowan buddies, not studying the poor choice made for a National candidate.

I have reservations about McCain. He's a fiscal manager, not a tax and spend cutter (he hates Pork spending though). He's receptive to the "man causes global warming" crowd. And he has that Campaign Finance Law that trumps free speech on his shoulders. But if we as a party win back the House, then I we shouldn't be too worried about conservative issues not being on the agenda.

This could happen on the GOP side this year, however the flaws in McCain’s candidacy aren’t as damaging as John Kerry’s flaws. John McCain would make for a fine candidate. Not one of our candidates makes me full my support behind, so if McCain is the nominee, or Thompson or Romney, I will be pleased.

Michael Huckabee
Mike Huckabee is a feel good candidate for social conservatives. He's got strong convictions on social issues, but he doesn't throw all in your face. When he speaks about them, he speaks in a way that a listener would interpret as Huckabee's own personal feelings. That resonates with the christian conservatives. He would lead with their principles, but do it in a "compassionate" way.

I have no problem with Huckabee's social convictions. I have issues with his fiscal management style. I can give him the benefit of the doubt in that he led his state in a way that required him to balance a budget and that his tax & fee increases (that Romney likes to point out) were based on votes by the people of the state. In the Fox News debate, Huckabee said that a 3 cent gas tax was to build roads and it was voted on by the people. Yeah, he proposed it, but it was the people who said "yes" to it. Still, he doesn't come across as a reaganite when it comes to supply-side economics.

Also, Huckabee has a favorable rating with the Teachers Union, which to me, is saying he is anti-choice with schools. He's a true anti-choice candidate (abortion & schools) and I'm not sure our country can afford protecting our Educational system "as is."

Mike Huckabee is also known to lead with a "Nanny State" mentality. Perhaps Mayor Bloomberg supporters who are socially conservative would support him, but I'm not big on someone telling me how to live. If it was between a Nanny Stater and a Ron Paul, I think I'd choose Paul.

Rudolph Giuliani
With the early caucus & primary results, one would wonder where in the world is the NYC Mayor?

Rudy Giuliani chose a different strategy in campaigning, which may turn out to be a big mistake. He decided to focus on Super Tuesday (Feb 5) states as well as Florida. By then, the race may be over. Maybe he should've picked at the little guys in between Iowa & New Hampshire. If he modestly won Wyoming and wins Michigan, he'd have some street cred. But the way it is looking, the race is wide open.

Giuliani has many negatives. His best opponent would be Hillary Clinton. Against Obama, I feel he would lose (You want my opinion of Edwards? He'd lose to any of the Republican candidates). Rudy has to place well in Michigan and South Carolina to have a shot in Florida. Already, Huckabee is polling well in the Sunshine State. Rudy will need a second or third place finish, because if he's fourth or lower again, Florida may officially be lost. Then, he'd be in trouble on Super Tuesday.

= = = =

Republicans have six strong candidates. Even Duncan Hunter, who will make a wonderful Vice President for the Romney, Giulian, Thompson candidacies. The papers are loving the uncertainty. So am I. Here's hoping this drags, because it means more attention on the campaigns and maybe the general public will start to pay attention.