Brownback: What will you do?

If you look at Sam Brownback's campaign website, you'll see an almost morbid preoccupation with Mitt Romney. Mike Huckabee is mentioned once as well. Where is your coherent plan for a safer America, Mr. Brownback? Where is your proposal for winning the War in Iraq? You seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time on Mitt Romney, but you've lost sight of your purpose. The most important question I have for you is why did you support amnesty for illegal immigrants? (Granted, no one from the Brownback campaign will read this blog.)

Conservative? Check this guy out!!!

I'm talking about Duncan Hunter. The often overlooked candidate for the 2008 GOP nomination has made some allies in pretty considerable places. I've posted about this article before I believe, but will do so again because it bears repeating. Duncan Hunter is a true conservative and his record in Congress bear that out.

John Hawkins at Townhall.com posts an excellent piece about the conservative case for Duncan Hunter in 2008. I commend it to your attention.

Hunter Legislation

An important piece of legislation has been authored by Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Tim Ryan, Republican and Democrat respectively. This legislation seeks to limit damage done by currency manipulation of China. The bill has significant support from labor as well as business and management interests.  Kilo posts on the issue here. Duncan Hunter is the only Republican with the credentials to back up his rhetoric. Pro-life, pro-defense, pro-fair trade, and pro-gun, Duncan Hunter is the logical choice for conservatives.

Perennial Candidates

 

While most of the conventional wisdom will discount even declared candidates such as Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul, and Mike Huckabee, it is perhaps notable that perennial candidates like Alan Keyes provide needed perspective in a race that is beginning to look like a traveling carnival. I have the greatest respect for Ambassador Keyes. I would encourage his entry into the race for the nomination simply because his presence would sharpen and clarify most of the other candidates (Rudy McRomney) positions. I still support Duncan Hunter, but would welcome an Alan Keyes candidacy.

My Take

We've all heard the blow up over the call from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama to give back money donated from David Geffen after Geffen TOLD THE TRUTH. Senator Clinton has learned from one of the best political operators in our generation. When the tide starts to roll against you, move your opponents off of their message. It worked in each election Bill Clinton won the Presidency. As an American, Mr. Geffen has the right to spend his money and speak (within reason) on whatever he wants. However, as a partisan, I would really enjoy watching Senators Clinton and Obama plow the field with each other politically.

The GOP field, while noticeably less overtly hostile, still has potential to get ugly should the candidates allow it. At this point, I should point out one thing, negative campaigning, even in a primary season, is beneficial when it is based on a candidate's record and is factual and truthful. That is the only way we'll ever know the truth about a position or issue we care about. I hope that the GOP will refuse to allow circumstances to compromise our core principles. Yes, I'm talking about John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. Between the two, I find Mr. Giuliani to a be a bit more palatable (but not by much).

At any rate, poll watchers, pundits and bloggers should bear in mind that politics, at its core, is about freedom of expression and freedom of speech. With that freedom comes greater responsibility.

My pick is...

It is obvious who I support in the GOP 2008 field of candidates. After researching matters and stances on the issues, after reading articles and watching the video blurbs, I have come to the conclusion that I will support Mitt Romney for the GOP nomination. There are only three candidates who I would have a hard time supporting. These are John McCain, Chuck Hagel (ok, a non-candidate, candidate) and Rudy Giuliani. To those supporters of Duncan Hunter, please be assured that I considered Mr. Hunter very seriously. I have no logical, reasoned exposition as to why I am supporting Governor Romney. Call it a gut feeling.

Good Point

One of the hot button topics regarding the GOP field for 2008 is conservatism. Who among the declared candidates is the most conservative, etc. Friends, I'm conservative. On some issues, I'm to the right of Newt Gingrich and Jim Gilmore. This post at Evangelicals for Mitt caught my eye. I'll quote the last paragraph, and please note the last sentence.

And who would that be, pray tell? You name any -- and I mean any -- politician with the resume to be president, and I can immediately give you a position or statement they've made that would anger some significant part of our diverse and amorphous conservative movement. So let's stop looking into the clouds -- if the messiah does come between now and '08, I can promise you he won't be a GOP presidential candidate

How Could I Forget

Seems like Mitt Romney has no shortage of news copy for distribution. In a move that could put the South in play for Romney, South Carolina Jim DeMint will serve as a senior advisor to the campaign. Details can be found here.

Regardless about what you think about his candidacy, Romney appears to have a sharp operation already in place. Could make for an interesting horse race for the nomination. With the formal filing of papers by Governor Jim Gilmore, the GOP field is starting to shape itself. Hat tip to Riley of Virginia Virtucon.