Republicans....do you have a favorite Presidential candidate yet?

[NewJersey]

After all the Obama and Hillary threads, I thought I'd get one going to see if you are excited about anyone yet?

I'm following the candidates on both sides but have already crossed off some on my list from both parties. For the Republicans, I can't stomach a vote for Romney or McCain. I don't know enough about the others on the R side to say they're out for me.

Who is gaining attention for you on the Republican side?

 

[SwedishMeatball]

None of them have done much yet to turn my head.

 

[Cool-Beans]

While not technically a Republican, I'll vote for Ronald Reagan. Even deceased and with the Alzheimer's, he'd do a better job than Presidents Bush or Clinton.

 

[NewJersey]

Nevermind!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Right now so much attention is on the Democrat candidates because of GWB's low poll ratings, and many probably think that will translate into a GOP loss in 2008. Things can change in two years, though; GHWB's poll numbers were sky high at this point in 1991, leading many top Democrat names dropped out because he was seen as unbeatable in 1992, and look at what happened.

Plus, there's so many names floating around out there. MSNBC.com's web page tracking the prospects lists 9 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Of those from the GOP we have:

John McCain -- been there, tried that, didn't make it, but could be given a second chance

Condoleeza Rice -- said she's not interested, and I think too close a tie to the GWBA to be electable right now

Rudy Guiliani -- could be the GOP's "Obama", popular in the media but questions and concerns remain

Newt Gingrich -- definitely the GOP's "Hillary", well known name but too polarizing

The others -- Brownback, Hagel, Huckabee*, Hunter, Romney, Tancredo, and Thompson -- all fall under the "who?" category. I heard Mitt Romney on Glenn Beck's show several weeks ago. To me the jury is still out on him, but he did come across as extremely well-spoken and intelligent. I could see myself supporting him, but I'd still like to learn more and see him in debates.

* -- I'm sorry, but whenever I see this name I think of "huckleberry" and keep getting reminded of the movie "Tombstone" and Doc Holliday's line "I'm your huckleberry."

 

[kdibattista]

Admittedly, I don't know much about any of the candidates yet for an informed decision, but I will say that John McCain peaks my interest. I will also say that as a Republican, I would have no problem voting for a Democrat if I see fit.

 

[golfgirl3613]

There are no Republican candidates who get my vote, and I am certainly not voting Hillary/Obama either. This morning the news shows are talking about the former Arkansas govenor, whose name I have forgotten, but he looks like Evil President Logan from Season 5 of 24.

 

[Mamu]

I'm a Mitt Romney fan, but do think you'll see a southern conservative come out of no where that the party will support.

I'll probably be voting democrated on the next election. Change is good and it might be time for a change, but a year and a half is a long way ahead and the democrate's will probably shoot themselves in the foot by then.

 

[lovemygoofy]

There are no Republican candidates who get my vote, and I am certainly not voting Hillary/Obama either. This morning the news shows are talking about the former Arkansas govenor, whose name I have forgotten, but he looks like Evil President Logan from Season 5 of 24.

His name is Mike Huckabee and he is just okay in my book. He did decent things for the education system in Arkansas though. He gets big props for that and he was diagnosed with diabetes and lost about a 100lbs, great thing he did but to anyone that has known him for a while he looks like a bobblehead doll with that big head He can also balance a budget, which is unheard of lately but he is so much more consertative than I like and honestly to me I don't know if seperation of church and state would go out the window if we had a Baptist preacher as President. He's never said anything extremely ugly about groups he believes is immoral but he certainly doesn't have anything good to say about them.

My husband is a strong republican and he said as of yet there is no one lighting his fire from that side, so to speak. I would probably drop dead over if he voted the other ticket but he is a fan of John Edwards.

 

[aprilgail2]

I am NOT a republican but I wouold vote for Rudy Guiliani uin a heartbeat if he ran. I really don't like Hillary but I would have to choose her over obama anyday.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I'm watching both sides too, and with this much time btw the announcements and the election a LOT can happen. One or more of these folks could to do or say something stupid that will end up on YouTube and end their candidacy. Situations overseas could change, the economic conditions at home could change, something could happen regarding the new Congress that could change people's opinions, or some dark horse candidate could really make a splash and impress people.

I'm looking for a candidate that is strong on national defense, strong on illegal immigration, who doesn't expect me to "redistribute" what money I have, and who wants to keep government OUT of our lives as much as possible. I know, good luck.

 

[BuckNaked]

I'm looking for a candidate that is strong on national defense, strong on illegal immigration, who doesn't expect me to "redistribute" what money I have, and who wants to keep government OUT of our lives as much as possible. I know, good luck.

That's what I'm looking for too, and I'm still looking. No one on the Republican side has me all that jazzed as of yet.

 

[Charade]

Newt!!!!!

I think he's the smartest one of the whole bunch!

 

[Galahad]

Newt!!!!!

I think he's the smartest one of the whole bunch!

Very smart yes. I could never support him though. A huge disappointment.

 

[MassJester]

I'm surprised that John McCain hasn't gotten more support than he appears to have.

A few years back he was quite popular.

Rudy Guiliani is interesting (on the other end). I voted for him for mayor when I lived in NY.

Romney was our Governor. The only thing I can say about him is that you guys are welcome to him.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know who these people are.

They just said this morning that a former Arkansas Governor (Huckabee I think::?) entered the ring.

He's the only name I recognize and I only recognize it b/c he was featured in Runner's World. So I know he lives a healthy lifestyle.

I may just have to vote Democrat b/c honestly--unless something is said to make me feel differently, by appearances alone--our roster looks like the Good Ol' Boy network.

 

[reeeoga]

Vader Vader Vader


Don't know enought yet. And not all the candidates have anounced yet. So iam waiting. I am not voting for McCain unless he is the lesser of 2 evils.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Newt!!!!!

I think he's the smartest one of the whole bunch!

He is a smart man, and if he ran I think I'd vote for him. But alas, as of right now there's no Republican candidate that I'd consider voting for.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

No one really floats my boat yet. The only way I would vote Democrat is if the candidate does not 1) weaken the Military 2) raise taxes 3) shove Liberalism down our throats. I believe one of the biggest issues that needs to be dealt with is the immigration problem. Our current President has done nothing with immigration and I was a huge supporter. What a disappointment.

 

[TXTink]

Newt!!!!!

I think he's the smartest one of the whole bunch!

He sure is my favorite! I am hoping he is electable, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he might be. In the least I hope he gets in the race to raise the debate level.

My second pick is probably not electable, Rudy Guliani. I'm keeping my eye on Romney too. This should be interesting!