Yates' Election 2008 Series - Candidate Biographies

[Yates]

Welcome to the Candidate Biographies section of my Election 2008 Series.  In the beginning, I will have five candidates from both parties, obviously adding up to a total of ten candidates. 

Candidates:

Democrats
Ed Landis
Ron Marcham
Jeremy Duncan
Cesar Gonzalez
Bill Kennicks

Republicans
Howard Tiller
John Danielson
Isaac Berman
Rita Lucas
Christopher Scott

[Yates]

Ed Landis

Democrat

Full Name: Edward Robertson Landis

Born: January 23, 1966

State: California

Political Experience:
United States House of Representatives (2001-Present)
Chief Deputy Minority Whip (2003-2005)

California State Assembly (1997-2001)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Local Reporter, Los Angeles Times (1990-1996)
Professor, Journalism, University of California (1994-2000)

Education: University of California (1988)

Marital Status: Married, Jane (1992)

Children: Charlie (b. 1994), Rhonda (b. 1996), Gabriel (b. 2002)

Religious Affiliation: Methodist

Political Classification: Moderate Liberal

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 18

American Civil Liberties Union: 98

Caucus Membership:
New Democrat Coalition

Issue Positions:
Abortion: First two trimesters, rape/incest, health risk to mother.

Social Security: Against privatization, expand benefits.

War on Terrorism: Do whatever possible to prevent terrorism, military force included.

War in Iraq: No timetable, but begin to pull troops out soon.

Education: Against school vouchers, increase funding.

Medicare/Medicaid: Increase funding.

Health Care: Universal Health Care, public or private.

Gay Marriage: Support gay rights to marry and adopt.

Taxes: Progressive tax, increase tax on rich, lower middle and lower class taxes.

Affirmative Action: Class-based affirmative action is needed, racial affirmative action must be toned down.

Free Trade: Capitalism is best for America, allow free trade.

Civil Liberties: Liberty must not be sacrificed, remove Patriot Act.

Gun Control: Background checks and waiting periods.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Ed Landis is a new player in Washington.  He is a four-term Congressman and member of the Democratic Party from Los Angeles, California.  In his Congressional career, he hasn't hesitated to take the spotlight.  He has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation, including legislation promoting free trade.  He became an insider when he was selected to serve as Chief Deputy Minority Whip in 2003.  In that position, he assisted first Nancy Pelosi, and then Steny Hoyer, to help motivate Democrats in the lower house of Congress.  In early 2005, Landis considered a gubernatorial campaign against Arnold Schwarzenegger, but decided not to enter the Democratic field.  In 2007, after Democrats had taken over Congress, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi mentioned that Landis would make a fine President "one day."  Many of his Congressional allies took these words to heart, and encouraged Landis to consider a campaign.  Landis formed a PAC, entitled "A Free and Fair America" and began exploring a run.  In July 2007, Landis officially declared his candidacy.  He is considered, by most political analysts, to be an underdog.  However, his attractive looks, common-man appeal, and folksy style could win him many votes.

[Josh/Devilman88]

more more more...

[Yates]

Ron Marcham

Democrat

Full Name: Ronald William Marcham

Born: November 5, 1955

State: South Carolina

Political Experience:
Governor, South Carolina (2003-Present)

Mayor, Charleston, South Carolina (1997-2003)

Military Experience:
Coast Guard (1978-1980)

Professional Experience:
Owner, Marcham Dairy (1977-Present)
Rancer (1989-Present)

Education: University of South Carolina (1977)

Marital Status: Married, Candy (1978)

Children: William (b. 1981), Sandra (b. 1982), Charlotte (b. 1984), Elizabeth (b. 1986), Reginald (adopted)

Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist

Political Classification: Moderate Populist

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 48

American Civil Liberties Union: 23

Caucus Membership:
Blue Dog Democrats

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Ban all abortion except for rape/incest, mother's health.

Social Security: Against privatization, increase funding.

War on Terrorism: Strong military force must be used to defend America.

War in Iraq: We must stay the course, no timetable.

Education: Decrease federal funding, shift funds to states and localities.

Medicare/Medicaid: Increase funding.

Health Care: Universal Health Care, public or private.

Gay Marriage: Do not allow gay marriage, but support civil unions.

Taxes: Progressive tax, but close gaps between tax brackets.

Affirmative Action: All affirmative action must end immediately.

Free Trade: Protectionism is often necessary.

Civil Liberties: Some civil liberties must be curbed for security purposes, Patriot Act was necessary.

Gun Control: No waiting period, but background checks are necessay.  Gun ownership is a right.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Ron Marcham, with his toothy grin and Southern accent, has become an icon for the moderates in the Democratic Party.  A former mayor of Charleston, Marcham was elected Governor of South Carolina in 2002, defeating Mark Sanford.  He has been widely praised as Governor.  He has been fiscally and socially conservative, and has maintained approval ratings above 60% throughout his term.  In 2005, after John Kerry's defeat, political commentator George Will suggested that Marcham run for President.  Marcham soon began to toy with the idea.  He became a spokesperson for moderates in both parties, and began to build his profile.  In late 2006, he became the first candidate from both major parties to declare his candidacy.  A charismatic, moderate outsider from a red state, Marcham has the potential to go far in the 2008 Presidential election.

[ilikeverin]

Reginald (adopted)

So Reginald was spawned? 

[Yates]

Jeremy Duncan

Democrat

Full Name: Jeremiah James Franklin Duncan

Born: October 16, 1949

State: Georgia

Political Experience:
Chairman, NAACP (2005-Present)

Mayor, Atlanta, Georgia (1998-2001)

United States House of Representatives (1993-1995)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Author, Racism In America
Author, End the Discrimination!
Regional Director, NAACP (1989-1993)
Atlanta Police (1974-1989)

Education: Georgia State University (1971)

Marital Status: Married, Leslie (1970)
Children: Rodney (b. 1970)

Religious Affiliation: Baptist

Political Classification: Liberal

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 10

American Civil Liberties Union: 98

Caucus Membership:
Black Caucus

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Allow abortion in all circumstances.

Social Security: Against privatization, increase funding.

War on Terrorism: Fight the cause of terrorism by battling economic and social injustice.

War in Iraq: Remove all troops within the next 90 days.

Education: No school vouchers, increase federal funding.

Medicare/Medicaid: No decrease in funding.

Health Care: Keep the same.

Gay Marriage: Allow gay marriage and gay adoption.

Taxes: Increase taxes for the rich, lower taxes for lower class.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action is necessary to prevent racism.

Free Trade: Free trade is dangerous to American jobs, protectionism is needed.

Civil Liberties: Revoke the Patriot Act, liberties cannot be curbed.

Gun Control: Expand gun control to make our streets safer.

Campaign Finance: Elections are rigged in favor of "establishment candidates," more reform is needed.

Brief Biography:
Jeremy Duncan is a hero to some, an antagonist to others.  As Chairman of the NAACP, Duncan lobbied hard in favor of Affirmative Action, as well as retributions to the descendants of slaves.  Before his NAACP career, he was an author of many pro-African American books.  In the past, he has been a one-term Congressman and Mayor of Atlanta.  He was defeated in both in his attempts at re-election.  In a recent nation-wide opinion poll, 27% of Americans have a positive opinion of Duncan.  61% have a negative opinion of him.  Duncan decided to run for President in early 2007 in order to end racism in government and promote African American values.  He has received nearly unanimous support from the black community, and a high level of support from those of the far-left ideology.  Duncan seems to be struggling with fundraising, but could become a champion of the far-left and grab a significant number of votes.

[Yates]

Cesar Gonzalez

Democrat

Full Name: Cesar Miguel Gonzalez, Jr.

Born: July 30, 1951

State: New York

Political Experience:
Governor, New York (2003-Present)

President, Bronx Borough (2000-2003)

New York City Council (1996-1999)

Military Experience:
Army (1969-1973 Vietnam)

Professional Experience:
Realtor (1981-1996)
Founder, Cesar's Corner (Newspaper Shop)

Education: New York University (1977)

Marital Status: Divorced.  Former Wife - Linda (1968-1991)
Children: Jose (b. 1974), Maria (b. 1976)

Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic

Political Classification: Libertarian-leaning Liberal

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 33

American Civil Liberties Union: 99

Caucus Membership:
Liberty For America Caucus

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Ban partial-birth abortion, allow all else.

Social Security: Partially privatize social security.

War on Terrorism: Fight economic and social injustice, and at the same time, use military force against immediate dangers.

War in Iraq: Being removing troops within one year.

Education: Shift more power to states and localities, decrease federal funding.

Medicare/Medicaid: Decrease funding, shift to private companies.

Health Care: Decrease funding, shift to private companies.

Gay Marriage: Allow gays to marry and adopt.

Taxes: Lower taxes across the board.

Affirmative Action: Race-based Affirmative Action must be replaced by class-based Affirmative Action.

Free Trade: Free trade is good for consumers, allow it.

Civil Liberties: Do not take away essential freedoms, revoke Partiot Act.

Gun Control: Gun ownership is a protected right, less amount of gun control.

Campaign Finance: More reform is needed to make elections truly fair.

Brief Biography:
Cesar Gonzalez, Sr. immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1950.  His son, Cesar Gonzalez, Jr., became the first person in his family to attend college.  Cesar Gonzalez, Jr. is now the popular Governor of New York, and has served in that capacity since he was elected in 2002.  He appeals with urban and minority voters, as well as libertarians.  Gonzalez proudly calls himself a libertarian, and constantly advocates restrictions on government's size and power.  Gonzalez has been planning a Presidential campaign since his election as Governor, and is now ready to campaign hard.  The Libertarian Party has publicly stated that it will not run a candidate is Gonzalez is nominated.  Gonzalez has locked up support from those within the Democratic and Libertarian parties, and is off to a very strong start.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Ron Marcham

Democrat

Full Name: Ronald William Marcham

Born: November 5, 1955

State: South Carolina

Political Experience:
Governor, South Carolina (2003-Present)

Mayor, Charleston, South Carolina (1997-2003)

What happened to Mayor-for-Life Joseph P. Riley, Jr.?

[Yates]

Ron Marcham

Democrat

Full Name: Ronald William Marcham

Born: November 5, 1955

State: South Carolina

Political Experience:
Governor, South Carolina (2003-Present)

Mayor, Charleston, South Carolina (1997-2003)

What happened to Mayor-for-Life Joseph P. Riley, Jr.?

He moved to Bahrain.

[Yates]

Bill Kennicks

Democrat

Full Name: William Jason Kennicks

Born: February 11, 1952

State: Minnesota

Political Experience:
United States Senate (1993-Present)

Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development (1989-1993)

United States House of Representatives (1983-1989)

Military Experience:
Air Force Reserves (1970-1995)

Professional Experience:
Lobbyist (1977-1980)
Political Consultant (1980-1982)

Education: Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (1977)

Marital Status: Married, Suzanne (1976)

Children: Kaitlyn (b. 1977), Michael (b. 1979)

Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian

Political Classification: Moderate Liberal

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 29

American Civil Liberties Union: 67

Caucus Membership:
N/A

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Ban partial birth abortion, allow all else.

Social Security: Against privatization, increase funding.

War on Terrorism: Use military force to combat terrorism across the globe.

War in Iraq: No timetable, but begin to reduce troop level gradually.

Education: Transfer more power to states and localities, no school vouchers.

Medicare/Medicaid: Do not change.

Health Care: Attempt to create a universal health care system.

Gay Marriage: Let states decide.

Taxes: Decrease middle class taxes, keep all else the same.

Affirmative Action: Tone down affirmative action, but do not erase completely.

Free Trade: Allow businesses some leeway in trade, as it helps consumers.

Civil Liberties: Revoke parts of Patriot Act, but keep others.

Gun Control: Background checks and waiting periods are necessary.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Political fixture Bill Kennicks is making his long-awaited run for the White House in 2008.  This Senator and former Cabinet Secretary is, most likely, the most experienced of the Democratic contenders.  He has many contacts and much support from political insiders, and has unlimited access to soft money contributors.  His center-left ideology appeals to the party as a whole.  He is an experienced politician who is able to spin issues his way.  He has been planning this campaign ever since his friend, John Kerry, lost in 2004.  He finally announced that he would be running in March 2007.  Initially, Kennicks seems to be the front-runner for the nomination.  However, this is politics, and things could always change.

[Yates]

Howard Tiller

Republican

Full Name: Howard Maxwell Tiller

Born: April 9, 1948

State: Utah

Political Experience:
Chairman, Heritage Foundation (2003-Present)

President, Family Research Council (1981-2003)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Author, Keep the Faith

Professor, Brigham Young University (1987-1992)

Teacher, Clark Mormon Academy (1961-1978)

Education: Brigham Young University (1960)

Marital Status: Married, Crystal (1965)

Children: Lance (b. 1966), Eden (b. 1967), Norman (b. 1969), Thomas (b. 1970)

Religious Affiliation: Mormon

Political Classification: Religious Conservative

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 98

American Civil Liberties Union: 26

Caucus Membership:
Christian Coalition

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Do not allow abortion under any circumstances.

Social Security: Full privatization of social security.

War on Terrorism: Strong military force is the only way to combat terrorism and make America safe.

War in Iraq: We must stay the course, no timetable, no troop reductions.

Education: More power must be given to local governments.

Medicare/Medicaid: Dramatically decrease funding.

Health Care: Try to achieve a completely private health care system.

Gay Marriage: Homosexuality must be discouraged, do not allow gay marriage or civil unions.

Taxes: Cut taxes for everyone.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action is racism, end it now.

Free Trade: Businesses must be permitted to trade freely.

Civil Liberties: Support Patriot Act, security is more important than liberty.

Gun Control: People have a God-given right to defend themselves, almost no gun control.

Campaign Finance: The system is fine as it is.

Brief Biography:
Howard Tiller is considered, by some, to be America's most conservative politician.  He is Chairman of the conservative Heritage Foundation, founded the Family Research Council, a conservative organization, has written a book denouncing secularists, and often is on television denouncing non-Christians and gays.  He considered a gubernatorial campaign in Utah in 2004, but declined the offer in order to run for President.  He has been planning a campaign for many years.  Tiller seeks to restore government to its religious roots.  At every campaign event, he prays and displays the cross behind the podium.  He is likely to capture the religious right vote, and potentially do well in the primaries.  However, if he wins the nomination, he will have trouble winning the votes of moderate swing voters.

[Yates]

John Danielson

Republican

Full Name: John Alexander Danielson

Born: August 15, 1950

State: Oklahoma

Political Experience:
United States Senate (1999-Present)
Republican Conference Chairman (2005-Present)

Lieutenant Governor, Oklahoma (1995-1999)

Attorney General, Oklahoma (1987-1995)

Military Experience:
Navy (1968-1971 Vietnam)

Professional Experience:
Practicing Attorney (1978-1987)

Education: Harvard, School of Law (1978)

Marital Status: Married, Kim (1976)

Children: Walter (b. 1976), Christine (b. 1980)

Religious Affiliation: Lutheran

Political Classification: Conservative

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 89

American Civil Liberties Union: 38

Caucus Membership:
None.

Issue Positions:
Abortion: No abortions except in the cases of rape/incest or mother's health.

Social Security: Privatization will be necessary in the long run.

War on Terrorism: We must use whatever tools necessary to combat terrorism worldwide.

War in Iraq: We must not cut and run, but it's nearing the time when we'll need to pull troops out.

Education: Transfer more power to states and localities.

Medicare/Medicaid: Transfer more to private companies.

Health Care: Aim for a more privatized health care system.

Gay Marriage: Let the states decide.

Taxes: Flat-tax system in effect by the end of first term.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action is necessary in only very few cases.

Free Trade: Allow businesses to trade freely.

Civil Liberties: The Patriot Act was necessary for America's security.

Gun Control: Gun control should be a state and local issue.

Campaign Finance: We already have enough reform.

Brief Biography:
John Danielson, the Senate's third-highest ranking Republican, is a mainstream conservative from a red state.  He is a model citizen with a loving wife and two children.  He is very noncontroversial, and is considered by many to be the most solid pick for the nomination.  Danielson was never ambitious, and when he announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for President in early 2007, the pundits were shocked.  However, Danielson racked up a surprising level of support, and is a very formidable candidate for the nomination.  If he wins the nomination, he is likely to attract some swing voters due to his position on the War in Iraq.

[Yates]

Isaac Berman

Republican

Full Name: Isaac Benjamin Berman

Born: September 8, 1941

State: New York

Political Experience:
United States Senate (1983-2001)

New York City Council (1978-1980)

New York City School Supervisor (1976-1978)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Physician (1965-1978)

Education: Johns Hopkins University (1963)

Marital Status: Married, Esther (1964)

Children: Dorothy (b. 1966), Adam (b. 1969)

Religious Affiliation: Orthodox Judaism

Political Classification: Moderate Conservative

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 64

American Civil Liberties Union: 51 

Caucus Membership:
Israel Caucus

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Ban partial birth abortion, allow all else.

Social Security: Begin a gradual privatization of social security.

War on Terrorism: Use strong military force to smother terrorism.

War in Iraq: Stay the course, no troop reductions yet.

Education: The No Child Left Behind Act needs reform.

Medicare/Medicaid: Cut benefits, shift to private companies.

Health Care: Shift to private health care coverage.

Gay Marriage: Ban gay marriage and gay adoption, but allow civil unions.

Taxes: Cut taxes for everyone.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action is unnecessary, end it.

Free Trade: Allow businesses to trade freely.

Civil Liberties: Patriot Act is necessary in these times.

Gun Control: Citizens have the right to own a gun, limited gun control.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Former Senator Isaac Berman, known in his Senate days as "Rabbi Berman," is making an unexpected campaign to become the nation's first Jewish President.  Berman was originally a doctor who first ran for office because his son's school did not have a playground.  Since that first campaign, he has come a long way.  He is known as a mainstream, fairly moderate conservative, who attracts support from both parties, as well as Indepdendents.  Berman announced his campaign in late 2006, and began campaigning almost immediately.  He is able to appeal to urban voters, being a former New York City official, and he can appeal to moderates in the party.  He also appeals to senior citizens, being what he calls "a gray person."  Berman could be the little engine that could, and might end up winning the nomination.

[Yates]

Rita Lucas

Republican

Full Name: Rita Elizabeth Huntington Lucas

Born: May 22, 1954

State: North Carolina

Political Experience:
United States Senate (2003-Present)
Majority Leader (2005-2007)

Governor, North Carolina (1995-2003)

United States House of Representatives (1991-1995)

North Carolina House of Representatives (1985-1991)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Principal, Saint John Academy (1983-1985)

Teacher, Saint John Academy (1976-1983)

Education: William and Mary College (1976)

Marital Status: Married, William (1980)

Children: Victoria (b. 1981), Robert (b. 1983), Patrick (b. 1987)

Religious Affiliation: Methodist

Political Classification: Conservative

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 93

American Civil Liberties Union: 41 

Caucus Membership:
Female Republicans

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Outlaw all abortion except for rape/incest or mother's health.

Social Security: Privatization of social security is necessary.

War on Terrorism: Do not hesitate to kill all terrorists, use whatever force necessary.

War in Iraq: Stay the course, don't cut and run, no troop reductions.

Education: Shift power to states and localities.

Medicare/Medicaid: Cut benefits and funding.

Health Care: Shift health care into private hands.

Gay Marriage: Marriage is between a man and a woman only.

Taxes: Cut taxes for everyone, encourage economic growth.

Affirmative Action: End all affirmative action now.

Free Trade: Allow businesses to trade freely.

Civil Liberties: The Patriot Act is necessary to squelch terrorism.

Gun Control: Let people have guns, no gun control.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Rita Lucas will be forever remembered by her famous quote.  "I may be a woman, but I've got more balls than most of the men out there."  She is tough, ruthless, and uncompromising.  She is a proven leader, having lead Senate Republicans from 2005-2007.  She is a proven conservative, getting a 93 from the ACU.  Her presidential campaign was not unexpected.  Most political pundits agree that if the first female President is elected within the decade, it'll be Lucas.  Lucas has campaigned hard since she announced her intention to run in Spring 2007.  Initially, she seems to be the frontrunner, attracting both the female vote and the votes of solid conservatives.  Lucas will, undoubtedly, go far in this race.

[Yates]

Christopher Scott

Republican

Full Name: Christopher Gregory Scott

Born: December 14, 1961

State: Michigan

Political Experience:
Governor, Michigan (2003-Present)

United States House of Representatives (1999-2003)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Owner & Manager, Three Lakes Hotel (1987-Present)

Financial Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1985-1990)

Education: Harvard Business School (1985)

Marital Status: Married, Katherine (1993)

Children: Chelsea (b. 1999), Cassandra (b. 2004)

Religious Affiliation: Nondenominational

Political Classification: Moderate Liberal

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 42

American Civil Liberties Union: 79

Caucus Membership:
Progressive Caucus

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Allow abortion in the first two trimesters, rape/incest, and mother's health.

Social Security: Do not privatize social security.

War on Terrorism: Fight terrorists using military action.

War in Iraq: Begin reducing troop levels now.

Education: Reform No Child Left Behind.

Medicare/Medicaid: Keep it the same.

Health Care: Aim for universal health care, public or private.

Gay Marriage: Allow gays to marry and adopt.

Taxes: Increase taxes for the rich, lower taxes for the poor.

Affirmative Action: Begin revoking affirmative action programs.

Free Trade: Protectionism is sometimes necessary in trade.

Civil Liberties: Remove the Patriot Act, do not take away essential liberties.

Gun Control: Gun control is vital for our nation's safety.

Campaign Finance: More reform is needed.

Brief Biography:
Christopher Scott is a rarity in this world: a liberal Republican.  He supports higher taxes, a woman's right to choose, gay marriage, and universal health care.  Elected to Congress in 1998, Scott soon deviated from his party on many issues.  He narrowly won his party's nomination for Governor of Michigan in 2002, but attracted enough Independents and Democratic swing voters to win handily.  Nationally, Scott is extremely popular.  He maintains a net approval rating in every group of voters except for, ironically, Republicans.  In July 2007, Scott entered the Presidential race.  His goal is to change American politics by giving the center new political power.  Most Americans say that they would support Scott if he was the Republican nominee.  However, his liberal views put him at an extreme disadvantage in the primaries.

[Josh/Devilman88]

Rita Lucas

Republican

Full Name: Rita Elizabeth Huntington Lucas

Born: May 22, 1954

State: North Carolina

Political Experience:
United States Senate (2003-Present)
Majority Leader (2005-2007)

Governor, North Carolina (1995-2003)

United States House of Representatives (1991-1995)

North Carolina House of Representatives (1985-1991)

Military Experience:
N/A

Professional Experience:
Principal, Saint John Academy (1983-1985)

Teacher, Saint John Academy (1976-1983)

Education: William and Mary College (1976)

Marital Status: Married, William (1980)

Children: Victoria (b. 1981), Robert (b. 1983), Patrick (b. 1987)

Religious Affiliation: Methodist

Political Classification: Conservative

Group Ratings:
American Conservative Union: 93

American Civil Liberties Union: 41 

Caucus Membership:
Female Republicans

Issue Positions:
Abortion: Outlaw all abortion except for rape/incest or mother's health.

Social Security: Privatization of social security is necessary.

War on Terrorism: Do not hesitate to kill all terrorists, use whatever force necessary.

War in Iraq: Stay the course, don't cut and run, no troop reductions.

Education: Shift power to states and localities.

Medicare/Medicaid: Cut benefits and funding.

Health Care: Shift health care into private hands.

Gay Marriage: Marriage is between a man and a woman only.

Taxes: Cut taxes for everyone, encourage economic growth.

Affirmative Action: End all affirmative action now.

Free Trade: Allow businesses to trade freely.

Civil Liberties: The Patriot Act is necessary to squelch terrorism.

Gun Control: Let people have guns, no gun control.

Campaign Finance: McCain/Feingold is sufficient.

Brief Biography:
Rita Lucas will be forever remembered by her famous quote.  "I may be a woman, but I've got more balls than most of the men out there."  She is tough, ruthless, and uncompromising.  She is a proven leader, having lead Senate Republicans from 2005-2007.  She is a proven conservative, getting a 93 from the ACU.  Her presidential campaign was not unexpected.  Most political pundits agree that if the first female President is elected within the decade, it'll be Lucas.  Lucas has campaigned hard since she announced her intention to run in Spring 2007.  Initially, she seems to be the frontrunner, attracting both the female vote and the votes of solid conservatives.  Lucas will, undoubtedly, go far in this race.

I like her!

[Yates]

All biographies are now complete.

[Kevin]

Isaac Berman for President!

[Platypus]

Anyone else want a Landis-Danielson-Scott race?

[nini2287]

Rita Lucas

Education: William and Mary College (1976)

She wins my vote   Although it is The College of William and Mary

[TeePee4Prez]

My order.

Democrats
1. Ed Landis
2. Bill Kennicks
3. Cesar Gonzalez
4. Jeremy Duncan
5. Ron Marcham

Republicans
1. Christopher Scott (would vote for him over Gonzalez, Duncan, and Marcham in the general)
2. Isaac Berman (would have my vote over Marcham only in general)
3. John Danielson
4. Rita Lucas
5. Howard Tiller

[Speed of Sound]

top 3:

Duncan
Gonzalez
Landis (mainly cause he looks like Edwards )

[CheeseWhiz]

I think I like Gonzalez the best.

[TeePee4Prez]

Just wondering- can a Christpher Scott be a Republican?  Hell, I'd vote for him over a lot of Democrats!