Bayh vs. Sanford -2008 election hypothetical

[A18]

I'm just curious.  What's the big deal about Sanford?  Why is he always talked about as a dream candidate for the GOP?

He's a true conservative and firm supporter of limited government. In 2004, he vetoed 106 budget items. The GOP-controlled legislature overturned 105 of them, and the next day he brought brought live pigs into the House chamber as a visual protest against "pork projects."

He also spoke out in favor of lifting the U.S. embargo of Cuba, and opposed a ban on physician-assisted suicide.

[A18]

Opebo's map is unusually semi-realistic, although he needs to make the south a bit darker blue, especially SC. I'd also change UT to >60%. I also think that at least half the states listed as >40% would be >50%.

Nevada and New Hampshire would go for Sanford. West Virginia and maybe Missouri would go Bayh.

I also think New Mexico would go for Sanford, >50%. South Carolina should be >60%, and Alabama probably >50%.

All this is assuming it's a close race, which I really doubt will happen again.

[A18]

Sanford is less socially conservative than Bush, which helps in both Nevada and New Hampshire. Both of those states aren't exactly known for populism.

New Mexico goes Sanford because of hispanics.

In 2008.

[A18]

If he gets his private school tax credit bill through, that will be a huge accomplishment.

[A18]

Oh, and vetoing over 100 budget items is a record.

[A18]

Sanford. He's a governor.

[A18]

It would matter more if presidents didn't have a ton of advisors to handle this stuff for them.

He needs to get some more stuff done (he has two years before the primary season begins), but then he'll be the perfect candidate.