SC Gov Mark Sanford

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I think he'd be unstoppable in the primary (every republican nominee since 1980 has won the south carolina primary and no one is gonna' beat sanford in the south carolina primary) and pretty darn close to unstoppable in the general.  Even if he doesnt have a strong record as governor he can run off the same platform Bush ran off of in 2000.  Southern, Charming, Christian, Republican, Governor.

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Honestly, I'm not even sure what I would tell Democrats to do if Sanford looks to be the nominee. Probably nominate Hillary and hope to at least hold the base together for down-ballot purposes.

It would be tough, real tough.  I think the only thing the Democrats would have going for them is the American people will probably be hungry for a political change by 2008.  Would Sanford be impossible to beat? No.  But pretty darn close.  The only real blemish I see on his record is he doesnt support absolute right to gun ownership.

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Generally it would seem to me you would want a "new" Democrat to battle a "new" Republican... someone young, telegenic, intelligent, energetic etc. Do the Democrats have such a candidate? Not that I've seen or heard... I think the GOP just got kind of lucky to have a few terrific Governors/potential Presidential candidates. In '92 the Dems got lucky enough with Clinton, but haven't been able to replicate that.

Governor Brady Henry, he could almost Neutralize the Southern/MidWestern, Charming, Christian, thing.  I mean, the guy teaches his kid's sunday school class for christ sake.  Plus, the NRA would probably have to stay neutral in this race considering Henry has an A+ rating from the NRA.

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Very true.  Of course, the fact remains that it will be about a 1,000 times easier for Sanford to win the GOP nomination and get through the primaries than it will be for Henry to get the Dem nomination and get through the primaries.

Which really is too bad, frankly.  I'd like to have two fairly good nominees for Prez for a change.

The only real problems Henry will face is, he isnt a lock for re-election and fundraising.  The base actually loves the guy from what I can gather. He supports gun rights and the death penalty, but other than that he is pretty progressive.  He stands with the democrats on public education, health care, taxes etc. 

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What state is Governor Henry from?

I don't think Sanford is as invincible as you guys are making him out to be. I support the man, and I think he'd make a good president, but it's not as if he's a lock to carry 40 states or anything, heh.

Henry is governor of Oklahoma.  Sanford isnt invincible, but he is the strongest potential 2008 candidate from either side.

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If it goes to the guys that have 'paid their dues,' then it's probably McCain's or Rudy's turn. 

Since we didn't have any sort of challenge in '04, I'd say that it is wide open in '08.  I really do'nt think that McCain will even run.  I saw him on TV tonight and he didn't look well.

I keep thinking Frist is a lock for some reason.  I dont have a detailed analysis why, but I really think hes gonna' win the primary.

edit: not really a lock, but you know what I mean, the favorite.

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People seem to be forgeting about the CNN poll that showed that Giuliani beats all the other choices for '08, by far, among Republicans (38% I think).  McCain comes in second (10% behind Rudy) and First comes in at 15%.

Pure name recognition.  My sisters like 8 and she knows who Rudy Giuliani is.  My dog knows who Rudy Giuliani is.

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Romney's a Mormon, and Pawlenty is a weird bastard.

LOL, your set on Sanford arent you Bob?

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Sanford looks like that actor from JAWS. What was his name??

And he looks like he fell asleep in a tanning bed....Just kidding, but he is really dark.

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Do you Tennesee guy's think Bredesen has thought about dropping out of the gubernatorial race and going after the open senate seat?

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Oops!  My bad.  I guess I'm just linking the two due to their business similarities. 

Not bashing Bredesen in any way.  In fact, I kinda like him!

It's ironic that Democrats hate Bredesen and Republicans like him.

I dont hate him.  From what I can gather he's just tackling problems in a non-partisan way, I like that.   Plus, hes setting himself up for an easy re-election.  Its gonna' be interesting to see how he govern's his second term. 

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The far left at some of my Democratic boards are bitching they will vote green if any of the follow receive the nomination... Bredesen, Warner, Bayh, Richardson.  They must really hate winning.

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Soulty,

Whats wrong with winning elections the way ya'll are winning them right now?  Sh**t, Id do anything to be in the position the GOP is in right now when it comes to elections and political power.

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Ford made some good points.  Post 9/11 you gotta' have some foreign policy credentials under your belt or its gonna' kill your campaign.  This is one reason Im not to thrilled about Mark Warner.

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Hey Bob, Im gonna' PM my 2008 blog Im working on.  So far I only have the Democratic rankings done.  Take a peak, tell me what you think, and if you have any suggestions on the layout or color or anything let me know.