Mike Naso's Top Ten List #2 (DEC 2005)

[Reaganfan]

I have decided to make my Top Ten Lists for the possible GOP Presidential candidates roughly each month...with an interesting logo for each, almost like the title of a comic book. Since my last was an August edition, I figured now is a good time to update/change that list. Before all the conservatives go nuts on me, just because I say one candidate has a better shot than the other..it does not mean I support that candidate, or that I think the candidate can win the nomination. This list mainly makes up Republicans who I believe are really making a future effort to run. Now... to the new list...

1. (R-NY) Governor George Pataki

Governor Pataki is my #1 choice for this list. Pataki has made extremely clear signals that he will be running for President in 2008.

#1. Two days before last list, Pataki announced he would not run for re-election...but this made more waves in the media than I thought, which gives him a media boost in my opinion.

#2. George H. W. Bush's fundraiser has been hired by Pataki. BIG MOVE. A Former US President's fund raiser can help give Pataki a big boost. I feel that with enough money...Governor Pataki can make successful waves in the 2008 GOP primaries.

Right Now, George Pataki is my #1 pick of the month for President in 2008.

2. (R-MA) Governor Mitt Romney

My choice for #2 pick is the same as it was 122 days ago, Mitt Romney. This is a guy in a bind. Does he take the chance and run in 2006, or does he just go for the gold in 2008? Time will tell...until then, Mitt will stay at #2.

3. (R-AZ) Senator John McCain

I know...I know. McCain's too old. McCain's too liberal. But if anybody is making headway nationally when it comes to Iraq, I think it is John McCain. He seems to be the only one that people are buying. NY Senator Hillary Clinton keeps trying to talk moderate, but it ain't buying as well for her. McCain and Hillary seem to be the political warriors of 2005. We all know that McCain would probably have a tough time being nominated, but if he was...he would likely win in a landslide. I was a McCain2000 supporter when I was 12 years old, before Bush eventually got the nomination. McCain continues to have three things that make him my current #3 choice...Media Attention, Wide ranging likeability, and the ability to win.

4. (R-VA) Senator George Allen

My former #1 candidate is now #4. Why is that, you ask? Because he is making no clear signs he will run. I mean, I think he will run, and I still think he would make a great candidate and a great president, however...unlike Romney and Pataki, who seem to be making the right moves towards running...Allen must make 2006 easy, or 2008 will be tough.

5. (R-SC) Governor Mark Sanford

Former #4 guy now bumped down to #5. No real negative reasons for that, other than McCain jumping forward this list. Mark Sanford was all the rage for 2008 in early 2005...but kind of faded. However, I slowly see his popularity as a possible presidential candidate coming back on the stage. I think he will win re-election in 2006. A few weeks back, I saw a poll of him leading potential challengers by huge margins, and everyone I talk to from South Carolina says he's a good governor, despite split approval ratings. However, new polls suggest he may not be that big a lock for re-election, but if he plays his cards right...he could remain on the right track.

6. (R-NY) Frm. Mayor Rudy Giuliani

Rudy is now speculating that he will be looking into running for President in 2006, so he tends to be thinking about a run. As a matter of fact, he has been more speculative lately, than even George Allen.

7. (R-AL) Secretary Condoleezza Rice

Not showing or speculating on running...as she clearly said she had no intention of doing...but damn, she is a bright star in the political world right now.

8. (R-MN) Governor Tim Pawlenty

Pawlenty has dropped on my list from last time, when it was at #3. On October 28th, he said that the GOP was "on the ropes" and he would be "lucky if he was re-elected". I think he is losing interest in 2008, especially if he is doubting 2006.

9. (R-AR) Governor Mike Huckabee

He could make a good potential candidate, but he lacks name recognition nationally. He may be interested in a run.

10. (R-SD) Governor Mike Rounds

He is showing no interest in running, and I doubt he will. However, as of September 5th, his approval rating was 76%, and he seems like a potential young rising star. He may run for a senate seat in 2008. The sole reason he is on here is because he is a popular governor in the Republican party who could always try and make a run. I would give him a very very low chance of having any interest...and that's why he is the last on my list.

[Speed of Sound]

interesting list, but why Pataki #1? Just curious.

[minionofmidas]

(Echo's fellow socialist's sentiments. Good writeup.)

[Wiz in Wis]

Mike, I love that picture of Biden.... It's him to a tee.

[MAS117]

So basically you change who you like every month?

[Lincoln Republican]

I like George Pataki, however, I do not believe he has much of a political future in elective politics.

I know many members on this board do not like Mitt Romney, and I do get criticized for extolling his virtues, and that's fine, however, I have to say, he certainly looks the most Presidential of any potential candidate for the Presidency.

[Alcon]

Pataki may have some strengths, but he's running because he would likely get thumped in a Gubernatoral race.  That's fodder for the primary sharks.  Nothing is good enough about him to justify a #1.

Otherwise, your list is pretty decent.  Well done.

[YRABNNRM]

Rudy is now speculating that he will be looking into running for President in 2006

Well he won't have much opposition then...

What do you see in Pataki that would make him 1) A good candidate 2) A good president?

[Max Power]

YOU SHOW THEM WHO'S BOSS NASO

[jokerman]

Pataki #1 and Mitt Romney #2!?!?

[© tweed]

Pataki #1 and Mitt Romney #2!?!?

Two centrist northeastern Governors with mid-40s approvals.

You HAVE to love Naso.  Pataki #1?  riiiiiiight.

EDIT: Romney actually climbed back to 50% in the latest poll.  Surprising, but meaningless for 2 reasons: 1) he's not going to run for re-election, because he'd lose, and 2) He isn't winning MA in a presidential election under any circumstances.

[Keystone Phil]

So basically you change who you like every month?

He said this is who he thinks are most likely to run. Before we launch into attack mode, let's try reading.

[YRABNNRM]

So basically you change who you like every month?

He said this is who he thinks are most likely to run. Before we launch into attack mode, let's try reading.

This is true. I misread it at first too.

[Reaganfan]

So basically you change who you like every month?

Why don't you read it Mr. Retardo

[MAS117]

So basically you change who you like every month?

Why don't you read it Mr. Retardo

Good job on this Naso, WAIT TO GO!

[CheeseWhiz]

So basically you change who you like every month?

Why don't you read it Mr. Retardo

Good job on this Naso, WAIT TO GO!

MAS, really   I don’t think he should have called you retarded, but you definitely shouldn’t have attacked him on a thread where he’s actually doing something right.  I haven’t read this yet, but it seems like he put a lot of hard work into it, and I really think it’s very rude of you to bash him with no cause.

[MAS117]

So basically you change who you like every month?

Why don't you read it Mr. Retardo

Good job on this Naso, WAIT TO GO!

MAS, really   I don’t think he should have called you retarded, but you definitely shouldn’t have attacked him on a thread where he’s actually doing something right.  I haven’t read this yet, but it seems like he put a lot of hard work into it, and I really think it’s very rude of you to bash him with no cause.

Well Cheesewhiz, I did indeed read the information wrong posted by Naso. From what I thought I read it seemed like he was going to change who he supports every month, which was odd, so I questioned that. Naso instead came back attacking me, so I came back at him.

[CheeseWhiz]

Naso, this is a good list, and I can't wait to see more of them in the future

This, MAS, was quite obviously an attack:

MIKE NASO FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

[Lincoln Republican]

Great job Mike.  Keep up the good work.  Interesting to read.

[Reaganfan]

Great job Mike.  Keep up the good work.  Interesting to read.

Thank you

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Pataki 2008! Because charisma is over-rated!

[Keystone Phil]

Pataki 2008! Because charisma is over-rated!

Gore 2000 - Kerry 2004 - Because charisma is over rated!

[Lincoln Republican]

Romney in 2008 because we need someone who actually has charisma to run for President!

I whole heartedly endorse that statement!