Statement by Mike Huckabee in Response to Gov. Romney's Endorsement of Sen. McCain:

"I am seeking the Presidency because I care deeply about important issues facing America



—Life, Marriage, the Fair Tax, the Second Amendment, American Border Security and Sovereignty.

I am as committed to those issues as I ever was, and my campaigning around the country has convinced me that the majority of Republicans want me to continue to fight for these and other conservative causes. So I will.I know all about the rumors swirling around. That's why I just went on national news show this afternoon, to knock those rumors down. I am still in this race. As I have said all along, I am in this race until someone gets to 1,191 delegates. That has not happened yet, and so I will keep campaigning for the Republican nomination. Period. That’s my ironclad commitment to my supporters."

John McCain begins the healing process with conciliatory speech to conservatives at Conservative Convention

Today John McCain addressed the Conservative Convention in Washington DC. This speech was carefully nuanced and set clear blue water between him and Clinton/Obama.

His warm tribute to Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee aids the healing process in the Republican Party. He emphasized his determination to unify the party and to run on conservative principles. He stressed that he was a conservative. Liberty is a right conferred by God. A political party must stand for clear-cut political beliefs and cannot be all things to all men. Here he was invoking the legacy of Ronald Reagan. He stressed small government, fiscal discipline, low taxation and the right to life of the unborn. He opposes big government mandated health care. He opposes expensive entitlement programmes. He favours low company taxation. He supports the maintenance of the Bush tax cuts.

He expressed strong support for the surge. He alluded to the problem of illegal immigration. He understood the opposition of conservatives to his stance on illegal immigration. Here he was booed by some of his listeners. However he quickly won over the dissidents. He attacked Senate Democrats for blocking surveillance powers designed to fight Jihadists. He stated that he would reduce big government and reduce taxes. He declared that Clinton and Obama would increase big government and raise taxes. He would appoint judges who respect the rights of the people. He attacked the Clinton/Obama decision to set an arbitrary withdrawal date from Iraq. He warned Iran and stressed his support for Israel.

The speech set the right tone. It had sufficient humility and humour to mollify the doubters. It addressed the major issues from a conservative perspective. It outlined in sharp relief major differences between McCain and Clinton/Obama. It is a major contribution towards the healing process within the Republican Party.

Mitt Romney withdraws from GOP race with carefully crafted speech on conservative principles

Today at the Conservative Convention in Washington DC Mitt Romney announced his intention to withdraw from the race for the GOP nomination. Romney’s poor performance on Super Tuesday effectively scuppered his prospects as he trailed far behind McCain in convention delegates

Romney’s speech was a tour de force. It was characterised by a clear-cut elucidation of conservative principles. It was arguably the greatest speech that he has ever given.
He emphasized the importance of the family-father and mother- to society. He attacked the culture of death. He emphasized the damage done by abortion to European society. He lambasted the nanny state.

He emphasized the importance of private enterprise and attacked government bureaucracy and excessive pay rates for government bureaucrats. He attacked wasteful government expenditure. He strongly supported McCains stance on the War on Terror. His decision to withdraw was based on a determination not to split the party. He claimed that any split in the party would ensure the election of either Clinton and Obama.

If John McCain is elected President it is likely that he may serve only one term on age grounds. Romney’s pragmatic decision and strong support for conservative principles ensures that he is likely to secure the GOP nomination in the future.
Today marks the first step in the healing process in the GOP and greatly strengthens its prospects of securing the Presidency.

A Super Tuesday for McCain and Huckabee, a Black Tuesday for Romney

Super Tuesday has copper fastened John McCain’s position as the strong favourite to secure the GOP nomination. He has c700 delegates. He needs 1,191 to win the nomination at the convention in St. Paul, Minn. He won the most states and scored impressive victories in the delegate-rich states of California, New York and Illinois. In general McCain did best amongst Republican moderates. Voters who said they were most concerned about the economy, the Iraq war or terrorism tended to favour McCain.

Whilst a week is a long time in politics it would take a major political faux pas to deprive him of the nomination. McCain has risen phoenix like from the ashes of political irrelevancy. Six months ago his campaign- bereft of finance-was on the verge of collapse. Campaign staff was laid off. Political analysts considered McCain a busted flush. His victory in New Hampshire was the catalyst, which ignited his fight back. Independents and moderate Republicans provided the necessary support to buttress his campaign. This was particularly significant in New Hampshire and Florida. Victory in Florida ensured that he was now the front-runner on Super Tuesday.


He still faces major difficulties. Campaign finance is scarce. However victory on Super Tuesday should alleviate the problem. Donors like winners.He faces problems from the extreme right wing of the Republican Party. Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter have been particularly critical. Some extreme right wing elements are likely to abstain. Anne Coulter has stated that she would vote for Hillary Clinton in preference to John McCain. She argues that Clinton is more conservative than McCain. Of course this is utter nonsense. McCain is a moderate conservative whilst Clinton is a Socialist. McCain favours a balanced budget. He strongly opposes abortion and he is strong on national security -all good conservative issues. There is increasing evidence that most conservatives within the GOP are preparing to rally to the McCain cause.The extreme right is blinded by a rigid ideology. Many are further to the right than Barry Goldwater.McCain must endeavour to compensate for the loss of some elements on the right by appealing to the centre and to conservative Democrats.

Super Tuesday has been an unmitigated disaster for Mitt Romney. Romney has 260 delegates. This is a very poor return on the massive financial outlay. He secured most support from more right wing conservatives and from those strongly opposed to illegal immigration. Romney told his supporters in Boston that the Republican race would continue. "One thing that's clear is, this campaign's going on!" he said to cheers. Of course Romney can continue to the convention in the forlorn hope that he may yet secure the nomination. He has a personal fortune of $250 million. Romney in the interests of the GOP should withdraw and accept the inevitable.

Mike Huckabee whose campaign has been hamstrung by a chronic lack of funding scored stunning victories in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Georgia, the biggest Southern state to vote Tuesday. The charismatic Huckabee would make a strong vice presidential candidate. He could face competition from Newt Gingrich for the vice presidential slot. So far he has 190 delegates to the convention.

Schwarzenegger endorses McCain

Arnold Schwarzeneggers endorsement of John McCain has seriously damaged Mitt Romney's prospects of winning the GOP California primary. However Romney whose personal fortune is estimated at $250 million will greatly outspend McCain not alone in California but also in all other states involved in Super Tuesday. Romney has spent $35 million in his presidential campaign so far. This is the final throw of the dice for Romney so a massive advertising splurge is anticipated. Romney will paint himself as the true conservative. In reality John McCain is a true fiscal conservative. McCain has consistently favoured tax cuts allied to sharp curbs on public expenditure and a balanced budget.


Mike Huckabee is a true fiscal conservative notwithstanding comments from Mitt Romney. Huckabee's financial stewardship in Arkansas was superior to that of Romney in Massachusetts.Huckabee also supports the Fair Tax.

McCain band wagon gains momentum with Giuliani endorsement

John McCain- already buoyed up by a stunning victory over Mitt Romney in Florida -received further good news in the form of an endorsement from Rudi Giuliani. Giuliani stated that "We both believe in fiscal discipline…finally, we both believe in building a strong and broader Republican party. One that is growing and reaching out…” This endorsement may help McCain in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Of course conservatives may rave and rant about Giuliani's liberalism but the reality is that McCain has a greater capacity to reach out to Democratic and Independent voters than Romney.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is believed to be in discussions about endorsing John McCain’s presidential bid. In an interview on CNN- just now-however he was rather coy saying "I have nothing to announce today".

Two Georgia Republican senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Issacson, have already committed to endorse McCain. If Schwarzenegger were to support McCain- in advance of Super Tuesday-Romney's prospects in California would be seriously diminished.

McCain victory in Florida - a massive blow to Romney

John McCain's victory in Florida has severely dented Romney's prospects of securing the GOP nomination. McCain now has momentum going into Super Tuesday. Rudi Giuliani's poor third place performance ensures that his prospects have been effectively dashed. It is quite possible that Giuliani may withdraw and throw his weight behind McCain. The majority of Giuliani supporters lean more towards McCain than Romney. Mike Huckabee who finished in fourth place intends to contest Super Tuesday. He will have a sizeable block of delegates at the GOP convention. He may become the king maker if neither McCain or Romney has an overall majority of delegates. He leans towards McCain and could yet become a Vice Presidential candidate.

John McCain is now the front runner and favourite to win the GOP nomination. A McCain/ Huckabee ticket would appeal to a wide strand of public opinion. Democrats fear McCain more than Romney. Can Romney turn the tables on McCain on Super Tuesday? One thing is certain he will outspend McCain.

Huckabee beats Romney on taxes

Huckabee vs. Romney - Tax Burden as a Percentage of Income:

The charts at the Tax Foundation links below illustrate the comparison between Huckabee and Romney with respect to tax burden as a percentage of total income during their governorships of Arkansas and Massachusetts .

Arkansas Tax Burden as a Percentage of Income
The Tax Foundation
Taking 1996 and 2007 for Huckabee, the state+local tax burden for Arkansans went from 10.1% of income to 11.3% of income for an increase of 1.2% over 11 years (Mike Huckabee served as governor for 10 and a half of those), or an average of 0.11% per year.

Massachusetts' Tax Burden as a Percentage of Income
The Tax Foundation
Using 2002 and 2006 for Mitt Romney, it is clear that the state+local tax burden for Massachusettsians went from 9.8% to 10.5% over 4 years for an increase of 0.7% over 4 years, or an average increase of 0.175% per year.


Impartial observers can reach only one conclusion: Under Mike Huckabee there was an increase of 0.11% per year. Under Mitt Romney there was an increase of 0.175% per year.

Yet advertising by Romney and the Club for Growth – a body which has spent $750,000 against Governor Huckabee in Iowa, South Carolina and Michigan- misrepresents the FACTS. Huckabee beats Romney on TAXES. In addition Huckabee supports the Fair Tax. Romney does not.

Mike Huckabee -A Solid Fiscal Conservative

The following statement of policy has been released by Team Huckabee. It proves conclusively that Mike Huckabee is a fiscal conservative in the Ronald Reagan mould. It clearly nails the misinformation campaign by some journalists and political opponents who have misrepresented Huckabee's record as Governor of Arkansas. Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney in particular have been highly critical of Huckabee. Fred Thompson supported Gerald Ford in 1976 and not Ronald Reagan. He supported fellow Tennessean Howard Baker in 1980 and not Ronald Reagan. Mike Huckabee supported Ronald Reagan.

“I pledge free and fair markets and believe that as a nation we can do better to encourage savings, promote capital investment and increase real wages and jobs here at home. My intermediate tax goals include reduction of corporate and personal marginal rates and elimination of the estate tax—with a long-term goal of passage of the FairTax.”
Governor Huckabee has signed Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform “no tax increase” pledge;
Governor Huckabee is a fiscal conservative who cut taxes 94 times in the state of Arkansas:
- Eliminated the capital gains tax on the sale of a home.
- Reduced the capital gains tax for businesses and individuals.
- Doubled the standard deduction and the child care credit, eliminated the marriage penalty.
- Followed Ronald Reagan’s lead by indexing the income tax to protect people from paying higher taxes because of "bracket creep."
- Cut welfare rolls by almost 50 percent.
When Governor Huckabee left office, the tax rates remained exactly the same as when he began in office 11 years previous: the tax rate was 1 percent for the poorest taxpayers and 7 percent for the richest.
He is the only presidential candidate calling for genuine permanent tax reform through the elimination of the IRS and supporting the “FairTax.”
- A plan that eliminates federal tax penalties on productivity. - Allows American businesses and manufacturers to compete on equal footing with their foreign competitors. - A progressive tax plan that allows Americans to keep their entire paycheck.
When Governor Huckabee left office last January, he had turned the $200 million state budget shortfall left by his Democrat predecessor into an $844 million surplus allowing his successor to follow Governor Huckabee’s lead to begin the elimination of the state sales tax on food.

McCain rises phoenix like to win New Hampshire Primary

Last summer many had written John McCain’s political obituary. His campaign was broke. The comeback kid's barnstorming tour of New Hampshire has ensured that he has risen phoenix like from the ashes of political destruction to win a famous victory. He is now probably the new GOP front runner. Once more Mitt Romney has failed to secure victory. This is a devastating defeat for Romney who as Governor of Massachusetts is essentially on home territory. Romney’s prospects of securing the GOP nomination have been seriously damaged. Mike Huckabee who has only spent a few days canvassing here fared well to secure third place. He can expect a large vote in upcoming Michigan and South Carolina primaries. He is a strong contender.Giuliani's performance is abysmal and at this juncture bodes ill for his future prospects.

GOP New Hampshire Debate- Some notable quotes

John McCain to Mitt Romney:“We disagree on a lot of issues but I agree, you are the candidate of change" . Here John McCain was referring Mitt Romney's change of position on issues such as abortion. Romney's rejoinder- which was “the personal barbs are interesting but unnecessary" lacked the same subtlety.

Mitt Romney to Mike Huckabee: “Governor, don’t try to characterize my position.”
Mike Huckabee to Mitt Romney“Which one? Here Huckabee was referring to Mitt Romneys change of stance on various issues.

Romney attacked the McCain-Kennedy Immigration Plan.
McCain retorted :“It’s not amnesty and for you to describe it as you do in the attack ads, my friend, you can spend your whole fortune on these attack ads, but it will won’t be true.”

Mr. Giuliani: You know, Ronald Reagan –

Mr Giuliani: Charlie, if Ronald Reagan were here, who we all invoke, he would grab the microphone, say it’s my microphone, I paid for it. And Ronald Reagan did amnesty. He actually did amnesty.

Mr Giuliani: “I think he would be in one of Mitt’s negative commercials.”

Mr Huckabee: "I think we ought to un-tax innovation, un-tax income. Anything -- any time you penalize productivity, it's counter intuitive to an economy. And one of the reasons that we're dependent is because we have allowed the oil companies to dictate not just prices, but policy. And it's time to say that we're not going to allow dictators, whether it's the Middle East or from Venezuela, to continue to, in essence, enslave the American people, which is exactly what we've done.
Senator McCain is right. We have an issue now where we're paying for both sides of the war on terror. We pay for it with our tax dollars to fund the military, but every time we swipe our credit card in the gas pump, we might as well be sending a check over to the madrassas that are training the terrorists that eventually are going to come back to us. And that's why it's got to be an urgent matter of utmost priority".

Mr Huckabee: "when there is a serious threat to this country, it is not a threat because we happen to be peace-loving people; it's a threat because in the heart of the radical Islamic faith - not all Islam, and that's what's very important. This isn't an Islamic problem; this is a jihadist problem. This is an Islamofascism problem. And if you read the writings of those who most influenced -- and Governor Romney mentioned Said Qutub, executed in Egypt in 1966. He is one of the major philosophers behind this. And the fact is, there is nothing about our attacking them that prompts this. They are prompted by the fact they believe that they must establish a worldwide caliphate that has nothing to do with us other than we live and breathe, and their intention is to destroy us".

Mr Paul:"We run up the deficits. We tax. We borrow. We borrow from the Chinese. We can't borrow enough. Then what do we do? We print the money, and then you wonder where the inflation comes? The value of the dollar goes down and prices go up where the government gets involved in certain things, like housing or medical care or education. Prices are skyrocketing. So you have to deal with the monetary issue to solve the problem of the medical issue".

Mr Thompson:" We've got the best health care in the world. It costs more than it should. We can either go one of two ways. We can let the government take it over, and that'll lower costs, like - like they do in other countries. We will also sacrifice care, which nobody wants to do - we're not going to do in this country. Or we can make the markets work more efficiently."

Mr Romney:"Charlie, when I sat down with my family and had the discussion about whether or not to get into this race, we went around the room, and each one of my five sons and five daughters-in-law expressed their views. And it's because of them and because of my concern about the future of America that I'm in this race. I'm convinced that America is the greatest nation on earth, that we are a good nation and a strong nation. And we are safe and prosperous, in part, because of our greatness and our strength..."

Mr McCain: "I'd also like to give President Bush a little credit as we have this discussion. Right after 9/11, every expert in the world said there would be another attack on the United States of America. There hasn't been...."

Iowa-Huckabee leads high spending Romney

According to a poll in the DesMoinesRegister Mike Huckabee has maintained his lead over Mitt Romney. Huckabee leads Romney 32% to 26% . John McCain is on 13%. Such an outcome - in the GOP caucus -on Thursday night would be a massive boost the Huckabee campaign and an embarrassing defeat for Mitt Romney. It is estimated that Romney is outspending Huckabee by 20 to 1. The Huckabee campaign has been hamstrung some what by a lack of funds. Nevertheless the candidate is making excellent use of the net and newspapers and TV to propagate his message. This has enabled him to partially neutralize negative campaign ads from Romney.

To win Huckabee must over the next three days

• Emphasize his conservative credentials-he is a fiscal and social conservative.
• Hammer home his support for the Fair Tax.
• Counter misrepresentations of his record as Governor of Arkansas. Here he left a surplus approaching $1 billion and balanced the budget annually. He also modernized motorways and greatly improved education. 100,000 new jobs were created during his tenure as Governor of Arkansas.

Huckabee surges in CBS News/ New York Times Poll

The huge upsurge in support for Mike Huckabee has amazed many political pundits.It is all the more remarkable considering the fact that his campaign is run on a shoe string. According to the CBS News/ New York Times Poll Huckabee and Giuliani are now neck and neck. This is in sharp contrast to the corresponding poll on 10/07 .

REPUBL ICAN CHOICE FOR THE NOMINATION(Among Republican Primary Voters)

• Giuliani 22% (-7% )
• Huckabee 21 (+17%)
• Romney 16(+4%)
• McCain 7 (-11%)
• Thompson 7 (-14%)

Huckabee has made huge gains among conservatives, white evangelicals and those who attend church weekly. Both Giuliani’s and Thompson’s standing among those voters has declined. Romney receives support from those who attend religious services weekly (43% of Republican primary voters), and ties Huckabee among this group of voters.

Comment:

Huckabee's compassionate conservatism has struck a chord with GOP voters. Now some Democrat strategists fear that Huckabee's conservatism on social and fiscal policy could pose major problems for their candidate. He has the capacity to win African -American votes and also votes from Independents and conservative Democrats. Huckabee has clear cut policies on major issues. What you see is what you get. He supports the Fair Tax so he is a tax cutter. He is strong on the Federal Deficit. He is implacably opposed to abortion. He stresses the importance of God. Increasingly support from Fred Thompson appears to have gravitated towards Mike Huckabee.

Mitt Romney has targeted Huckabee. It is estimated that Romney is spending $85,000-plus a day on TV ads. Huckabee lacks the financial muscle to compete with this war chest. However he could win sympathy votes from an electorate which has become increasingly cynical about massive spending in electoral campaigns. Hopefully the Huckabee campaign can amass sufficient funds to counter negative advertising from opponents.

Early Show - Huckabee interview 12/3/07

The results of the poll in yesterday's Des Moines Register show Mike Huckabee leading Mitt Romney by 29 % to 24% and provide further evidence that momentum is building behind his campaign. Huckabee’s strong anti abortion stance has attracted powerful Evangelical and Catholic backing. His support for the Fair Tax has won him many new admirers. He is a most accomplished media performer (as this video clearly portrays). He has a clearly defined position on all major policy issues. Mr Giuliani scores just 13% in the Register poll. Mitt Romney holds a small lead over Mike Huckabee in other polls in Iowa. However at this juncture the trend is towards Huckabee.

Mr Romney - has spent $US7million ($7.9m) in the state on campaigning, against just $US324,000 by Mr Huckabee. The Huckabee campaign needs financial backing urgently if it is to succeed nationally.

Eoghan Harris-an FF/PD apologist

Eoghan Harris is no mean exponent of the pen. Unfortunately his political analysis leaves much to be desired. In his Sunday Independent column he is prepared to defend the indefensible if necessary as he strives to promote the Governments record on Health. He is rapidly developing into a political apologist for the FF/PD Government. Come back Pravda. All is forgiven.

In the Irish context he states that Mary Hanafin, Beverly Flynn and Mary Harney are courageous politicians. Interestingly all three are from the FF gene pool. He mentions Hillary Clinton. Obviously Harris knows very little about "Hillarycare." In the words of Mitt Romney: "She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything."

He then denigrates Dr James Reilly (FG). He conveniently omits to state that FG health spokesman, Dr James Reilly put down the question -at the Oireachtas Health Committee meeting- which elicited the response that 97 women who had breast ultrasounds at Portlaoise Hospital were to be recalled for surgical review. Harris should listen to James Reilly. He might actually learn something about the reality of life for women suffering from breast cancer.

He raises the issue of bi-partisanship on the health issue. The Government has a 13 seat majority(including Ned O Keeffe). Is this not sufficient to reform the Health Service? No Harris is concerned to protect the Government from flak ensuing from unpopular decisions in the Health Service. The Harris motto is: Tie in the opposition parties and insulate the Government.

There is now a strong opposition. It is the duty of the opposition to ask the hard questions. This is a sine qua non if our democracy is to flourish.

The last FF /PD Government -with Mary Harney as Minister for Health-established the HSE. It is a bureaucratic monster that is gobbling up valuable financial resources but cutting back on front line services. In the words of Harris : " Harney is fighting the good fight". Unfortunately this is of little benefit to seriously ill patients. Eoghan Harris needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Hillary Clinton lacks leadership qualities

Much has been made of Hillary Clinton's leadership qualities. In reality such qualities are largely lacking.

• Unfortunately for the Democratic party she is not a conviction politician.
• Each statement is carefully crafted to soothe the sensibilities of the targeted audience.
• Hillary is all things to all men.
• There is no evidence from her statements that she could take hard decisions .
• The 1993 Hillarycare fiasco provides a graphical illustration of her political ineptitude. It was even disowned by fellow Democrats.
• Hillary Clinton wants to run the largest enterprise in the world. She hasn’t run a corner store. She hasn’t run a state. She hasn’t run a city,” “She has never run anything. And the idea that she could learn to be President as an internship just doesn’t make any sense-Mitt Romney.
• Clinton leads on evading questions.
• Clinton leads on planting questions.
• She is confused on illegal immigration. Her latest u-turn on the issue of driving licenses for illegal immigrants proves conclusively that all her pronouncements are tailored to suit the prevailing mood. She cannot take a firm stand on anything.
• She is strongly pro abortion. Yet she tries to reach out to anti abortion voters with anodyne statements. What hypocrisy.
• She is the master of obfuscation in relation to taxation policies. Hillary will simultaneously balance the budget, introduce tax cuts and greatly extend social programmes and health entitlements. This is an attempt to square the circle. Her taxation policies will cripple the middle class.
• Hillary is too thin skinned. She could not take criticism from Obama and Edwards.
• Sending Bill out to bat for her indicates she lacks the toughness required to face down hard men like Putin.

Now contrast Hillary with Mike Huckabee who has clear cut policies on taxation (The Fair Tax) abortion and Iraq. It is a no contest.

US Politics:Republican Party-Social Conservatives come centre stage

The Social Conservatives within the Republican Party have begun to flex their muscles. However they have been unable to coalesce behind a single candidate for the Republican Party nomination. To a certain extent this has diluted their influence in the campaign.

Christian conservative leader Pat Robertson's endorsement of Republican front-runner Rudy Giuliani has surprised many conservatives who are mystified at Robertson's decision to endorse a liberal on social issues. Robertson's star has been setting and his support for Giuliani is unlikely to be of major significance.

Mike Huckabee has secured additional endorsements from influential faith leaders across the country, augmenting a strong show of support he received Friday from Southern Baptist Convention leaders.
The new major endorsements include:
· Stephen Strang, Founder of Charisma Magazine – Lake Mary, Fla.
· Rick Scarborough, President and founder of Vision America – Pearland, Tex.
· Jerry Cox, President of Arkansas Family Council – Little Rock, Ark.
· Janet Folger, President of Faith2Action – Dania Beach, Fla.
· Jim Pfaff, President and CEO of Colorado Family Action – Castle Rock, Col.
· Mathew Staver, Founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel – Lynchburg , Va.
· Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation – Plano, Tex.
· Phil Burress, President of Citizens for Community Values – Ohio

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas -who is conservative on social issues and is a former presidential candidate -has endorsed Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Paul Weyrich, cofounder of the Moral Majority, supports former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Fred Thompson, the former senator from Tennessee and prime-time television star has secured the National Right to Life Committee’s endorsement .

Orlando Debate- Republican Party candidates emphasise conservative credentials

The Republican Party debate held at Orlando and carried on Fox News was superb with candidates determined to stake our clear cut positions on a wide variety of issues. Each candidate stressed his conservative credentials.

Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson appeared under least pressure on this issue. Both are conservative by conviction and deed. Mike Huckabee is a rising star and oozes talent and confidence. Giuliani was challenged strongly in relation to sanctuary cities and abortion. He tried to turn the tables on Thompson. He was unsuccessful eventhough he stressed his own achievements in controling crime and reducing taxes in New York.

Mitt Romney performed quite strongly as did John Mc Cain. Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo had a solid grasp of the issues. It is unlikely either will make a breakthrough. Ron Paul has no hope of the nomination. The following reference to Hillary Clinton is particularly memorable:"She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything," Mitt Romney asserted in a typical comment. "And the idea that she could learn to be president, you know, as an internship just doesn't make any sense." Romney is a master wordsmith.

In conclusion there was an edge and an absence of fudge in the debate. This is in marked contrast to Democratic debates where Clinton appears unable to articulate clear cut positions on issues. Many of her statements lack conviction. Statements are frequently woolly and designed minimise risk of loss of votes at all costs.

US- Can Fred Thompson win the Republican Party nomination?

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp poll released Tuesday "the former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani garners 28 percent nationally among registered Republicans, while Thompson is one point behind at 27 percent.


In a similar poll taken in August, Giuliani registered 29 percent, while Thompson, then not an official candidate, was at 22 percent.

Arizona Sen. John McCain comes in third at 15 percent, with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney close behind at 11 percent. McCain was at 16 percent in the August poll, while Romney registered 12 percent. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is at 5 percent, while no other Republican candidate pulls more than 2 percent." Mike Huckabee would make an outstanding candidate. His magnetic personality and original thinking are just what the Presidency requires. Lack of finance has hindered his campaign.

Comment:
This is a strong performance from Thompson who has only just entered the race. Giuliani benefits from name recognition and the splintering of the GOP vote among the other contenders.

If Thompson's campaign can gain some momentum much of the conservative vote going to the other candidates could gravitate to him. It is a reasonable presumption that most of Mike Huckabee's vote would go to Thompson. As McCain and Romney have adopted anti-abortion stances and their supporters are largely conservative it is probable that much of that support could go to Thompson. "Forty-seven percent of the public say they have never heard of Fred Thompson or have an opinion of him. Only 14 percent have no opinion of Rudy Giuliani".On this basis Thompson probably has much greater potential for growth in support than Rudy Giuliani.

Giuliani's policy on immigration-whilst mayor of New York may hurt him in the primaries. His pro abortion stance is anathema to the overwhelming majority of GOP voters. Thompson can win the nomination.

US-GOP Debate At University of New Hampshire

Eight contenders -for the Republican Party nomination for President- gathered at the University of New Hampshire last night.




The number of candidates involved and time constraints reduced the effectiveness of the debate somewhat. However questions on Iran Iraq family values and tax cuts were quite effective in eliciting concrete responses from candidates.

Giuliani appeared to lose ground last night. He over emphasised his achievements in New York whilst ignoring the country at large. He is deeply distrusted by many conservatives. He favours abortion which is anathema to most Republican Party voters. He once supported ultra-liberal Democratic candidate George McGovern for President.

Romney and Giuliani faced tough questions on illegal immigration. Romney was questioned as to why he didn't do more to stop ``sanctuary'' cities of Massachusetts such as Cambridge, Orleans and Somerville. Romney said governors are not responsible for mayors who fail to follow the law.
Giuliani's approach to immigration in New York was roundly criticised.
Giuliani defended his record in New York city, arguing that he made fighting crime a higher priority.

Mike Huckabee performed strongly on an anti abortion platform. He is unlikely to win the nomination as he lacks sufficient funds. Nevertheless he would make a powerful Vice Presidential candidate.
Sen. Sam Brownback spoke strongly on family values.
Tom Tancredo of Colorado took a very strong anti illegal immigrant line. He fouled up somewhat on a question relating to the torture of terrorist prisoners.
Duncan Hunter of California spoke forcibly on the Iraq war and was quite knowledgeable. However he is highly unlikely to win the party nomination.

Ron Paul took a strong anti war line. His clash with Mike Huckabee -on the war issue- was one of the highlights of the night. He most certainly will not win the nomination.

John McCain probably won the debate. His military experience came to the fore in questions on Iran and Iraq. He scored strongly on the tax cuts issue arguing forcibly for severe curbs on wasteful expenditure as a means of funding a reduced tax burden. This is music to the ears of fiscal conservatives.

Last night Fred Thompson chose to announce his White House bid on an entertainment program, NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He bypassed the New Hampshire debate. He is a strong conservative candidate who could unite the GOP.