Posted on 05/29/2005 2:33:50 PM PDT by strategofr
Last week's Senate compromise that averted a showdown over filibustered judicial nominees was actually the opening salvo of the 2008 presidential campaign, several veteran political observers say. The unexpected consequence of the filibuster compromise is to give a boost to the presidential prospects of Sen. George Allen, Virginia Republican. "Allen was very vocal in support of changing the rules to eliminate the filibuster of judicial nominees and took the right position in condemning the compromise," said Free Congress Foundation President Paul M. Weyrich. Conservatives have strongly condemned the compromise as a politically motivated gambit by Arizona Sen. John McCain, key Republican broker in the deal that ensured confirmation of three of President Bush's nominees to federal appeals courts. "George Allen is helped to the extent that the other potential [Republican] nomination competitors are not helped," said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union. "Allen was on the right side and said the right things."
(Excerpt) Read more at insider.washingtontimes.com ...
It's too early for me to care all that much, but if you want to know about Senator Allen, you can always check out his voting record at Vote Smart. My impression is that he's a pretty standard conservative Republican on all of the important issues. He has the right background for the job, and he is developing name recognition. None of this means that I'll be supporting him in 2007 when we start to choose sides for the primary, but those who want to learn about him should have plenty of resources to do so.
The only Presidential office Condi is seeking is the head of the NFL. She's not interested in running for the White House in 2008, and has made that point on numerous occasions. McCain can run, but he'll never win as a member of the GOP. That leaves Senator Allen.
Whew! That's the most extensive voting info I've ever looked at. Thanks.
He's a conservative, all right.
I'm getting the feeling I'll probably support him. I got an email from him, during the Stop Specter campaign. It was weird, because I emailed every Republican in the Senate, except for Specter, and Allen was the only one who emailed back.
I'm from Pennsylvania, and Santorum eventually sent me kind of a cringing letter (maybe in response to a fax.) (Of all the many Senate offices I called in that campaign, Santorum's people were the ones who were obviously depressed. That was the end, basically, of Santorum's Presidential bid, in my opinion.)
Senators from other states don't really care about you. But Allen emailed me at length. I didn't know who he was at the timer, but later realized that since he was running for President, I was a constituent of his.
"Jeesums, she only became SoS January 26, 2005. Don't you think 4 months is a little quick to judge anyone on a job of that magnitude?"
Fair enough. That is my initial feeling, not based on results, but my general impression of her personality. If she proves me wrong, I will be grateful, beleive me. I think she has no chance in a Presidential bid, and no interest in running, but if she cleans up State, even a fair amount, she will be a historic figure on the level of Hercules.
Thanks much. I like history to an extent, but am not in your league in this regard.
Quite logical really if you consider McLaim wants to be Hillarys->> VeeP in 2008.. After the pubbies take a dive by selecting a RINO to run in 2008..
My wild guess would be $200 million plus anything he wanted from the Bain Capital guys.
"My impression is that he's a pretty standard conservative Republican on all of the important issues."
I did go to vote smart, and this was my first time there (duh!) I was very impressed with the site, but also very impressed with his record as listed there.
I guess its early for candidates. I'm on the camopaign already though---against Hillary, that is!
"McLaim wants to be Hillarys->> VeeP in 2008"
I happen to agree with you on this one.
"the only thing that can save us is if someone throws water on her!! "
Good one!
...and we have to find a way to bring those files to the notice of the general public. I had this idea today for a new organization in preparation for 2008---FBI Vets for the Truth. for President, I propose Gary Alldridge
Perhaps our situation is unique in Texas as we almost got hosed with a back door state income tax, a 1% increase in the sales tax and an empty promise for a reduction in real estate taxes. The increase in the state budget is worthy of democrats. It's like we don't even have a party platform.
Add to that the tomfoolery in DC and folks are a bit miffed. I think it's fair to say that conservatives feel betrayed. I could list all the reasons but you've probably seen them listed here before.
Now with majorities in both Texas and DC it makes us wonder why we worked so hard. We ask ourselves how would we react if Clinton/dims had done many of the things the republicans have done would we be screaming like banshees? You bet.
I've heard it said more than a couple of times that it's like dims and blacks, they give them lip service and figure "what are they going to do, vote for republicans?". The conservatives I talk to say they feel thought of the same: "what are they going to do, vote for dims?".
Maybe not but many are frustrated to the point where they may simply sit on their hands and certainly not burn any more money and time to elect pale imitations of democrats.
I heard Gingrich say this "his turn" business at one of Newt's townhall meetings during the election run-up and it made me sick to my stomach. IMO the republicans "knew" they could not win against Clinton's second term and "awarded" the candidacy to Dole as a going away prresent. What a waste. A vigorous candidacy might have improved the Republican Senate and House count and at least "sharpened the sword" as Steven Covey would say. Alas, yesterday, opportunities lost. We need Republicans who don't need VIAGRA to get it done!
Okay, I'll bite. Let's say you're right that no Senator can win, or has won in recent years.
When was the last time a person was elected President who had never held elective office?
I know George Allen personally. My wife and I both worked for him. I can promise you what you see is genuine. He is the same in private as he is in public.
If/when George Allen takes a position on an issue or changes on an issue, it is because he had thoroughly studied it and believes he is making the correct choice.
I've watched it happen.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I can't remember the source but heard that Warner doesn't regard Allen highly. He wouldn't want to do anything to help his Presidential bid Well, that sellout that Warner helped craft last week just backfired and propelled Allen to the front of the pack.
AND what happened to the laptops (that disappeared) from White Sands.. after the mysterious Chinese "visitor" illegally allowed access to that and other top secret installations by Bill Clinton.. also "disappeared"..
And Clinton's are walking free today, Sandy Burgular is just an apparatchik.. but even HE is protected.. and by a republican administration too.. Always thought there was something "funny" about "I'm a Unite'er not a Divide'er".. in lieu of veritable (Carte Blanche) treason that progressed in the Ninety's.. Wonder how much unite'ing Bush has continued (with all that) with an absolutely beautiful diversion like the Iraq War from it all..
"I know George Allen personally."
Thanks for your comments. His voting record (on that website, forget the name) looks excellent, as well.
I have never been this involved politically before the 2004 Bush campaign, so I never paid attention to the situation 3 years before a Presidential election. But so far, the candidates besides Allen don't even seem plausible to me. I find myself a tentative early supporter.
As far as I'm concerned, the 2008 campaign (to beat Hillary) has already started.
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