[Darren McCarty]

None of the four. I don't trust Romney. Huckabee is too liberal on economics. Gingrich is all over the place. Palin needs more than 1/2 of a term as governor. Records count more than a mouth, and that goes for all candidates.

Pence, Barbour, DeMint, Daniels, and Jindal would all get my vote before any of those four.

[vaudine]

Was in MS yesterday and was asked how I felt about Barbour by a MS state rep I met. Told her I like his conservatism, ability to get to the heart of matters, and his willingness to say what he really thinks. She agreed, but says he won't run because his wife is not up for it.

Wouldn't blame her,but things could change. Barbour was the best Repub. chair ever--was chair in 1994 when Repubs took 54 House seats.

I do not believe Huck, Romney, or Newt could win.

I also think many people who do not like Palin do so for the same reason some people have a knee jerk reaction when George Bush is mentioned. Even some very bright people just do not realize they have been brainwashed by media disdain and downright hate for Palin.

As for Palin's experience, she has done a very good job as mayor, energy commissioner, and governor. The fact she put Alaska and her constituents first, instead of hanging on and running up bills and being able to get nothing done for frivolous lawsuits does not denote a quitter to me. Rather, it points to a pragmatist who innovates and puts what is best for her state and people before what is best for her. Isn't that what we are always saying we want in a politician?--instead of a career pol who comes to think more of his/her political future than the state of the country.

Palin's experience in energy, her practicality, her hands on business experience in the family business coupled with her undisputed ability to connect with her audience make her a great candidate. I think she and Michelle Bachmann would make a formidable team. She was far more successful as gov. and much more popular than Romney.--She is stronger on law and economics than Huck. She pared AK's expenses to the bone; Huck wanted to give freebies to illegals because of his soft heart. I think he, like other churchmen cannot actually differentiate between govt. laws and Christian charity. Palin is much stronger in fidelity than Gingrich. I think he is smart, but not tough enough for me--he also verbally admired Clinton back during the day.

vaudine