The State of the Republican ’08 Race – for Skip in NH

                           Rudy                                     McCain                                                Fred 
                                                                               

I’ve watched the debates.  I’ve read the position papers.  I’ve gone to every Republican town hall / campaign event possible that was close enough and not during work hours, listened, recorded, and blogged. We’ve asked questions directly and through staff and surrogates.  The ‘Grok has gone to both Dem and Repub events – pretty much everyone except for Gravel and Ron Paul.  We’ve tried to be fair with all that have come on Meet The New Press and (for the blogosphere standards) been pretty fair.  I’ve even met folks like Verne Weunche who is is also running and is a WONDERFUL person – but quixotic is a word that comes to mind (but we still want him to come back to MTNP!)

It’s just about time to get off the pot. 

Pat Hynes is our co-host / co-owner of Meet The New Press and works for the McCain campaign….he has provided access to the campaign to quite the unbelievable level for mere bloggers and ordinary schlubs like Doug and I (and admittedly, we’ve worked hard for it, along with all of the other candidates).  And we personally like the Senator!  He truly is a nice guy – every blogger’s call this is reinforced and the ride on the Straight Talk Express with "Wings" McCain only reinforced that along with his coming on Meet The New Press.  He is a true American Hero.  He sticks to his political ideals, even when it hurts.

We’ve seen Rudy many times – his staff has been very gracious to us when we go to the events and have made sure that we have what we need (like a power outlet, for example, for this thirsty laptop). Heck, the ‘Grok got quoted in one of his direct mailings – and what a thrill to have him autograph it!  At a county level Republican meeting, I got cornered by a couple of stalwarts of the party asking me to support Rudy.  I like his 12 Committments – layout your agenda for all to see, and then promise to execute.

And then Fred – the ‘Grok was only 1 of 6 blogs nationwide to participate in the "Ask Fred".  Our traffic spiked like nobody’s business and you could see the hunger in folks who had been part of that pent up demand waiting for him to declare.  

And that’s the three that I will be choosing from.  

But I’ve got a conundrum…..figures!   I have 4 top issues that have to be satisfied.

What are my issues?

• Freedom
• Islamofascism
• Illegal Immigration
• Healthcare (a proxy for individualism vs socialism)
• Electability

The three do ok to exceptional on each of these (compared to the Dems that pretty much flub the test – so much for them "uniting" with this voter). All three are credible and will do well if they become the candidate.

Freedom - will their policies restrict my capability to make choices for myself and my family?  Or will their policies and philosophy for government take choices away?  My vote goes to the person who best will protect what I have and will extend my freedom.

Islamofacism - there is that addage that the first one to wheel out Hitler or Nazi loses the argument.  Not here – those of the Muslim faith that with to take away my freedom due to their sense of entitlement to absolutely dictate how each moment of my life is to be carried want me to either convert, submit, or die.  Frankly, this is not in my plans.  I will vote for the person who makes me believe he is the best person that can do that.

Illegal Immigration – We have to secure the border and stop people who should not be here.  I want policies that stop employers from employing them.  I want my tax money to help those that are legal citizens and residents (like all other countries).  I do not wish to extend any privileges to them.  And yes, by doing all this, they will probably go home  (or should).  Then they can be subject to one of our country’s foundational principles – the Rule Of Law.  Come here, legally, and be willing to actively assimulate.  Being an American is a state of mind….but come here lawfully.  I will vote for the person who best agrees the above.

Healthcare - Universal Healthcare, as shown by TennCare, Britain, and Canda (for starters) will be a disaster.  There is no need for our entire system to be tipped upside down for such a small percentage of our population.  And while Big Government can do some things better than anyone else – I do not want something as personal as my healthcare to be somebody else’s decision.  The person that does the best in shifting healthcare from its current employer provided system to a market driven individual ownership style will earn my vote.

Electibility - face it, you have to ask yourself "Can they win the primary and can they win the general election"?  Unlike a well known "rigor mortis conservative" ("RMC" – if you are not ideologically pure in the absolute conservative mold, you ain’t getting his vote), I do want to win.  I know what  is at stake and I am NOT going to throw away my vote just to feel good – that will allow someone absolutely diametrically opposed to me to gain The Office of The World!

So, Where Do I Stand?  Who Gets My Vote?

Like most Republicans, I have my favorites.  I’ve culled the list.  But analytically, I haven’t been able to make anyone fit all the holes just right.  I may have to resort to the method of instead of voting for the positive, I may have to cull for the negative.

Later…cause I still dunno.  But at least, it’s three.