The Republican Field

A Thought on the Campaign

As Christmas and the New Year draw close, we in Florida are reminded the Republican Primary will follow soon after.  This year I am in a quandary as to what to do.  What candidate best reflects the values I hold dear, and offers a prospect for unifying the country?  With the exception of George Washington; a President the entire country supports has never really been possible, but at least I would like one who can find a way to tone down the rhetoric between the separate interests in this nation.  One who can work with Congress, not against it, a President who will lead, not blame.  So as we look towards the candidates what are my options?

Michele Bachman – Representative from Minnesota’s 6^th District, her official biography lists these as key points.  Prior to her election as Congresswoman in 2006 she served six years as a state senator.  She received her Jurist Doctorate from Oral Roberts U, and an L.L.M. in Tax Law from William and Mary.  A mother of five, she and her husband have cared for 23 foster children.  She claims to be a “Constitutional Conservative” and has closely aligned with the Tea Party movement. 

What I have seen so far:  She is confrontational often attacking others based on personality, not ideology, has made poor choices in her campaign staff, and doesn’t let facts get in the way of her speeches.  I like her background, don’t like her approach and think she has little or no chance of either being nominated or elected.  If elected she would not be effective in working with Congress.

Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the House, his official biography cites his accomplishments as Speaker, his education from Emory University and Tulane, and his work with health care and the production company he owns with his current wife.  He has a strong background in strategic defense thinking and has served as an instructor for General Officers at Air University at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.  He has authored, or co-authored, twenty-three books.  He has been married three times, and is a recent convert to the Catholic Church.

What I have seen so far:  He has the best grasp of international relations of any of the current candidates, but he is arrogant and seeks to inflate his own importance.  Based on his experience as Speaker I find it is easy to assume he will not work well in bi-partisan compromise, but I am not sure he can do worse then the current administration.  With his love of debate and his desire to showcase a superior intellect I am not sure, if elected, he will raise above the fray to lead the nation.

Jon Huntsman – Former Governor of Utah, Ambassador to Singapore for President George H. Bush, and Ambassador to China for President Barrack Obama, he as hands-on experience dealing with our most likely competition for the next ten years.  Coming from a wealthy family he has worked for several former Republican Administrations.  Since being appointed an Ambassador at 32 is noteworthy I credit this more to financial influence than anything else.  He has worked as a US Trade Representative and US Trade Ambassador for President George W. Bush.

What I have seen so far:  A center of the road Candidate who has demonstrated fiscally conservative policies as Governor and high approval ratings, but has not caught on with the extreme right of the party.  The other Mormon in the race overshadows him. 

Ron Paul – A former medical doctor who has served as Representative for the 14^th District in Texas since 1997.  He also served as a Congressman in the 1970’s and 80’s, where according to his official biography he relinquished his seat voluntarily in 1984.  Interestingly he was an Air Force Flight Surgeon in the 1960’s.  His record shows a strong Libertarian approach, where he argues vigorously for smaller government.  As chairman of the subcommittee on Domestic and Monetary Policy he has an understanding of the impacts of the US deficit.

What I have seen so far:  Of the leading candidates he is the oldest (75) and most consistent in his approach to smaller, less intrusive government, but there is no indication he can organize and focus a group towards achieving a common goal.  As he advocates for a return to a gold backed currency most of the mainstream politicians find ways to discredit him.  Not a great debater, if nominated I am not sure he would be able to garner the unified support behind him.  He has not discounted running as an independent, in which case he would play a spoiler role like Ross Perot did to George H. Bush in 1992.

Rick Perry – Governor of Texas, according to official bio he is the first Texas Aggie to occupy the Governor’s Mansion.  After a brief stint in the Air Force, as a C-130 pilot, he has been a career politician in Texas, beginning in 1985 as a representative to the state House.  He has been elected Governor three times, 2002, 2006 and 2010.

What I have seen so far:  He comes across as a pretty face without the depth of understanding to deal with the national issues.  I can’t avoid feeling someone like Dick Cheney is back there pulling the strings that make his lips move.  If elected I don’t see him building consensus any better than the last Texas Governor/Air Force pilot we elected.

Mitt Romney – Former Governor of Massachusetts, his biography has a couple of interesting twists.  Like others he cites a father coming from humble origins to rise to the head of American Motors and become Governor of Michigan.  He on the other hand benefits from his fathers hard work and attended Harvard.  To connect with people his biography talks to the hardships he and his family have faced, but they center exclusively on his wife’s health issues with MS and breast cancer.  He has been a supportive husband.  He has had success as Governor and certainly should be proud of the work he did on helping the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah succeed.

What I have seen so far:  Romney epitomizes the career politician who will say whatever he thinks the people want to hear.  He has stood firmly on both sides of several issues like Pro-life, Government Health Care, and Taxes.  It is humorous to watch him get upset when these questions keep coming up.  As the front runner I can’t help but believe he is more afraid of saying something that will cost him a vote than actually coming up with new ideas.

Rick Santorum – Former Senator from Pennsylvania until defeated in 2006.  He has been the target of a left wing smear campaign on the Internet for his stand on Gay Rights and Pro-life.  When you go to his web site for biographical data all you find is a donation form.

What I have seen so far:  Not much, I think a vote for Mr. Santorum would be a symbolic gesture for the far right of the party.

And the others:

Gary Johnson, Fred Karger, Andy Martin, Jimmy McMillan, Tom Miller, Buddy Roemer, Matt Snyder, and Vern Wuensche – go to: http://2012.republican-candidates.org/  if you have any interest in these guys.   One is a flight attendant, one a former Governor of Louisiana, and one appears to be a professional candidate for the "Rent is Too Damn High Party" who has switched allegiance for this campaign.