Monday’s political round-up

January 29, 2007

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) is kicking off his presidential campaign today with the creation of an exploratory committee. “I think this is an opportunity to show the American dream is still alive and there’s hope and optimism that can be awakened in a lot of people’s lives if they think that a person like me can run and actually become president,” Huckabee told The Associated Press.

* Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) still-unannounced presidential campaign picked up two endorsements today when both of Maine’s Republican senators — Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins — announced that they will serve as co-chairs of McCain’s exploratory committee in Maine. It’s probably worth noting that both Snowe and Collins have publicly criticized Bush’s escalation policy, for which McCain has been an active cheerleader.

* Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) continues to mull over a presidential campaign, but insists that if he runs, it will be as a Republican. Talking to Newsweek, Hagel dismissed the notion that he’d run as an independent as “ludicrous.”

* With Senate Dems confident that they can expand their majority in 2008, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Ensign (Nev.) are working fervently to prevent GOP incumbents from even considering retirement. Near the top of the list: Mississippi’s Thad Cochran, who has considered stepping down, but is now leaning toward seeking a sixth term.

* Keep an eye on Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) in a 2008 context. The AP noted, accurately, that she’ll be on the Dem nominee’s short list for running mates, no matter who gets the nomination.

* And in Massachusetts, baseball player Curt Schilling reportedly flirted with the idea of taking on Sen. John Kerry next year, but has apparently decided against it. Schilling plans to pitch this year and next, and is in negotiations for a contract extension.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) is kicking off his presidential campaign…

If he gets the nomination and ends up running against Clinton, I’ll drop my distaste for a Hillary candidacy. As much as I dislike the idea of overlapping family dynasties (i.e. Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton… Bush?), it might be worth it to see a former Arkansas governor run against a former Arkansas first lady.

  • Snowe and Collins have publicly criticized Bush’s escalation policy, for which McCain has been an active cheerleader. Thus proving, once again, that GOPers are whores who’ll go to the highest bidder.

    Kathleen Sebelius will be on the Dem nominee’s short list for running mates, no matter who gets the nomination. Why?

  • You might want to check out this New York magazine piece, linked by Political Wire:

    http://nymag.com/news/politics/Bush/26993/index.html

    It “psychoanalyzes” the current occupant of the White House — not in very flattering terms. If I may, I’ll add my armchair diagnosis: Bush believes that the more he goes against public opinion, the harder his job becomes, and therefore the greater man he must be for persisting in the face of such adversity. For him, failure is a sign of success, weakness a sign of strength.

  • Keep an eye on Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) in a 2008 context. The AP noted, accurately, that she’ll be on the Dem nominee’s short list for running mates, no matter who gets the nomination.

    Somehow I don’t think this applies if Hillary is the nominee. I don’t think she or her team are bold enough to put forward an all female ticket. ‘Tis a shame, if Sebelius really is as great as many seem to think she is. Note: I have little to zero insight into Governor Sebelius.

  • Regarding the New York magazine piece, I’d like to add a quote from Columbia University history professor Alan Brinkley:

    “In some perverse way, it appears, the very fact of his unpopularity is evidence to him of his own strength.”

    Wow! I’m as smart as a perfesser!

  • Snowe and Collins now clearly demonstrate that “moderate Republican” is a synonym for “idiot.” They’re supporting a guy who stands for everything they don’t? Do these two have a freakin’ clue about anything????

  • “I think this is an opportunity to show the American dream is still alive and there’s hope and optimism that can be awakened in a lot of people’s lives if they think that a person like me can run and actually become president,” Huckabee told The Associated Press.

    This remind anyone of Nebraska Senator Roman Hruska in his 1970 advocacy of G.Harrold Carswell, Nixon nominee to the Supreme Court?:

    “Even if he was mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers,” Hruska declared. “They are entitled to a little representation, aren’t they, and a little chance?

    so, sure Gov. Huckabee – run your heart out – go get ’em tiger…

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