Tuesday’s political round-up

January 9, 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:

* The Tampa Tribune, citing “GOP insiders,” reports that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) has sought to recruit former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) as his running mate, in part because of the fundraising machine tied to the Bush family. The same piece notes that Jeb appears to favor Romney, while his successor, Gov. Charlie Crist (R), prefers McCain.

* Speaking of Romney, the moderate-turned-conservative picked up a big endorsement yesterday when Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) indicated that he would back Romney’s presidential bid, perhaps as early as today. As National Journal noted, “DeMint’s endorsement would be Romney’s most significant political catch in the pivotal state of South Carolina, where Sen. John McCain has managed to corral the lion’s share of would-be GOP endorsers and much of the state party’s financial establishment.”

* And speaking of South Carolina, the first presidential debate of the ’08 cycle will a Democratic event at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C., on April 26. MSNBC will offer exclusive live coverage from 7-8:30 p.m. (ET), as well as stream it on the network’s website. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said, “I fully expect that the leading Democrats who are considering a run for the Presidency, will not miss this opportunity to travel to Orangeburg… for this historic occasion.”

* U.S. News reported this week that there’s “growing buzz” in DC and California that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is strongly considering a Senate bid against Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) in 2010, when his second term is up.

* Al Sharpton said Monday that he’s considering yet another run for president. “I don’t hear any reason not to,” Sharpton said in an interview.

* And the decision on where to hold the next Democratic National Convention is becoming increasingly complicated. Denver is struggling with logistical and financial problems, while New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) has “cooled to the convention and is refusing to underwrite its costs.”

Mitt certainly is daring. If he did get Jeb to run as Veep (and they won) it would be only a matter of time before the Bush Crime Syndicate sent him on hunting trip with Cheney.

  • “I don’t hear any reason not to,” Sharpton said…

    Me neither. I’d better get my exploratory committee up & runnin’. Grumpy ’08!

  • Hell yeah, Arnie for Senate. I watched “Conan the Barbarian” Sunday, and “Commando” last night after the Fiesta Bowl.

    HE KICKS ASS!!!

  • I’m pretty impressed with Arnie. He’s definitely a pragmatist and listens to the “the people”. After a bad start, he hired a Democratic handler and has made lots of good moves. He now pretty popular and pretty good dealing with the Democratic state senate.

  • I know to Mitt that Jeb seems like a good choice, but I would vote for anyone in order to keep another Bush out of the White House – and I doubt that I am alone.

  • Gotta keep that “Bush or Dole” on every GOP ticket since 1976 streak going. Maybe Liddy will be available if Jeb suddenly discovers his sense of shame and declines.

  • Gee, Bloomberg went all out for the Republican convention, even having his constituents (along with unlucky tourists and shoppers) arrested and held in a Republican-leased bus terminal, even rebuffing a judge’s repeated demands that he release the political prisoners.

  • And the decision on where to hold the next Democratic National Convention is becoming increasingly complicated.

    I’ll be it won’t be as hard the GOP’s attempts—they’re going to have a tough time because, at the rate they’re going, half of them won’t be allowed within 2,000 feet of an elementary school …

  • …pivotal state of South Carolina, where Sen. John McCain has managed to corral the lion’s share of would-be GOP endorsers and much of the state party’s financial establishment.”

    As a west coast denizen, I’m ignorant as to why South Carolina is such a “pivotal” state for the GOP presidential aspirants. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks in advance.

  • Arnie’s doing a fine job since he started behaving like a Democrat. I think that behaving as Democrat-lites should be encouraged for all Republicans.

    I had the same thought as TAIO about Romney’s chances of surviving his first term with Jeb as VP. Maybe 40% or so?

  • Boxer wanted to retire this cycle, too. That is bad news that Arnold would run since he is very appealing to the people who don’t pay attention.

  • South Carolina is important becuase its the first southern state on the primary calender. Its especially important to Republicans because they are now a predominantly southern party. Unfortunately for me, Republican base = SC.

  • Oh yeah, one more thing about SC. Republican primaries here are notoriously vicious. This is where McCain went down via push polls about his black love child.

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