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Title: Choices, choices: Republicans ponder crowded field
Source:
USA Today
URL Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/ ... eb-bush-scott-waljer/27079325/
Published: May 10, 2015
Author: David Jackson
Post Date: 2015-05-10 13:24:17 by buckeroo
Keywords: None
Views: 1426
Comments: 5
Multiple choice. The party that usually features well-established favorites in its primary races is now looking at a free-for-all with more than a dozen aspirants, each of whom facing his — and her — own unique test: standing out in a very crowded field. "It feels like anybody can just jump in!" said Kirstin Griffin, 43, a Greenville preschool teacher's aide who listened to some of the candidates at a weekend forum in upstate South Carolina. "I think it's good," she added. "Everyone has to prove themselves." That's what brought Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal, Ben Carson, John Bolton, George Pataki, Carly Fiorina and Donald Trump to a weekend "Freedom Summit" in downtown Greenville. It's why Jeb Bush delivered a commencement address at Virginia's Liberty University, the religious school founded by Jerry Falwell. In the coming months, candidates such as Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee — and perhaps Chris Christie, Lindsey Graham and John Kasich, as well — will travel to Pizza Ranches in Iowa, high schools in New Hampshire and barbecue pits in South Carolina. They'll be giving interviews to local media, making online sales pitches, and — for those who can afford it — cutting spots for local radio and television ads. In August, the crowded Republican field will try to draw contrasts in what likely will be the most important encounters: debates. All this activity has a single goal: getting attention from voters in early caucus and primary states. "I am looking for charisma in a candidate," said Dan Herren, 43, an advertising account manager for radio stations in South Carolina. "You have to communicate effectively." Herren and other South Carolina Republicans who watched candidates at the Peace Center for the performing arts said they want a nominee who can forcefully carry the conservative message on issues like immigration, reducing the federal debt and fighting terrorism. They're also looking for someone who can actually win the general election in 2016, probably against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. "Let's face it," Herren said. "Hillary Clinton is a lot like her husband. ... She can communicate very well." Katie Stoddard, 31, a public relations specialist from Greenwood, S.C., said that, right now, the Republican candidates are stuck on "talking points" and giving people "a lot of the same-old-same-old." At some point, she said, the GOP contenders will have to start giving voters more specifics. "Fundraising is going to be big," she added. Also big is the series of Republican Party-sponsored debates expected to begin in August. "That's going to separate the men from the boys, as they say," said Peggy James, 78, a retired retail manager from Mauldin, S.C. Sipping a Pepsi in the lobby the of the Peace Center, James said candidates have to prove to GOP voters they have sufficient "fire in the belly" to make a successful race. "They show it by conviction (voters) can feel," she said. "You can see it." The Republicans will be looking for votes in what may be the most wide-open GOP race in seven decades. In years past, Republicans have tended to bestow presidential nominations on the next one in line. Think Richard Nixon in 1960 (and 1968), or Ronald Reagan in 1980, George H.W. Bush in 1988, or Bob Dole in 1996. Even John McCain, after faltering early in the 2008 campaign, rallied in part because of his status as a political veteran. Mitt Romney played the role of heir apparent in the 2012 race. Republicans have also had well-funded "establishment" candidates at the start of races. Early support helped George W. Bush stave off McCain's "maverick" challenge in 2000. Even when the Republicans have competitive races, they tend to be smallish affairs. Dwight Eisenhower overtook conservative stalwart Robert Taft in 1952. Another conservative leader, Barry Goldwater, held off a series of more moderate challengers to claim the GOP nomination in 1964. This time around, "it's no one's turn," said Bruce Haynes, a Republican consultant who hails from South Carolina. "We're shopping in the new car lot," he said. One model is Jeb Bush, the son and brother of Republican presidents, who is likely to be the best-funded candidate. But party members in South Carolina and elsewhere question the former Florida's governor's commitment to conservatism, as well as the prospects of a "third Bush" seeking the presidency. Other candidates are also stressing their gubernatorial experience. This group includes current state executives Walker (Wisconsin), Christie (New Jersey) and Jindal (Louisiana), as well as ex-governors Perry (Texas) and Huckabee (Arkansas). Another sitting governor — John Kasich of Ohio — may also join the GOP fray in the coming weeks. A group of senators is also pursuing the Republican nomination. Rubio of Florida, Cruz of Texas and Paul of Kentucky have formally declared their candidacies, and Graham of South Carolina may soon follow suit. The Republican field also includes non-officeholders who are campaigning against what they call "professional politicians." The outsider group includes businesswoman Carly Fiorina and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Businessman and television personality Donald Trump is again flirting with a Republican presidential bid. As voting time approaches early next year, candidates will begin staking out early states best suited to them. The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary are expected to be in early in February; Nevada and South Carolina figure to hold contests in late February. "You pick your spots," said Republican analyst Rich Galen. Right now, Republican voters are still in the "flavor of the month" stage, said Linda Slaton, 67, a retired speech therapist from Greenville. "They'll weed out," she said. "It's nice to have choices." There are no choices in either of two main political parties. You are wasting your tyme if you think you have a "winner." The 2017 President has already been picked by the power elite.
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Republican primary voters face an unusual test in 2016.
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#1. To: buckeroo (#0)
And who might that be?
#4. To: buckeroo (#3)
Okay, thanks. We're screwed and tattooed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestThe 2017 President has already been picked by the power elite.
#3. To: Fred Mertz (#1)
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