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CLICK HERE to see the Letter that I am sending all of the 2008 Presidential Candidates to ask them how I can send money to the troops.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR 2008
DEMOCRATIC PARTY:
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: New Castle County Councilman, 1970-72. US Senator, 1973 - present (elected 1972; re-elected 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002). Candidate for President, 1988 (withdrew before first primary). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney (practiced law: 1968-72). Adjunct Professor, Widener University School of Law, 1991 - present. EDUCATION: B.A. (History/Political Science), University of Delaware, 1965. J.D., Syracuse University College of Law, 1968. PERSONAL: Born November 24, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Married to Jill Jacobs Biden. Three children. Roman Catholic. STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Senator Joe Biden has repeatedly stated in media interviews he is a candidate for President in 2008. He is hoping his high profile as Chair of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee will enable him to break into the first tier of Democratic candidates.
JoeBiden.com - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Unite Our States PAC
Retired Army General Wesley K. "Wes" Clark (Arkansas)
STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. Retired NATO Commander Wes Clark, a late entry into the 2004 Presidential race, vows to make a decision on the 2008 contest by early 2007. Related links: WesPAC (Clark's Leadership PAC), America Needs Wes Clark (Grassroots Supporters), DraftWesleyClark.com (Grassroots Supporters), 2008 Presidential Wire: Wes Clark (News Aggregator), and Wesley Clark: War Criminal (Negative Site).
US
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. As has long been expected, Senator Hillary Clinton announced in January 2007 she will be a candidate for President in 2008. Most pundits view her as the early frontrunner. She is strong in early polls and is an incredibly strong fundraiser. Edwards and Obama appear her most serious initial rivals, while the rest of field each jockeys to emerge as "the strongest alternative to Hillary Clinton." BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: First Lady of Arkansas, 1979-81 and 1983-93. First Lady of the US, 1993-2001. US Senator, 2001 - present (elected 2000, 2006). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. Author. Congressional Aide. EDUCATION: B.A., Wellesley College, 1969. J.D., Yale University, 1973. PERSONAL: Born October 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. Married to former President Bill Clinton. One child. Methodist. LINKS:
Hillary Clinton for President - Official Campaign
Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hillary Clinton for President Committee
US Senator
Christopher J. "Chris" Dodd STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Senator Chris Dodd announced his candidacy in January 2007, and starts well back in the second tier of hopefuls. Dodd believes he has ideas to offer, based on his decades of experience on Capitol Hill. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: US Congressman, 1975-81 (elected 1974, 1976, 1978). US Senator, 1981 - present (elected 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2004). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. US Army Reserve, 1969-75. Peace Corps Volunteer, 1966-68. EDUCATION: B.A. (English Literature), Providence College, 1966. J.D., University of Louisville School of Law, 1972. PERSONAL: Born May 27, 1944, in Willimantic, Connecticut. Married to Jackie Clegg Dodd. One child. Catholic. Son of US Senator Thomas J. Dodd (D-CT). LINKS:
Chris Dodd for President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Chris Dodd for President
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Former Senator John Edwards announced his candidacy in December 2006, and got off to a fast start. Early polls immediately placed Edwards in the first tier of frontrunnuers (along with Senators Clinton and Obama). Some early polls even gave Edwards the lead in some key early contest states. Edwards focuses his message on the need to eliminate poverty in America and quickly ending the Iraq War. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: US Senator, 1999-2005 (elected 1998). Candidate for President, 2004 (lost in the primaries). Democratic nominee for Vice President, 2004. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. EDUCATION: B.S., North Carolina State University, 1974. J.D., University of North Carolina, 1977. PERSONAL: Born June 10, 1953 in Seneca, South Carolina. Married to Elizabeth Anania Edwards. Four children (one deceased). Methodist. LINKS:
John Edwards for President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
One America Committee
Former US Senator Maurice R. "Mike" Gravel STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Former US Senator Mike Gravel represented Alaska for two-terms in DC until his primary renomination defeat in 1980. Gravel first burst onto the national stage in 1971 when he read into the official record at a Senate sub-committee hearing the confidential "Pentagon Papers" detailing the secret history of US military involvement in Vietnam. His one-man filibuster in 1971 is credited with being almost solely responsible for forcing the compromise with the Nixon White House that ended the military draft. Long-since forgotten by most activists in the 26+ years since his defeat, Gravel has since moved to Virginia. Although running as a peace candidate, Gravel's campaign seems mainly to be a publicity device for his beloved "citizen power" national initiative concept to let voters regularly approve/reject federal legislation on key issues. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Alaska State Representative, 1962-66 (elected 1962, 1964). Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, 1965-66. Candidate for US Congress, 1966. US Senator from Alaska, 1969-81 (elected 1968, 1974; unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1980). Candidate for Vice President, 1972 Democratic Convention (226 delegates - 3rd place - 7.5%). Founder & President, Democracy Foundation and National Initiative for Democracy non-profit groups. PROFESSIONAL: Author. Real estate developer. US Army, 1951-54. EDUCATION: B.S. (Economics), Columbia University, 1956. PERSONAL: Born May 13, 1930, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Married to Whitney Stewart Gravel. Two children, three grandchildren. Unitarian. Moved to Virginia in the 1990s. LINKS:
Mike Gravel for
President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hon. Mike
Gravel
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) announced in December 2006 he will make a second "peace candidate" run for President in 2008. Kucinich is staking out his positition as the most liberal of the candidates in the race (although his pro-choice credentials are questionable). BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Cleveland City Councilman, 1970-75 and 1983-85; Democratic nominee for Congress, 1972; Cleveland Clerk of Municipal Courts, 1975-77; Mayor of Cleveland, 1977-79 (elected in 1977; defeated for re-election in 1979); State Senator, 1995-97; US Congressman, 1997-present (elected in 1996, re-elected in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006). Candidate for President, 2004. PROFESSIONAL: Radio talk show host, 1979 & 1989; Lecturer, 1980-83; Energy Consultant,1986-94; TV News Reporter, 1989-92. EDUCATION: Attended Cleveland State University, 1967-70. B.A. & M.A., Case Western Reserve University, 1973. PERSONAL: Born October 8, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. Married to Elizabeth Harper (2005). Twice Divorced. One daughter. Catholic. LINKS:
Kucinich for President Committee
- Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kucinich for President
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Senator Barack Obama filed paperwork for an exploratory committee in January 2007, and will make his full-fledged entry into the race in February. Although he was only elected to the US Senate in 2004, his charisma, message, intelligence and eloquence have vaulted him to the first tier of candidates. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Illinois State Senator, 1997-2005 (elected 1996, 1998, 2002). Candidate for Congress, 2000. US Senator, 2005 - present (elected 2004). Keynote Speaker, 2004 Democratic National Convention. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. Author. Senior Lecturer, University of Chicago Law School, 1993-2004. Executive Director, Illinois Project Vote, 1992. Director, Developing Communities Project, 1985-88. Financial Analyst, 1983-84. EDUCATION: B.A. (Political Science), Columbia University, 1983. J.D. magna cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1991. PERSONAL: Born August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Married to Michelle Robinson Obama. Two children. United Church of Christ. LINKS:
Barack Obama Presidential Exploratory Committee -
Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Obama Exploratory Committee
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: STATUS: EXPLORATORY CANDIDATE. Governor Bill Richardson announced his Presidential candidacy in January 2007. Although he is now a state executive, he clearly misses his days of dealing with foreign policy matters as a Congressman and the US Ambassador to the United Nations. Nominated four-times for the Nobel Peace Prize, Richardson is certainly the only US Governor who conducts his own foreign policy by flying to Africa trying to broker peace in Darfur, etc. Half-Mexican (his mother), Richardson can count on strong support in early states from Hispanic voters. POLITICAL: Candidate for Congress, 1980. US Congressman, 1983-97 (elected 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996). US Ambassador to the United Nations, 1997-98. US Secretary of Energy, 1998-2001. Governor of New Mexico, 2003-present (elected 2002, 2006). Chairman, 2004 Democratic National Convention. Chairman, Democratic Governors Association, 2006. Nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize. PROFESSIONAL: Congressional Aide, 1971-78. International Business Consultant, 1978-82. EDUCATION: B.A. (French/Political Science), Tufts University, 1970. M.A., Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts Univ.), 1971. PERSONAL: Born November 15, 1947, in Pasadena, California. Married to Barbara Flavin Richardson. Catholic. LINKS:
Richardson for President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Governor Bill Richardson
Rev. Alfred C. "Al" Sharpton Jr. (New York) STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said in January 2007 he was considering making a second run for President in 2008. "I don't hear any reason not to. If we're talking about the urban agenda, can you tell me anybody else in the field who's representing that right now? We clearly have a reason to run, and whether we do it or not we'll see over the next couple of months," he explained. Sharpton previously ran for President in the 2004 primaries. Related links: Al Sharpton Show (TV talk show); and National Action Network (Sharpton's civil rights organization).
OTHER DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES:
Warren R. Ashe (Virginia) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Warren Ashe, who previously was a candidate for President in 2000 and 2004 (but failed to compete in any primaries), filed FEC paperwork to make a third run in 2008. From the information he filed with Project Vote Smart in 2004, Mr. Ashe is one of the more eccentric candidates in the race. Ashe claimed he holds a doctorate degree from North Carolina State University. Then again, Ashe also claims to have been "President, United Nations, 1973-2003 ... Appointed President, United States White House, 1981-2003 ... Candidate, United States President, 2000 ... Vice President, West Wing - Carter Administration, 1977-1981 ... [and] Vice President, West Wing - Ford Administration, 1973-1977." He also claims to be a Navy veteran, an Army veteran AND an Air Force veteran. And he writes he owns a $40 million corporation, too. Yeah, right. Related link: SETI: President Warren R. Ashe.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Randy Crow -- a small businessman and former realtor -- was an unsuccessful candidate for the Wilmington City Council in 1997. Then he ran for Congress in the 1998 primary (losing by a vote of 94% to 6%) ... then he ran for President in the 2000 primaries (he got on the ballot in New Hampshire and Louisiana) ... then he ran another losing primary for Congress later in 2000 (losing by a 93% to 7% vote) .. then he lost for Council again ... then he finished last place (9th - 1%) in the 2002 US Senate primary ... and then he ran for President again in 2004. Crow was on the 2004 primary ballot in New Hampshire (15th place - 60 votes) and Texas (10th place - 0.8% - 6,319 votes). He withdrew from the Presidential race in March 2004 -- ran another race for County Commissioner -- then announced he will run for President again in 2008. In an email to Politics1 in 2000, Crow explained his motives: "I am involved in politics to get rid of filthy communists and lots of others." He also believes the FBI blew up TWA Flight 800 with a laser and was likely involved in crashing Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan's 2000 campaign plane. On his website, Crow repeatedly expresses open hatred towards Jews (Example: "Vietnam was a zioni$t manipulated War designed to kill our Christian kids and install na$i communi$t zioni$m in the Vietnam region"). Most of the contents of Crow's site, however, appear to be rambling conspiracy tirades against various envisioned enemies: "It has been 13 years since the FBI fessed up to the fact they were investigating me. All my files are classified ... In 1994 the Federal Force manipulated a bunch of mess which questioned my sanity ... I think the Force had some weird blood work done on me or possibly put a computer chip in me." Crow was upset that we quoted these various passages from his '04 site so he subsequently printed an amusing screed denouncing Politics1 as a "zioni$t" tool out to destroy him (he even attacked us for referring to him above as -- gasp -- a "former realtor" because, he notes, he only dabbled in real estate in the past). Oh, we forget to mention that Crow has a "hunch ... [I] may be The Returning Christ ... I do believe firmly that in a way whether or not I am The Returning Christ is a non event and do not worry about it at all, except I do pray that if I am The Returning Christ I would like to be the coolest, greatest, most fantastic Returning Christ in the history of the Universes." By 2005, he pretty much answered his own question by releasing an Easter Message from the Returning Christ. Yup, you can read that and lots, LOTS more writings like this on his official website: Randy Crow - Democrat for President.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except for the fact that contractor Laura Davis-Aaron filed paperwork with the FEC to run for President, little else is known about this 2008 Democratic hopeful. She lost a 2005 special election primary for an open State Senate seat (9th place - 1%), then filed for an open Congressional seat in 2006 but quit well before the primary. No website yet.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except for the facts that Michael Forrester has filed FEC paperwork to run for President in 2008 and has launched a campaign website, we cannot tell you much about this candidate. The website is filled with lots of photos of the candidate but the bio section is without any info. His platform is also rather sparse: repeal the "No Child Left Behind" law, raise the minimum wage, and guarantee health care for all Americans. Related link: Michael Forrester for President.
STATUS: EXPLORATORY CANDIDATE. Dan Francis served 20 years in the US Marine Corps -- rising from private to first lieutenant -- until his retirement in 1979. Over those years, he served two tours in Vietnam, was wounded three times in combat, and was awarded the Silver Star. Since leaving the Marines, he earned AA, BA and Master's degrees in education and has worked as a teacher. He was previously a candidate for Congress in 1992 and 1994. Related links: Dan Francis for President (campaign site) and Defining Leadership 2008 (Francis' campaign blog).
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except for the fact that Alfonzo Jones filed paperwork with the FEC to run for President -- just as he did in 1996, 2000 and 2004 -- no other info was known about this 2008 Democratic hopeful. No website yet.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. John Joseph Kennedy was a registered write-in candidate for President in 2004 in Georgia, Indiana and Texas. On his campaign website, he describes himself as "an outstanding community leader, humanitarian, champion of children's rights, environmentalist, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and a man of extraordinary vision." Kennedy is a freelance writer, marketing executive and former model. He explains his motives for running on his campaign site: "I have now been called to serve God and my country as the TRUE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE for the Presidency, to right the wrongs of America!" Kennedy sees the 9/11 attacks as an "inside job" directed by the Bush Administration as a pretext for launching the war on terrorism ("It's an inside job! At the highest level on down, I will see that those who are really responsible for the insidious acts of terrorism in our country, and around the world, be prosecuted to the fullest extent of all domestic and international laws."). In 2004, Kennedy went so far as to blame Bush policies for hurricanes and other natural disasters. "I will stop the Bush family's manipulation of the elements of nature (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes) which have wrecked insurmountable havoc on our environment and disturbed the natural-flow of all life on this planet. They (especially Bush Sr.) have done this for personal, political and financial gain and greed," explained Kennedy. Related link: John Joseph Kennedy for President.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Long haul truckdriver and Vietnam War veteran Karl Krueger is running for President on a platform of promoting energy independence for the US. "I intend to put this nation on a course to be energy independent within 10 years of my election. After all, John Kennedy took us to the moon and back in 10 years with technology that didn’t exist when he began, it should not be too difficult for us to become energy independent in the same amount of time using technology that we already have," he explained. Krueger was previously a Democratic nominee for Congress in Wisconsin against a GOP incumbent in 1988. Related link: Karl Krueger for President.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Chemical engineer Sal Mohamed lost Democratic primary contests in Iowa for Congress in 2004 and Governor in 2006 -- but he does start the race with some minimal name identification in that early contest state. Mohamed's primary campaign tactic in his past Iowa runs could be described as low tech/low cost: walking around wearing "sandwich board" signs and waving signs at busy intersections. He launched his Presidential campaign just one month after losing the '06 gubernatorial primary. Mohamed's campaign theme is "Human Decency will Prevail," which is backed by his call for having millions of US consultants held promote economic development of poor nations, place US national interests ahead of personal interests, narrowing the gap in the US between rich and poor, developing an exit strategy for Iraq, and "taking politics out of our lives and putting science in." Unfortunately for Mohamed, he was born in Egypt and became a naturalized US citizen in 1983 -- meaning he is constitutionally barred from being President. Related link: Sal Mohamed for President.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Campaigning under the slogan of "Love is the Doorway In," Jim Prattas describes himself as "a poor ignorant soul who is just an artist, healer and disabled combat Vietnam veteran living on a stipend ... [and] uneducated and ignorant a compared to most of my fellow citizens." His unusual campaign website is decorated with his original art works throughout the various pages. His autobiographic story -- from his 2000 campaign site -- told of near death experiences (including meeting God and seeing angels), meeting celebrities, his fights with the US military after being wounded in Vietnam, death threats against him by the Hawaiian Mafia, a plot by President G.H.W. Bush's friends to have him arrested when he wanted to challenge Bush in the 1992 race, his past use of marijuana, his divorce, and more. When he ran in 2000 as a Republican, he did not qualify for any primaries. In 2004, as a Democrat, the same thing happened again. He's back for a third run in 2008, and this time he thinks he may be able to qualify for at least one primary ballot. Related link: Jim Prattas for President.
STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Ole Savior, an eccentric artist and poet, has been a frequent candidate in Minnesota over the years for many federal, state and local offices. He usually finishes around the back the of the pack with 1% -- but he keeps running year after year. His top three concerns were a "nuclear-free world, [ending] world hunger, and better education for all mankind." His favorite movie is The Terminator, his favorite TV show is X-Files and his favorite book is the Bible's Book of Revelations. If elected, he promises to "create a new and more peaceful world for the next generation of children." He previously filed FEC paperwork for the 2004 race, but failed to qualify for any Presidential primary ballots. He filed paperwork in 2006 to make a second White House run. Related link: Ole-Savior.org.
US Senator Evan Bayh (Indiana) Evan Bayh had a great resume for a 2008 Presidential hopeful: US Senator, former two-term Indiana Governor, former Keynote Speaker at the Democratic National Convention, former Chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council, a telegenic family, etc. He set up a leadership PAC in 2005-06 and campaigned around the nation on behalf of local Dems. With much fanfare, Bayh launched his Presidential exploratory committee in early December 2006. He hired some top staffers, scheduled fundraising events and launched a new campaign swing to key states. Then, only two weeks later, he quit the race. Most media reports said the sudden emergence of Barack Obama as Hillary Clinton's perceived main rival for the nomination during those intervening weeks significantly contributed to Bayh's decision. "The odds were always going to be very long for a relatively unknown candidate like myself ... The fact remains that at the end of the day, I concluded that due to circumstances beyond our control the odds were longer than I felt I could responsibly pursue," explained Bayh. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Secretary of State of Indiana, 1987-89 (elected 1986). Governor of Indiana, 1989-97 (elected 1988 and 1992). Keynote Speaker, 1996 Democratic National Convention. US Senator, 1999 - present (elected 1998, 2004). Co-Founder, New Democratic Coalition, 2000. Chair, Democratic Leadership Council, 2001-05. PROFESSIONAL: Law Clerk to US District Judge James Noland, 1981-85; Attorney (practiced law: 1985-86 and 1997-98). EDUCATION: B.S. (Business Economics), Indiana University, 1978. J.D., University of Virginia, 1981. PERSONAL: Born December 26, 1955, in Shirkieville, Indiana. Married to Susan Breshears Bayh, a law professor. Two children. Episcopalian. Son of former US Senator Birch E. Bayh (D-IN), a 1972 and 1976 Presidential candidate. LINKS:
All America PAC - Bayh's Leadership PAC. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
All America PAC
THE EVAN BAYH LIBRARY: From Father to Son: A Private Life in the Public Eye by Evan Bayh (2003) - Evan Bayh used to this book to write about the political tradition in the Bayh family that ran from his father to himself. Bayh recounts his life in the national spotlight with affection and candor. He covered all the highlights of his ongoing career in government: from his father's US Senate campaigns and a sleep-over in the Lincoln Bedroom during the Johnson Administration, to delivering the Keynote address at the 1996 Convention (a moment he shared with his young twin sons). Bayh also used the book to promote a piece of legislation in Congress he touts as "The Responsible Fatherhood Act." This book never received much attention and showed up in few bookstores - but you can find it online. List: $24.99. Your Price: $21.24 (You Save 15%).
Governor Philip N. "Phil" Bredesen (Tennessee) Wealthy businessman and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen was mentioned in several reports in 2004-05 as a possible White House hopeful. Although he won a landslide re-election in 2006 in a "Red State," Bredesen announced in December 2006 he would not run for President in 2008. Bredesen said he "would love to be considered" for President if there were a movement for a centrist Southern Governor to run again in the future, but that he would not run in 2008. Related links: Office of Governor Phil Bredesen (official government site) and Bredesen for Governor (official 2006 campaign site).
Former US Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. "Tom" Daschle (South Dakota) STATUS: Former US Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle -- who was narrowly defeated for re-election in 2004 -- spent much of 2006 looking like a likely 2008 White House candidate. He made frequent trips to early contest states, raised money for local Dem candidates, and launched a leadership PAC. "I've made a decision that I will not seek the Presidency of the United States. I've had a lot of encouragement and I've been very gratified to have the encouragement from within the state and around the country," he announced in December 2006. A number of factors reportedly played into Daschle's decision, including concerns about the ability to raise the estimated $50 million needed for a successful run for the Presidential nomination. Related links: New Leadership for America PAC (Daschle's leadership PAC); and Alston & Bird: Tom Daschle (Daschle's law firm).
Democratic National Chairman Howard B. Dean III (Vermont) Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean energized the 2004 Presidential race with his dynamic use of the Internet to build a national movement. The frontrunner for much of Fall 2003, his campaign collapsed under a withering barrage of negative TV spots in the final days before the Iowa caucuses. Still, Dr. Dean provided the party with a feisty message and the backbone to oppose President Bush in 2002-03 period, when nearly all of the other Democrats in the race appeared to timid to criticize the Iraq war. Dean's campaign also attracted tens of thousands of young voters -- the so-called "Deaniacs" -- to become politically active for the first time. Once Dean ended his campaign, he quickly endorsed nominee John Kerry and campaigned energetically for the national ticket in the general election. The "Dean for America" (DFA) campaign quickly morphed into Democracy for America (DFA 2.0) -- a large national organization of progressive activists. Dean's Blog for America (official) site also remains active. Net activists (including this website) worked with grassroot party activists after Kerry lost the 2004 race to draft Dean for Democratic National Committee Chairman. After a few weeks of meetings with party activists and leaders, Dean jumped into the contest and -- despite tactit opposition from Clinton and Kerry loyalists -- was elected DNC Chair. During the DNC campaign, Dean promised he would not run for President in 2008 if he won the DNC Chair race. Despite the continuing enthusiasm of the Deaniacs for another White House bid in '08 -- the "50-State Strategy" success he presided over in the 2006 elections -- Dean repeatedly says he will keep his promise and not run in 2008. A sampling of the many unofficial Deaniac site would include Dean Nation, Truth and Hope, Dean Port, Gnet/Grassroots Network TV, Take Your Country Back, Thank You Howard, Dean Photos and Out for Democracy. Other related links: Wikipedia: Howard Dean (online resource) and JFK Library: Howard Dean - Profile in Courage.
US Senator Russell D. "Russ" Feingold (Wisconsin) US Senator Russ Feingold -- an early P2008 favorite of progressive netroots activists -- announced in November 2006 he will not be a candidate for President in 2008. Feingold had traveled to 17 states over the preceeding two years on behalf of lots of local Dem candidates, had already launched his own leadership PAC, and raised over $2 million, all in preparation of a possible White House run. With the Democrats returned to majority status in the Senate with the 2006 elections, Feingold quickly decided he preferred to stay active in the Senate rather than run for President. He explained: "I relish the thought that in this new Congress we can start, not only to undo much of the damage that one-party rule has done to America, we can actually advance progressive solutions to such major issues as guaranteed healthcare, dependence on oil, and our unbalanced trade policies ... we need to stand up for a strong, principled Democratic party that is willing to replace timidity with taking the risks of promoting a platform of bold solutions to our nation's problems. ... I'm sure a campaign for President would have been a great adventure and helpful in advancing a progressive agenda. At this time, however, I believe I can best advance that progressive agenda as a Senator with significant seniority in the new Senate serving on the Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Judiciary and Budget Committees." He also said he would not initially endorse another candidate in the race: "The first choice would be somebody who voted against this unfortunate Iraq war. That may not be available. Second choice is somebody who at least said it was a bad idea ... I would be happy if [Senator Barack] Obama or [former Vice President Al] Gore ran." BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Wisconsin State Senator, 1983-93 (elected 1982, 1986, 1990). US Senator, 1993 - present (elected 1992, 1998, 2004). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney (practiced law: 1979-85). EDUCATION: B.A., University of Wisconsin, 1975. B.A. (Rhodes Scholar), Oxford University, England, 1977. J.D. with honors, Harvard University Law School, 1979. PERSONAL: Born March 2, 1953, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Twice divorced. Two children. Jewish. LINKS:
Progressive Patriots Fund PAC - Feingold's Leadership
PAC. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Progressive Patriots Fund
Former Vice President Albert "Al" Gore Jr. (Tennessee) Former Vice President Al Gore -- the 2000 Democratic nominee for President who won more total popular votes than the ultimate "winner" of the race -- was frequently mentioned as a prospect for the 2008 race. Despite the wide speculation, Gore made it clear in March 2005 that he will not be a candidate for President in 2008. According to MSNBC's Chris Matthews, Gore let the early word out of his disinterest leak out "to end speculation about a campaign that will never occur." In fact, Gore has stated he does not plan to ever again seek political office. Instead, he wants to focus on his environmental activism and building a national, liberal television network. The "Gore in 2008" boom started up again big time when his global warming documentary An Inconvenient Truth debuted -- and Gore said day after day he had no plans to run for President in 2008. That actually encourage Gore supporters, who see his frequent denials as proof he's really getting ready to run. Some of the "Draft Gore" groups include AlGore.org, DraftGore.com, AlGore-'08.com and Al Gore Support Center being the two most active. Gore resisted similar draft movements in 2004. Other related links: Clinton-Gore Alumni (White House alumni organization); Wikipedia: Al Gore (online resource). Because people did not seem to take him at his word as continued to give blistering attack speeches against the Bush Administration, Gore in October 2005, said unambiguously: "I have absolutely no plans and no expectations of ever being a candidate again." Yet, despite this, Gore cracked open the door a bit in September 2006: "I haven't completely ruled out running for President again in the future, but I don't expect to ... I offer the explanation not as an effort to be coy or clever. It's just the internal shifting of gears after being in politics almost 30 years." Since then, Gore keeps saying he is not running -- but many continue to hope he can be drafted into the race.
US Senator John F. Kerry (Massachusetts) Senator John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee for President, indicated almost immediately after the end of the 2004 race that he intended to make a second run in 2008. That, and he was sitting on $18 million unspent from the 2004 race. Polls, however, were not kind to Kerry. He lagged in the single digits and an awkward joke seen as anti-military on the eve the 2006 elections seems to seal his fate. He delayed his decision, then announced in January 2007 he would not make a second run in 2008. Instead, Kerry plans to seek re-election in 2008.
Governor Janet A. Napolitano (Arizona) Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano was named in several reports in 2005-06 as a potential White House hopeful. Time Magazine named Napolitano as one of America's five best Governors in 2005 -- but she did zero to encourage the Presidential buzz. Although Napolitano scored a landslide re-election in 2006 in a "Red State," she announced in December 2006 she would not run for President in 2008. However, she made a point of saying she was not ruling out a run in the future. Related links: Office of Governor Janet Napolitano (official government site) and Napolitano for Governor (official 2006 campaign site).
US Senator E. Benjamin "Ben" Nelson (Nebraska)US Senator Ben Nelson told reporters in November 2004 -- when asked about the likely 2008 Presidential candidacy by US Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) -- that Hagael may not be the only Nebraska US Senator running in 2008. When asked to elaborate, Nelson said he wasn't ready to "take [a 2008 White House run] off the table." Since then, Nelson won an easy reelection victory in 2008 -- and has made no further comments about a Presidential race. Unless he states an interest otherwise, we're treating his silence on the subject as a strong disinclination to run in 2008.
Governor Edward G. "Ed" Rendell (Pennsylvania) At one time, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was being touted as a likely candidate because he had national stature and the ability to raise money. A former Democratic National Chairman during the later part of the Clinton Administration, Rendell has contacts with a national network of party leaders. In 2005, Rendell was being mentioned as possible White House hopeful in 2008. However, a competitive race for reelection in 2006 forced Rendell to focus his attention and dollars in the Keystone State. In August 2006, Rendell made it clear he would not run for President -- nor would he ever run for any other office again in the future. "This is my 14th election: -- enough is enough," he explained. Related link: Office of Governor Ed Rendell.
Governor Brian Schweitzer (Montana) Populist and folksy Governor Brian Schweitzer repeatedly stated in 2005-06 that he doesn't plan to run for President in 2008 -- despite the fact that he was the target of a draft movement. In fact, he's joked that those attempting to draft him for President "are kooky" to promote the idea. In only his first term in elective office, Schweitzer clearly thinks the attention isn't appropriate. "I'm not that smart and I ain't pretty, so I don't know what they're talking about," joked the rancher/scientist-turned-politician. Besides, Schweitzer added, "If I stay in Washington for more than 72 hours, I have to bathe myself in the same stuff I use when my dog gets into a fight with a skunk." The Montana GOP Chair doesn't believe Schweitzer's claim of disinterest in running for President, noting that Schweitzer is increasing his profile in the national media. "There has to be someone, somewhere opening those [media] doors" for Schweitzer, said GOP Chair Karl Ohs. Schweitzer can, however, offer his take on why people seem interested in him: "Maybe it's because I'm kind of a straight-talker and tend to say it the way it is. A lot of politicians are scared of their own shadows so they parse their words." For a period in 2005, a bunch of the "netroots" activists who had supported Howard Dean in 2004 were promoting the idea of possible Draft Schweitzer '08 candidacy -- even though Schweitzer is more conservative than Dean. Schweitzer doesn't say he will never run for President, but he ruled out a 2008 run. Related links: Office of Governor Brian Schweitzer and BrianSchweitzer.com (official campaign site).
Former Governor Thomas J. "Tom" Vilsack (Iowa) Just two days after the Democrats recaptured control of Congress in the 2006 elections, outgoing Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack announced his candidacy for President. Vilsack, a former National Governors Association Chair, was also the then-Chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council (although he gave up the post shortly after announcing his candidacy). With little national name ID, Vilsack started the contest in the "second tier" of candidates -- although his early effort showed some real tech savvy and creativity. Yet, after just three months as an active White House candidate, Vilsack quit the race in February 2007. Poll numbers repeatedly showed him running fourth in his homestate of Iowa behind the first tier trio of Clinton, Obama and Edwards -- which likely convinced Vilsack he was a very longshot to break into the leader group.
Former Governor Mark R. Warner (Virginia) Nextel telecommunications company co-founder and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner (D) surprised everyone by announcing in October 2006 he would not be a candidate for President in 2008. The news was so unexpected because Warner had done everything needed over the prior two years to position himself as a likely White House contender. He launched a leadership PAC (Forward Together PAC), contributed to Democratic congressional hopefuls around the nation, and made repeated trips to key early contest states. "Forward Together has contributed more money this year to Democratic candidates and party organizations than any other federal leadership PAC. Our effort raised over $9 million. I headlined 86 events in 25 states to help raise or directly donate $7.3 million to Democrats this cycle ... But this has also been another kind of journey -- one that would lead to a decision as to whether I would seek the Democratic nomination for President ... After 67 trips to 28 states and five foreign countries, I have made that decision. I have decided not to run for President. This past weekend, my family and I went to Connecticut to celebrate my Dad’s 81st birthday, and then we took my oldest daughter Madison to start looking at colleges. I know these moments are never going to come again. This weekend made clear what I’d been thinking about for many weeks -- that while politically this appears to be the right time for me to take the plunge -- at this point, I want to have a real life. And while the chance may never come again, I shouldn’t move forward unless I’m willing to put everything else in my life on the back burner. This has been a difficult decision, but for me, it’s the right decision," explained Warner.
REPUBLICAN PARTY:
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, 1986-93; US Congressman, 1995-96 (elected 1994); US Senator, 1996-present (elected 1996; re-elected 1998, 2004). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney and broadcaster, 1983-86. EDUCATION: B.S. (Agricultural Economics), Kansas State University,1979; J.D., University of Kansas, 1982. PERSONAL: Born September 12, 1956, in Parker, Kansas. Married to Mary Stauffer Brownback; five children. Roman Catholic. LINKS:
Brownback.com - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Friends of Brownback Committee US Senate Office: 202.224.6521
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Commonwealth's Attorney for Henrico County, 1988-94 (elected 1987; re-elected 1991). Attorney General of Virginia, 1994-1998 (elected 1993). Governor of Virginia, 1998-2002 (elected 1997). Republican National Chairman, 2001-02. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. US Army, 1971-74. EDUCATION: B.A., University of Virginia, 1971. J.D., University of Virginia Law School, 1977. PERSONAL: Born October 6, 1949, in Richmond, Virginia. Married to Roxane Gatling Gilmore. Two children. Methodist. LINKS:
Jim Gilmore for President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jim Gilmore for President Committee
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: GOP Nominee for Congress, 1974 and 1976. US Congressman, 1979-99 (Elected 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984,1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998). Founder, Conservative Opportunity Society, 1983. Chair, GOPAC, 1986-95. US House Minority Whip, 1989-95. US House Speaker, 1995-99. Reprimanded by the US House Ethics Committee, 1996. Founder, Center for Health Transformation, 2003. Co-Chair, National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care. Founder, Institute for Safety, Health, Prosperity and Freedom, 2005. PROFESSIONAL: College Professor, 1970-78. Founder & CEO, Gingrich Group communications and consulting firm, 1999-Present. Author. EDUCATION: B.A. (History), Emory University, 1965; M.A. (History), Tulane University, 1968; Ph.D. (History), Tulane University, 1971. PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Married to Callista Bisek Gingrich. Twice divorced. Two children. LINKS:
Newt.org - Official Site #1. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hon. Newt Gingrich
BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: GOP nominee for New York City Mayor, 1989. New York City Mayor, 1994-2002 (elected 1993, 1997). Candidate for US Senate, 2000 (withdrew). PROFESSIONAL: Law Clerk to US District Court Judge Lloyd MacMahon, 1968-70. Assistant US Attorney, 1970-75. Associate Deputy US Attorney General, 1975-77. Attorney, private practice, 1977-81 and 2002-present. Associate US Attorney General, 1981-83. US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, 1983-89. Chairman/CEO, Giuliani Partners LLC, 2002-present. EDUCATION: B.A., Manhattan College, 1965. J.D. magna cum laude, New York University Law School, 1968. PERSONAL: Born May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. Twice divorced. Two children. Catholic. LINKS:
Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee -
Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee
US Senator Charles T. "Chuck" Hagel (Nebraska) STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. US Senator Chuck Hagel -- a decorated Vietnam War veteran and wealthy former businessman -- has cultivated the image of being an independent-minded maverick. Although he is a close friend of John McCain, and supported McCain in 2000, Hagel is himself weighing a possible White House run in 2008. While Hagel is pro-life and a fiscal conservative, he stands out from the other GOP hopefuls for his outspoken calls since early 2006 to withdraw US troops from Iraq. He frequently refers to Iraq as "another Vietnam" Here are some comments from a November 2006 column he wrote: "We have misunderstood, misread, misplanned and mismanaged our honorable intentions in Iraq with an arrogant self-delusion reminiscent of Vietnam. Honorable intentions are not policies and plans ... The United States must begin planning for a phased troop withdrawal from Iraq. The cost of combat in Iraq in terms of American lives, dollars and world standing has been devastating ... Our effort in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, partly because we took our focus off the real terrorist threat, which was there, and not in Iraq. We are destroying our force structure, which took 30 years to build. We've been funding this war dishonestly, mainly through supplemental appropriations, which minimizes responsible congressional oversight and allows the Administration to duck tough questions in defending its policies. Congress has abdicated its oversight responsibility in the past four years. It is not too late. The United States can still extricate itself honorably from an impending disaster in Iraq." He also differs with the Bush Administration by supporting an end to the decades-old economic boycott of Cuba, saying the embargo failed to dislodge Castro and harmed Cuban civilians. Some think Hagel may be positioning himself to make an Independent run for President, but Hagel strongly denies it. Related link: Office of US Senator Chuck Hagel (official government site), Sandhills PAC (Hagel's Leadership PAC), DraftHagel08.com (grassroots supporters) and Hagel2008.blogspot.com (grassroots supporters).
Former Governor Michael D. "Mike" Huckabee (Arkansas) STATUS: EXPLORATORY CANDIDATE. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee -- a Baptist Pastor -- served as President of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention before entering politics in the 1992. After losing a longshot US Senate race, he was elected Lieutenant Governor once year later in a special election. In mid-1996, he became Governor when the incumbent resigned in a scandal. Elected and re-elected as Governor, he served ten years in that office until he was term-limited in 2006. Huckabee is personable and has a natural base among Religious Right primary voters. He formed his Presidential exploratory committee in January 2007. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: GOP nominee for US Senate, 1992. Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, 1993-96 (elected 1993 Special Election; re-elected 1994). Governor of Arkansas, 1996-2007 (elected 1998, re-elected 2002). Chair, National Governors Association, 2005-06. PROFESSIONAL: Baptist Minister. President, Beech Street Communications (parent company of the UHF TV station owned by the Beech Street Baptist Church), 1986-92. President, Arkansas Baptist State Convention, 1989-91. Author. EDUCATION: B.S. magna cum laude (Religion), Ouachita Baptist University, 1975. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, attended 1975-76. PERSONAL: Born August 24, 1955, in Hope, Arkansas. Married to Janet McCain Huckabee. Southern Baptist. LINKS:
Mike Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee
- Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Huckabee for President Committee
Congressman Duncan L. Hunter (California) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Congressman Duncan Hunter is well known inside the Beltway from his former service as House Armed Services Committee Chair (and, since 2007, Ranking Minority Member). During his years in Congress, Hunter has supported significant increases in the military, including increased spending, an increased military role in stopping illegal immigration into the US, and an increased position to influence the intelligence-gathering agencies. An attorney, Hunter was first swept into Congress over an 18-year Democratic incumbent on the coattails of the 1980 Reagan landslide. Despite his clout in the House and political strength within his district, Hunter is little-known elsewhere to most Republican primary voters and will need to struggle just to get noticed in the crowded pack of "second tier" GOP hopefuls. Hunter touts himself as the only true "Reagan Republican" in the field. Hunter has also announced he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2008. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: US Congressman, 1981-present (elected 1980; re-elected 13 times). Chair, US House Armed Services Committee, 2002-06. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney, 1976-80. US Army, 1969-71 (Vietnam War veteran). EDUCATION: B.S.L. & J.D. (joint degree program), Western State University, 1976. Attended University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Montana. PERSONAL: Born May 31, 1948, in Riverside, California. Married to Lynne Layh Hunter. Two sons; two grandchildren. Baptist. LINKS:
Hunter for President - Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Duncan
Hunter Committee
US Senator John S. McCain III (Arizona) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Senator John McCain starts the 2008 contest as one of the leading GOP hopefuls. He built up a solid media following, and much public good will, during his failed insurgent run for President in 2000 against George W. Bush. Since then, McCain has seemingly moved back and forth between "straight-talking" insurgent and loyal GOP conservative. He loyally campaigned for Bush's 2004 re-election even though he was friendly with fellow Vietnam War veteran John Kerry (and even went so far, along with Chuck Hagel, as defending Kerry's war record and denouncing the Swift Boat Vet attacks). He briefly flirted with being Kerry's VP running mate as part of some unspecified national unity ticket against Bush-Cheney in 2004 -- but then publicly said he wasn't interested and began actively campaigning for Bush. With his heroic Vietnam War credentials, McCain is a Republican who can talk about the Iraq War from the perspective of someone who fought in past wars. That said, McCain's current proposal -- calling for a massive immediate increase in the number of US soldiers in Iraq -- is not a very popular stance. He also walks a dangerous tightrope on some hot button social issues like gay rights: he opposes gay marriage but opposes the constitutional amendment to ban it, seems to support allowing states to recognize civil unions, all the while courting the support of both pro-gay rights activist and the Religious Right. Pundits are sharply split: one camp initially said the nomination is McCain's to lose, while the other camp says the Dubya partisans and Religious Right voters simply distrust McCain for trying to appear as a maverick centrist in recent years before charging sharply back to the right in 2006-07 to regain their favor. Polls show the re-tooled McCain of 2006-07 -- positioning himself as the ardent Bush supporter -- seems to have weakened, rather than strengthened him, with primary voters. Voters seem to want to know who the real McCain is. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: US Senator, 1987-present (elected 1986; re-elected 1992, 1998, 2004). US Congressman, 1983-87 (elected 1982 and re-elected 1984). Director, US Navy's Senate Relations Office, 1977-81. Candidate for President, 2000. PROFESSIONAL: US Navy officer, 1958-81. As a Navy pilot, he was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a Prisoner of War in Hanoi for 5½ years. Military decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. Author. EDUCATION: B.S., US Naval Academy, 1958. Attended courses at the National War College, 1973-74. PERSONAL: Born August 29, 1936 in the Panama Canal Zone (US Territory). Married to Cindy Hensley McCain. Once divorced. Seven children, four grandchildren. Episcopalian. McCain's father and grandfather were both US Navy admirals. LINKS:
John McCain 2008 Exploratory Committee
- Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
John McCain 2008 Committee
Former Governor George E. Pataki (New York) STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. Former Governor George Pataki made several trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and other key early contest states during 2005-06. He even opened an office in New Hampshire for his PAC (but closed it in early 2007). In January 2007, Pataki told NH Republican leaders he was "going to let the dust settle and see where we are in a few months" -- and added he would understand if his GOP friends wanted to take a closer look at or endorse some of the announced GOP hopefuls in the meantime. One guest at the small dinner told the Manchester Union-Leader: "He never came out and said, 'I'm not running for President,' but everybody basically saw the handwriting on the wall, which is he's out." Pataki's spokesperson said the ex-Gov was still "considering the possibility of running for President" but was instead "focusing on policy rather than politics." Yup, he's out. Related links: Friends of George Pataki (official political site), 21st Century Freedom PAC (Pataki's leadership PAC), and ThePatakiPlan.com (official Iraq War policy site).
Congressman Ron Paul (Texas) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Physician and Congressman Ron Paul -- the 1988 Libertarian Party nominee for President (432,000 votes) -- filed paperwork in January 2007 to make a GOP run for the White House. He's widely known in Washington as "Doctor No" for his consistent "no" votes against nearly everything (against approving the federal budget, against new federal programs, against drug laws, against regulatory laws -- even against minting a commemorative congressional medal to present to the Pope on a US visit a few years ago). Still an uncompromising ideological libertarian, Paul opposes the Iraq War, and supports sharply lower taxes and slashing federal spending. Some leading activists within the Libertarian Party are hopeful Paul can be enticed to be the LP nominee if his run for the GOP Presidential nomination falters. On a related note: Paul has already indicated he will also seek re-election to the House in 2008 as a Republican, as dual federal office candidacies are permitted under Texas law. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: US Congressman, 1976-77, 1979-85 and 1997-present (elected 1976 Special Election, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006). GOP Nominee for Congress, 1974 and 1976. Candidate for US Senate, 1984 GOP Primary. Libertarian Party Nominee for President, 1988 (Ballot status in 46 states - 431,750 votes - 0.47%). PROFESSIONAL: Physician (Obstetrician/Gynecologist), 1961-present. Author. US Air Force, 1963-65. US Air National Guard, 1965-68. EDUCATION: B.A., Gettysburg College, 1957. M.D., Duke University Medical Center, 1961. PERSONAL: Born August 20, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Married to Carol Wells Paul. Five children. Non-Denominational Protestant. LINKS:
Ron Paul Presidential Committee - Official Campaign
Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee
Former Governor W. Mitt Romney (Massachusetts) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced his Presidential exploratory campaign in January 2007. Romney -- former President of the successful 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics -- has emerged as on the "first tier" candidates for the Republican nomination. A pro-choice and pro-gay rights GOP candidate in Massachusetts in the 1990s, Romney now styles himself as a strong social conservative who is pro-life and opposes same-sex marriage. Stil, some Religious Right leaders are wary of Romney's devotion to the social conservative cause. Still, he's raising a lot of money and initially appears to be the leading conservative alternative to McCain and Giuliani. GOP observers said Romney has assembled a very strong campaign team and field organization in the key early contests states. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: GOP nominee for US Senate, 1994. Governor of Massachusetts, 2003-07 (elected 2002). Chair, Republican Governors Association, 2005-06. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. Management Consulting Firm Executive, 1978-84. Venture Capital Investment Firm Founder & Executive, 1984-2002. President and CEO, Salt Lake Organizing Committee (2002 SLC Winter Olympics), 1999-2002. EDUCATION: B.A. summa cum laude, Brigham Young University, 1971. M.B.A., Harvard Business School, 1975. J.D. cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1975. PERSONAL: Born March 12, 1947, in Michigan. Married to Ann Romney. Five sons; eight grandchildren. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Son of the late three-term Michigan Govenor and US Housing Secretary George W. Romney (R), a 1968 candidate for President; and Lenore Romney, the 1970 GOP nominee for US Senate in Michigan. LINKS:
Mitt Romney for President Exploratory Committee -
Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Romney for President Committee.
Radio Talk Show Host Michael Savage (California) STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. Bombastic conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage said in February 2007 that he was contemplating entry into the 2008 GOP White House race. "I know it sounds bizarre but when you consider the people running for the Presidency, none seems to be qualified ... A non-politician who has a very large following, who is very conservative, and who believes in a simple message of borders, language, and culture, has a great chance of electrifying the American people," explained Savage to NewsMax. He does not think his candidacy would hurt the Republican chances in November -- even if his run is divisive and insulting towards other GOP hopefuls -- because the GOP has "virtually no chance of winning right now." Besides, Savage said the current field of Republican candidates are "are all political apparatchiks .... [who] have never stood for borders, language or culture" and are simply parroting "sound bytes." Savage said he grew interested in making the race when he remembered that Al Sharpton and Dennis Kucinich earned spots in the 2004 Dem primary debates. They "were given equal time on the podium during the debates with the leading candidates," said Savage. He says he is "exploring" the race and will obviously quit his radio show if he decides to run. He's made a name for himself over the years with his incendiary racist, sexist, xenophobic or homophobic rant, and will need to explain the sharp contrast between with his vitriolic conservative radio persona and his actual life history that seems sharply at odds with his rhetoric. FYI: "Michael Savage" is actually just a show biz name, as his real legal name is Michael Alan Weiner. Related links: MichaelSavage.com (official site); Wikipedia: Michael Savage (information resource); Media Matters: Michael Savage (negative site); and Michael Savage Sucks (negative site).
Congressman Thomas G. "Tom" Tancredo (Colorado) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Congressman Tom Tancredo has built a national reputation based on his vigorous calls to clamp down on immigration into the US. While he always cautions to say his main concern is controlling illegal immigration, he also supports an moratorium on nearly all immigration into the US. Opponents say Tancredo is xenophobic and wants to simply keep out all non-English speaking immigrants, legal and illegal alike. He supports building a huge militarized wall along the US-Mexico border (but not the US-Canada border) and is closely tied to controversial Minuteman Project of civilian volunteer vigilante border patrols. Former US Treasurer Bay Buchanan -- Pat Buchanan's sister and former campaign manager -- is directing Tancredo's national political organization. Tancredo filed his federal paperwork in January 2007. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Wisconsin State Assemblyman, 1967-87 (Minority Leader, 1981-87). Candidate for Congress, 1979 GOP primary (special election). Governor of Wisconsin, 1987-2001 (elected 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998). US Secretary of Health & Human Services, 2001-05. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. EDUCATION: B.S., University of Wisconsin, 1963. J.D., University of Wisconsin, 1966. PERSONAL: Born November 19, 1941, in Elroy, Wisconsin. Married to Sue Ann Thompson. Three children, five grandchildren. Catholic. LINKS:
Tommy Thompson Presidential Exploratory Committee -
Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Thompson Presidential Exploratory Committee
Former US Senator Fred D. Thompson (Tennessee) STATUS: POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. Former two-term US Senator Fred Thompson is probably more recognizable to the public the veteran character movie and TV actor who currently appears as District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's Law & Order. Although most don't know it, before he went to the US Senate he also a respected, top-rate partner at one of DC's leading law firms. Thompson was drawn into the 2008 speculation by a true grassroots draft movement that seemed to catch fire with voters dissatisfied with the current field and who see Thompson as "Reagan-esque." Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) is clearly the current ringleader of the Draft Thompson movement, and is proving very successful at locking up endorsements for a guy who isn't even running yet. "I think people are somewhat disillusioned. I think a lot of people are cynical out there. I think they're looking for something different ... and I think that they're going to be open to different things," Thompson explained. He promised in March to make a decision on the race "in a few months." He wants to see if any clear frontrunner emerges in the coming months. Thompson is a conservative who is pro-life, anti-gun control, anti-gay marriage, supports the Iraq War and the President's surge plan, and said he would pardon former VP Chief of Staff Scooter Libby now for his perjury conviction last week. Interestingly, Thompson is active on Libby's legal defense fundraising efforts. One problem Thompson will have to deal with is influential Religious Right leader Jim Dobson. In March 2007, Dobson harshly slammed Thompson: "Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for [but] I don't think he's a Christian -- at least that's my impression." When Thompson countered by noting he was baptized and is a Christian, Dobson's spokesman retorted that Dobson "has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian." If Thompson enters the race, he will immediately be viewed as a first-tier candidate. Related links: Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee; Grassroots Voter; AnotherRonaldReagan.com; DraftFredThompson.com; Thompson Rally; Wikipedia: Fred Dalton Thompson; and IMDb: Fred Thompson.
Former Governor Tommy G. Thompson (Wisconsin) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. GOP activists urged former Wisconsin Governor and former Bush Administrative HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson to be either their US Senate or Governor candidate in 2006. Instead, to the surprise of all, Thompson announced he wanted to run for President. In December 2006, Thompson launched his Presidential exploratory committee. His main campaign issue is the need for improved health care in the US. However, he also seems to have moved a bit further to the right on social issues in an effort to win Religious Right backing in the early contest states. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Wisconsin State Assemblyman, 1967-87 (Minority Leader, 1981-87). Candidate for Congress, 1979 GOP primary (special election). Governor of Wisconsin, 1987-2001 (elected 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998). US Secretary of Health & Human Services, 2001-05. PROFESSIONAL: Attorney. EDUCATION: B.S., University of Wisconsin, 1963. J.D., University of Wisconsin, 1966. PERSONAL: Born November 19, 1941, in Elroy, Wisconsin. Married to Sue Ann Thompson. Three children, five grandchildren. Catholic. LINKS:
Tommy Thompson Presidential Exploratory Committee -
Official Campaign Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Thompson Presidential Exploratory Committee
OTHER REPUBLICANS:
Michael Jesus Archangel (Michigan) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. This gadfly candidate -- who also uses the name "Saint Michael Jesus the Archangel" (note: formerly named Philip Silva until he legally adopted the Archangel moniker in 1996) -- appears rather delusional. "From the time I was a little boy I knew I was God and Michael the Archangel, but I didn't dare tell anyone, not even anyone in my family because I knew that the devil, Satan, was going to try to murder Me, and indeed he did try, four separate times," he explains. He says he's a Vietnam War veteran who attempted suicide due to depression and paranoia. He also claims he later became a "a volunteer Secret Agent for the Central Intelligence Agency without pay." A former janitor, he is a self-employed "writer" these days. As for politics, he describes himself as a "radical conservative Republican" who recognizes "the fact that America is an official Theocracy." Archangel was arrested on attempted murder and other felony charges in March 2006. "As a matter of fact, he is crazy. Anyone in their right mind can see that," said the Sheriff who arrested him. You can find lots and lots of very long pages of his bizarre writing on his official website: ArchangelMichael.info (you've got to scroll down very far on the homepage to find the link to his Presidential campaign and his autobiography).
Edward A. Buck (Utah) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Edward Buck describes his campaign as the "Common Man Presidential Campaign." He says "the greatest threat to America is not terrorists, but rather the theft of the civil rights of each American by corrupt and illegal activities of politicians and judges." What, you may ask, is this all about? Buck explains he is upset that judges and government officials purportedly "condoned and participated in the theft" of an invention he tried to patent (to wit: "the first true bitless bridle for horses"). Buck has also filed pro se lawsuits against government officials to enforce immigration laws and against the media for assorted civil rights violations. An Army veteran, Buck describes himself as an "Equine physiologist" and hopes to one day have a horse that wins the Triple Crown. Related links: Buck for President (offical campaign site).
Allen M. Bunch (Georgia) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Allen Bunch (as he spelled his name on the FEC paperwork) also oddly refers to himself as "Alan" and "Alen" on his website, so even this candidate's true name is a bit of a mystery. Bush is a self-described Reagan Republican who describes his campaign theme as "Fortress America." He promised to immediately send 10,000 military troops to patrol the US-Mexico border, but also supports a Guest Worker Program for the US. Bunch wants to replace the income tax with the "Fair Tax" (national federal sales tax). He also wants the US to focus on developing alternative energy sources, promises to break up business monopolies, denounces "Judicial Terrorists" (i.e., federal judges), and supports the war on "Islam-o-fascists." Bunch is a high school graduate who works as an insurance agent, but rather fuzzy on details of his family, life and career. "I am sorry to be vague in this document, but there might be members of the alien criminal element that might want to do me harm and until I qualify as a presidential candidate; I am not entitled to get Secret Service," he explains on his website. Maybe that is why he keeps changing the spelling of his first name. Related link: Bunch for President (official campaign site).
Dr. Hugh Cort III (Alabama) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Hugh Cort -- a psychiatrist, fundamentalist Christian, and 2006 GOP primary candidate for Alabama State Representative (last place - 6%) -- touts himself as someone who has "spent years researching terrorism sources." His main campaign issue centers around the war on terrorism. On other issues, he supports constitutional amendments to ban abortion and ban gay marriage, describes himself as "pro-business" and is against higher federal taxes. Related links: Cort for President (offical campaign site), Stop Doomsday (Cort's anti-terrorism website), and Cort for State Representative (official 2006 campaign site).
John H. Cox (Illinois) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Wealthy attorney John Cox was an unsuccessful GOP primary candidate for Congress in 2000, a losing candidate for US Senate in the 2002 primary, and the GOP nominee for Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 2004. Undaunted for three defeats in a row, Cox is now running for President in 2008. As for government experience, Cox previously served on the Glenview District 34 Local School Council and the Glenview Zoning Board in suburban Chicago. A political conservative, Cox describes himself as a "Reagan Republican." Here is how Cox explains his campaign: "I really believe we need a true outsider to address the problems we face. Too many of the potential candidates in 2008 are senators, governors and other professional politicians who have supported greater spending, higher taxes or short-term fixes to long-term problems. America is at a crossroads. Major challenges went unanswered in the Bush administration. A tax system that punishes savings, a social security system bound for demographic disaster, schools that are failing and don’t have much hope of change, health care continuing to be priced out of reach and a war on terror that has still failed to bring the world completely along with our country. I truly do not believe the other potential candidates -- all insiders and professional politicians -- can speak to the American people, gain their trust and move this country forward." Cox makes regular campaign swings to Iowa and New Hampshire. Related links: Cox2008.com (official campaign site) and RestoreTrust.us (Cox's PAC).
Robert E. "Bob" Haines (New Hampshire) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Bob Haines -- a former "adopted Texan" who campaigns in a cowboy hat -- previously ran for President in 1992, 1996 and 2004. He also sought other offices in Colorado and elsewhere in years past. In the mid-1990s, Haines moved to DC and began writing a political newsletter. He believes most voters remembered he was the man on the sidewalk in front of the White House who tackled the gunman (Francisco Duran) who tried to kill President Clinton by firing shots at the building and at Secret Service agents in 1994. Haines himself later spent time in jail for a felony charge related to his pulling a gun on a man while campaigning for the 1996 NH primary (and again in 2003-04 for violating his probation from the '96 case). Haines maintained he was defending himself after one man choked him and another threatened him outside a bar. As for his views, Haines describes himself as "a fiscal and social conservative" who "advocates longer sentences for drugs and violent crimes and advocates fighting drugs and terrorists at their sources in Columbia and Afghanistan ... [and] advocated that the war in Afghanistan should have been originally been aggressive pursued into Pakistant get Bin Laden and his army with the help of Pakistan's army." Haines -- who said he's campaigned in 36 states in recent years -- refuses to accept he is still unknown to most voters. As in 2004, Haines has established residency in the state just so he could campaign more effectively there. In 2004, he finished tenth in NH with 579 votes. Haines hopes to improve his showing in 2008. No website yet, just an email address.
Curtis Hayward (Texas) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except that Curtis Hayward has filed paperwork with the FEC, no other info is known about this 2008 GOP hopeful. His official campaign organization is named "Hayward for President Aides Cenocide Dismantling Research Association President." No, "Cenocide" isn't a typo, as he spells it that way on a few documents ... and no, we have no idea what the name means.
Mildred T. "Millie" Howard (Ohio) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Millie Howard previously ran for President in the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 primaries. She is back making a fifth bid in 2006. In fact, her rather durable slogan of "Millie Howard for President USA 1992 and Beyond" is easily adaptable to as many more runs as Howard desires to make. A medical office receptionist who will be 70-years-old in 2008, she earned her B.S. degree in Finance in 2003 from Northern Kentucky University. Arguing that politics in America is "corrupt" and our current system is "socialistic," Howard called for smaller government. In a very libertarian vein, she also demanded the elimination of any laws that codify immorality (which Howard defines as "abortion, bankruptcy, divorce"). "Government needs to be moral and the rest will fall in place," Howard explains. Her central theme is creation of a "$10,000 Birth Right Stipend" program to eliminate all current entitlement programs. She also advocates adoption of eight new constitutional amendments, including declaring that life begins at conception, abolishing the death penalty, and eliminating automatic US citizenship for US-born children of immigrants unless at least one parent is a US citizen. In the 2004 New Hampshire primary, Howard placed 13th with 239 votes. Related links: Millie Howard for President USA 1992 and Beyond (offical campaign site).
Elvena E. Lloyd-Duffie (Texas) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except that Ms. Lloyd-Duffie was a Democratic Presidential hopeful in 1996, and has now filed paperwork with the FEC to run in 2008 as a Republican, we have no other info on this hopeful.
Frederick E. "Fred" Ogin (Oregon) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Fred Ogin is a Vietnam War veteran. He previously filed paperwork to run for President in 1984, 1996, 2000 and 2004, but did not qualify for any primary ballots. He's also run as a Democrat in the past. FYI: He's been using the photo (above) since his 1984 run. No other info is known about this candidate. No website yet.
Yehanna Joan M.M. Malone (District of Columbia) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Joan Malone, a widow and mother of three children, was a write-in Democratic hopeful in 2000. She later amended her federal paperwork in 2001 to run as a Republican in 2004 as a Presidential candidate and "Representative for God." In her August 2002 withdrawal letter to the FEC, she wrote that she decided to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree in religious studies as a better way to "serve my God-Trinity, my Savior Jesus Christ, be more like him, and truly make a difference in this world ... Politicians have done nothing but steal from me." Again billing herself as "Representative for God," Malone filed FEC paperwork to make another GOP run in 2008. No website yet.
William N. "Doc" Raven (Oregon) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Except that Doc Raven has filed paperwork with the FEC, no other info is known about this 2008 GOP hopeful.
Marshall S. Sanders (California) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Businessman Marshall Sanders was briefly a candidate for Congress in a 2005 special election. He later filed paperwork with the FEC to run for President, but no other info is known about this 2008 GOP hopeful.
Michael Charles Smith (Oregon) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Michael Smith is a computer company executive and USAF veteran, who earned his MBA degree in 2000. He also served as a Village Trustee of Garrett, Illinois (a town of around 200 people) in 1993-94. "I’m a Republican who is frustrated that the most prominent voices of the Republican Party are those of the extreme right and religious fundamental community. I’d like to see a more moderate discussion within the Republican Party that reflects more accurately the views of the people. I have a well rounded education and experience in the military, international business, and a perspective from the working middle class. I’m willing to speak up for what I believe is right, and unwillingly to cater my message to specific interest groups," says Smith, in explaining his White House candidacy. He plans to seek ballot status in the Oregon primary, and possibly New Hampshire and/or Iowa. Smith is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-medical assisted suicide, anti-flag burning amendment, pro-military draft, pro-drug decriminalization, pro-gun rights, critical of the Patriot Act, and supports replacing the current federal income tax with a national sales tax. Related links: Michael Charles Smith for President (offical campaign site) and MySpace.com: Michael Smith for President (official site #2).
Richard Michael Smith (Texas) STATUS: ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE. Richard Michael Smith -- who uses his full name throughout his campaign site -- holds a bachelor's degree in theology, was a local credit union general manager/president in the 1970s, and is now a Radio Shack merchandising executive. He also served nine years on the Board of Trustees of Southeastern Bible College and is active today in the ministry of his local evangelical church. He is a staunch conservative who fully supports the "War on Terror," supports the Strategic Defense Initiative ("Star Wars" missile shield), supports "sealing and protecting [US] borders" to deal with illegal immigration problems, and warns of the problem of "judicial tyranny." As for the Iraq War, Smith says "it is time to quit wringing our hands on how we got there and focus on what we need to do to stabilize Iraq and the entire Middle East." Related links: Richard Michael Smith for President (offical campaign site).
NOT RUNNING:
Former US Senator George F. Allen (Virginia) US Senator George Allen's unexpected 2006 re-election defeat -- after running an amateurish and gaffe-prone campaign -- destroyed the once strong buzz touting him as a likely first-tier '08 White House contender. In December 2006, Allen said he would not run for Presidential in 2008. "There are people encouraging me to run for office again in the future. What happens further on down the road remains to be seen. But it's way off in the future," he explained. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: GOP nominee for Virginia House of Delegates, 1979. Member, Virginia House of Delegates, 1982-1991 (elected 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989). US Congressman, 1991-93 (Nov. 1991 Special Election). Governor of Virginia, 1994-98 (elected 1993). US Senator, 2001-07 (elected 2000). GOP nominee for US Senate, 2006. Chair, National Republican Senatorial Committee, 2003-05. PROFESSIONAL: Law Clerk to Judge Glen Williams, 1977-78. Attorney (practiced law 1978-91 and 1998-2000). EDUCATION: B.A. (History), University of Virginia, 1974. J.D., University of Virginia, 1977. PERSONAL: Born March 8, 1952, in Whittier, California. Married to Susan Brown Allen. Three children. Presbyterian. Son of the late George H. Allen, the legendary NFL coach of the L.A. Rams and Washington Redskins. LINKS:
GeorgeAllen.com - Official 2006 Campaign Committee. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Friends of George Allen
Governor Haley R. Barbour (Mississippi) When "Draft Haley Barbour for President" stickers started floating around DC, Barbour told reporters he was flattered but did not plan to run in 2008. However, he did not entirely close the door on the race and some of his close political advisers purchased some 2008-related website names -- keeping the Barbour '08 stories in play until early 2006. Barbour is well-known with GOP leaders around the nation from both his two-terms as Republican National Chairman in the 1990s and his highly televised, professional handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in his state (especially when contrasted to the poor handling of the same storm by Louisiana's Governor). A consumate DC insider and former high-powered lobbyist, the conservative Barbour has the Rolodex needed to raise substantial funds -- but he says it won't be in 2008. In February 2006, Barbour gave a definitive statement he would not run: "There's no way I can consider running for President. I've been flattered by the people who have encouraged me or said they would support me. But there's no way I could run for President and do what I've got to do as Governor [with the post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort]." BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Field Organizer, Nixon for President Campaign, 1968. State Director, US Census, 1970. Executive Director, Mississippi Republican Party, 1973-76. Southeastern US Coordinator, President Ford Committee, 1976. GOP nominee for US Senate, 1982. Director, White House Office of Political Affairs, 1985-87. Chair, Republican National Committee, 1993-97. Governor, 2004-present (Elected 2003). PROFESSIONAL: Attorney and Lobbyist. EDUCATION: Undergraduate studies, University of Mississippi (six credits short of graduating). J.D., University of Mississippi Law School, 1973. PERSONAL: Born October 22, 1947, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Married to Marsha Dickson Barbour. Two children. Presbyterian. LINKS:
Office of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour -
Government Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Governor Haley Barbour
Former Governor John E. "Jeb" Bush (Florida) His father George H.W. Bush was President ("Bush 41") from 1989-93, and his older brother George W. Bush has been President since 2001 ("Bush 43") ... so lots of Republicans like the idea of turning Florida Governor Jeb Bush into the "Bush 44" President. Bush, however, repeatedly says he is not running in 2008 and actively discourages any attempts to suggest he'll change his mind. Bush allows for the possibility he may run for President at some future date, but he strongly emphasizes that it won't be in 2008. "I'm not going to run for President in 2008. That's not my interest," said Bush in October 2004. In May 2005, Bush's father explained that Jeb wouldn't run in 2008 because "The timing's wrong ... he doesn't want to do it." Jeb apparently believes the nation isn't ready to elect two brothers to back-to-back terms in the Oval Office. Two possible reasons that gave credibility to Jeb's denials on 2008: (1) He'll only be 59-years-old for the 2012 election, and (2) many believe he could be the VP nominee in 2008, paving the way for his future White House run. Several top Bush allies in Florida -- who rarely ever act contrary to Bush's wishes -- committed to MItt Romney's campaign in December 2006. Related links: Jeb.org (official political site); and Wikipedia: Jeb Bush (online resource).
Vice President Richard B. "Dick" Cheney (Wyoming) In interview after interview, Vice President Dick Cheney repeatedly states he will not be a candidate for President in 2008. Here are some typical Cheney comments about 2008 (from a June 2005 interview with Fox News): "I looked at [running for President] many years ago, and concluded back about 1994, '95 that I was not going to run, and went off to private life. I came back at the request of the then-Governor of Texas to be his running mate. I've loved being Vice President. It's been a tremendous experience. But it works in part because my agenda is his agenda. I don't have anything here that I'm trying to do. I'm not worried about what I'm going to do in the Iowa Caucuses in 2008. I'm here to serve the President and to focus on the problems of the moment. And I think it's very important that I continue to do that. So I've made it clear that this is my last job in public life. I've got other things I want to do when my time is up here -- [like] spend time with the grandkids ... If nominated, I will not run, et cetera, et cetera." Still, some don't believe him. Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward, for example, still thinks Cheney will run. In August 2005, Woodward said it is "highly likely" Bush may urge Cheney to run. He continued: "[Cheney[ would be 67 if he ran and was elected. Reagan was 69. Republicans always like the old warhorse ... Nixon was 68 ... Both parties like to nominate Vice Presidents. ... Cheney would do it [if asked], and I think it's highly likely, so stay tuned." DICK CHENEY BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Vice President of the United States, 2001-present [Elected 2000; re-elected 2004]. US Secretary of Defense, 1989-93. US Congressman, 1979-89 (House Minority Whip, 1988-89) [Elected 1978; Re-Elected 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988]. White House Chief of Staff to President Ford, 1975-77. Deputy Assistant White House Chief of Staff to President Ford, 1974-75. Nixon Administration staff member, 1969-74. PROFESSIONAL: Chairman/CEO, Halliburton Company, 1995-2000. EDUCATION: Attended Yale University, 1959. B.A. (Political Science), University of Wyoming, 1965. M.A. (Political Science), University of Wyoming, 1966. Doctoral studies, University of Wisconsin, 1966-68. PERSONAL: Born January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Married since 1964 to Lynne Vincent Cheney (Chair, National Endowment for the Humanities, 1986-1993; author; novelist; educator; conservative activist). Two grown daughters. Methodist. Suffered minor heart attacks in 1978, 1984, 1988 and 2000. LINKS:
The White House: Office of the Vice President
- Government Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Vice President Dick Cheney
Former US Senate Majority Leader William H. "Bill" Frist (Tennessee) US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist did not seek re-election in 2006, seemingly, in order to prepare for a 2008 White House run. A surgeon and multi-millionaire hospital chain co-founder, Frist made extensive visits to Iowa, New Hampshire and other key early contest states. By late 2006, GOP polls still showed Frist mired in the low single digits. In November 2006, Frist pulled the plug on his Presidential aspirations and announced he would not run. He is rumored to be pondering a 2010 run for Tennessee Governor. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Congressional Intern, 1972. Deputy State Director, Bush-Quayle Campaign, 1992. US Senator, 1995-present (elected 1994, 2000). Chair, National Republican Senatorial Committee, 2001-03. US Senate Majority Leader, 2003-present. PROFESSIONAL: Surgeon. Director, Heart and Lung Transplantation Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1986-93. Author. EDUCATION: A.B. (International Affairs), Princeton University, 1974. M.D. cum laude, Harvard Medical School, 1978. PERSONAL: Born February 22, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee. Married to Karyn McLaughlin Frist. Three children. Presbyterian. LINKS:
Office of US Senator Bill Frist, M.D. - Government
Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
US Senator Bill Frist
Former Governor Francis A. "Frank" Keating (Oklahoma) Former two-term Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating said in December 2006 that he was considering entering the P2008 race, as he didn't believe any of the remaining Republican candidates were truly "Reagan conservatives." Keating's open flirtation with the race was brief, as he announced in January 2007 he would not run. "It's just not the right thing for me to do at this time," he explained. Instead, he said he'd like to run for the US Senate someday. Related links: American Council of Life Insurers: Frank Keating (official business site); Wikipedia: Frank Keating (online resource).
Former Governor William F. "Bill" Owens (Colorado) Term-limited Colorado Governor Bill Owens was once viewed as a hot prospect for the next GOP White House nomination. So much so that during 2002-03, he was seen as already positioning himself to run and building a national network of contacts. That, however, was before the ongoing saga of his on-and-off marital separation woes. In 2004, it apparently played a role in his decision to not run for an open US Senate seat. By 2005, Owens sounded like someone who not only won't run for President in '08, but is likely to leave the political world entirely. Owens told the Rocky Mountain News in May 2005 -- after he and his wife reconciled -- he is looking "outside politics" for his future and added it was "probably a very safe assumption" he will not be on the GOP national ticket in 2008. In July 2005, Owens went even further and told reporters he had "never" seriously considered running for President in 2008. A related link: Office of Governor Bill Owens (government site).
Governor Timothy J. "Tim" Pawlenty (Minnesota) Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was frequently mentioned as a dark horse White House hopeful during much of 2004-05 -- in large part because of his conservative politics coupled with his proven past ability to get elected in a Democratic-leaning state. Pawlenty made a point of shooting down those rumors of national ambitions in some 2005 interviews. After winning a narrow 2006 re-election, Pawlenty became co-national chair of John McCain's campaign. Related links: Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty (government site) and Pawlenty for Governor (official campaign site).
US Secretary of State Condoleezza "Condi" Rice (California) US Secretary of State and former Stanford University Dean Condi Rice has slipped from time to time in interviews -- usually ones given abroad -- and mentioned an interest in someday being President. However, Rice adamantly insists she will not run in 2008 and plans to return to academia in California when the Bush Administration ends. That hasn't stopped a small but enthusiastic draft movement from forming, which has even run some TV ads in Iowa. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS: POLITICAL: Director for Soviet & East European Affairs, National Security Council, 1989-91. US National Security Adviser, 2001-05. US Secretary of State, 2005 - present.. PROFESSIONAL: Political Science Professor, Stanford University, 1981-89 and 1991-93. Senior Fellow, Institute for International Studies. Fellow, Hoover Institution. International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. Provost, Stanford University, 1993-99. Author. EDUCATION: B.A. cum laude (Political Science), University of Denver, 1974. M.S., University of Notre Dame, 1975. Ph.D. (International Studies) University of Denver, 1981. PERSONAL: Born November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama. Single. Baptist. LINKS:
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice - Government
Site. OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Governor Marshall C. "Mark" Sanford Jr. (South Carolina) South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford -- a former Congressman and businessman-- never expressed any interest in running for President in 2008. That, however, did not stop some folks from launching "Draft Sanford for President" groups in early 2005 -- praising his record of fiscal conservatism. In April 2005, Sanford quickly shot down the draft movement when he told told South Carolina newspapers he would "absolutely not" be a candidate for President in 2008. Related links: Office of Governor Mark Sanford (government site); Sanford for Governor (official campaign site); Draft Sanford for President 2008 (grassroots supporters); Draft Sanford in 2008 (grassroots suporters); and Draft Mark Sanford for President Petition (grassroots suporters).
Former US Senator Richard J. "Rick" Santorum (Pennsylvania) For much of 2004-05, social conservatives floated the name of US Senator Rick Santorum as a potential Presidential candidate in 2008. Santorum -- the #3 Republican in the Senate Leadership -- seemed to appreciate the attention, but then the Democrats succeeded in recruiting a major challenger (Bob Casey Jr.) against Santorum for his '06 Senate race. When Santorum published his controversial It Takes A Family book in mid-2005, many thought it was intended to be his '08 campaign book. Opponents -- and even media pundits -- crowed the book was an opposition researcher's dream because it contained so many passages that would be used against him in TV spots. After his 2006 re-election defeat, Santorum quickly stated he would "absolutely, positively not" be a candidate for President in 2008. Related links are: Santorum US Senate Committee (official campaign site), Stand with Santorum (grassroots site), Santorum Blog (grassroots site), Santorum Exposed (negative site), Dump Santorum (negative site), Stop Santorum Now (negative site), SantorumRecord.com (negative site), Patriots Against Senator Santorum (negative site), Santorum Watch (negative site), and Spreading Santorum (negative site; adult content).
THIRD PARTY and INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES:
CONSTITUTION PARTY:
Chuck Baldwin (Florida) - Baptist pastor, radio talk show
host, conservative activist, and 2004 VP nominee. GREEN PARTY:
Elaine Brown (Georgia) - Ex-Black Panther Party
Chair, nonprofit group executive and author. LIBERTARIAN PARTY:
Jim Burns (Nevada) - Ex-State LP Chair & frequent
candidate. PROHIBITION PARTY: Gene Amondson (Alaska) - 2004 Nominee, Temperance Lecturer, Minister & Artist; Declared interest in the 2008 race. SOCIALIST PARTY USA: No Candidates Identified To Date SOCIALIST EQUALITY PARTY: No Candidates Identified To Date SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY: No Candidates Identified To Date WORKERS WORLD PARTY: No Candidates Identified To Date INDEPENDENT & WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R/Independent-New York) Independent Candidate Not Yet Named (Unity08)
Stephen P. "Steve" Adams (Independent-Kentucky)
CLICK HERE to see the Letter that I am sending all of the 2008 Presidential Candidates to ask them how I can send money to the troops.
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DIRECTORY OF CLICK HERE to see the Letter that I am sending all of the 2008 Presidential Candidates to ask them how I can send money to the troops. THE TWO MAJOR PARTIES: (Barbara Lee, Dennis Kucinich and the Congressional Progressive Caucus) and traditional liberals (Russ Feingold, Nancy Pelosi, Dick Durbin and John Kerry) to the Dem center-right (Joe Lieberman, Evan Bayh, Harry Reid and the New Democrat Network) to the GOP-style conservative right (Ben Nelson, Gene Taylor, and Allen Boyd) ... Democratic Leadership Council's (Howard Dean, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, The Third Way).
CLICK HERE to see the Letter that I am sending all of the 2008 Presidential Candidates to ask them how I can send money to the troops.
THE THIRD PARTIES: AMERICA FIRST PARTY - Bo Gritz
- US Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) and Governor Mel Thomson (R-NH). Former GOP State Senator Don Rogers of California -- the 2000 nominee for Preside. Of course, the AP also opposes the United Nations, the New World Order, communism, socialism and the Trilateral Commission
CHRISTIAN FALANGIST PARTY OF AMERICA
The CPUSA's underlying communist ideology Gus Hall and Angela Davis -- was fielded in 1984 Related CPUSA websites include the People's Weekly World party newspaper, Political Affairs monthly party magazine, and the Young Communists League youth organization.
Former Nixon Administration official and one-time Conservative Coalition chair Howard Phillips founded the US Taxpayers Party (USTP) in 1992 as a potential vehicle for Pat Buchanan to use for a third party White House run. The party received a brief boost in the media when conservative US Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire -- an announced GOP Presidential hopeful -- bolted from the Republican Party to seek the Constitution Party nomination in 2000. Conservative attorney Michael Peroutka was the CP's 2004 Presidential nominee. Immigration reform activist Jim Gilchrist -- a close ally of Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and founder of the controversial "Minuteman Project" civilian border patrols -- appears likely to be the party's 2008 nominee. The Constitution Party appear to have generally cemented their place as the third largest third party in the nation. FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY / RADICAL WOMEN - Related FSP links include the Freedom Socialist newspaper and Red Letter Press (book publishers).
GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES (GREEN PARTY)
The Green Party -- the informal US-affiliate of the leftist, environmentalist European Greens movement. They scored a major political points when it convinced prominent consumer advocate Ralph Nader to run as their first Presidential nominee in 1996.The party regularly fields candidates for local, state and federal offices in many states, and has Green Party General Counsel David Cobb of Texas won the Presidential nomination (ballot status in 29 states established active state affiliate parties in nearly all 50 states. Other official Green Party links include: Green Pages (quarterly newspaper), Global Green Network, Green Party News Center, Campus Greens, Lavendar Greens Caucus, National Women's Caucus, Disability Caucus, Coordinated Campaign Committee, and Green Party Election Results. The Green Party Platform 2004 sets forth the party's official stances.
THE GREENS/GREEN PARTY USA (G/GPUSA)
G/GPUSA 2000 Platform (which remains the current G/GPUSA platform). The G/GPUSA maintain formal local affiliates only Chicago, St. Louis and Philadelphia. Related G/GPUSA links include Synthesis/Regeneration (party magazine), and Green Politics (quarterly newspaper).
Ideologically, they seem close to the style of the late, labor-friendly Vice President Hubert Humphrey and US Senator Scoop Jackson wing of the Democratic Party circa 1960s
Computer consulant and tax-resister Michael Badnarik was the LP Presidential nominee in 2004. The LP also has active affiliate parties in every state. Moderates seized control at the 2006 national convention and gutted the party's original platform. Other related LP sites are: the Libertarian Party News (official LP newspaper), College Libertarians (official student group), LP Ballot Base (official GOTV site), GrowTheLP.org (official LP outreach), Libertarian Reform Caucus (LP moderates), LP Radicals (LP purists), Libertarian Leadership School (official LP training program), LPedia (official LP Wiki history site).. The LP web site features a link to the World's Smallest Political Quiz -- designed by LP co-founder David Nolan
Chicago Congressman Danny K. Davis
An additional party-related organization is the Partisan Prohibition Historical Society, Gene Amundson -- supported by the party leadership -- will also be on the Colorado ballot under another name.
Billionaire Texas businessman Ross Perot founded the Reform Party in 1995
The party's leader -- a digital culture journalist and cyberprankster who uses the pen name R.U. Sirius
Socialist Party USA Campaign Clearinghouse. The SP-USA's Socialist Net is a resource site covering the international democratic socialist movement and the American Socialist Foundation and an SP-USA affiliated educational group. Peace activist and former SP-USA National Chairman David McReynolds was the party's 2000 Presidential nomineeFor 2004, former Democratic State Senator Walt Brown of Oregon is the SPUSA Presidential nominee. The party's youth wing -- the Young People's Socialist League.
The SEP's news site -- the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) -- is updated daily with articles, analysis, history, etc., written with a hardcore internationalist, Trotskyist perspective.
The SLP newspaper The People
Marxist political organizer James Harris was the SWP Presidential nominee in 1996. SWP's newspapers The Militant (English) and Perspectiva Mundial (Spanish) online.
The party -- which already has chapters formed in several states -- is seeking marijuana legalization on a state-by-state basis
Lyttle did not wage an active campaign
The party's platform preface.
WWP Presidential nominee Monica Moorehead was on the ballot in 12 states in 1996. he WWP also sponsors or directs numerous popular front groups including International ANSWER, International Action Center, Stop War on Iran, US Troops Out Now, No Draft No Way, People Judge Bush, Nicaragua Network, Alliance for Global Justice, Pastors for Peace, and many others.
OTHER PARTIES:
Democratic Socialists of America
The DSA is the official US full member party of the Socialist International (which includes Tony Blair's UK Labour Party, the French Parti Socialiste and nearly 140 other political parties around the globe).
Libertarian National Socialist Green Party
. They also seem to be actively involved in an online fantasy government entitled the USA Parliament
Revolutionary Communist Party USA
Maoist activist C. Clark Kissinger seems to be running the day-to-day operations of the RCP. The party's newspaper -- Revolutionary Worker -- is available online in English and Spanish versions. Prominent RCP popular front groups include Refuse & Resist! and the the anti-war Not In Our Name project.
SD-USA is the other official US full member party of the Socialist International.
Thorburn's Anti-Imperialist News Service ("assisting the people's struggles against war and militarism") is also affiliated with the WP-USA.
World Socialist Party of the USA
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