Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings Week #13: Giuliani and Hillary continue to lead.

Its that time to post my end of the month Presidential Rankings. This includes every announced candidate running for president or possible contenders. Vilsack won't be included since he ended his campaign today.

Republicans

1st: Rudolph Giuliani (steady) Lead remains high in nationwide polls, but his organization in key early states is poor. He may lose key staes and throw his campaign out the door.

2nd John McCain (steady) McCain remains steady in polls, but his support among states in IA and NH remains strong. He has slipped in polls, but this can be expected since he has rarley campaigned.

3rd: Mitt Romney (rising) More polls in New Hampshire show a a strong Romney showing. He is now well known and could become a serious player with climbing numbers.

4th: Newt Gingrich (steady) Gingrich numbers are slowly starting to fall as Romney's rise. He will likely not run for president in 2008 with falling support.

5th: Chuck Hagel (steady) Hagel has yet to stae whether he is running, but his numbers in Iowa are doing very well for a long shot so this earns him a top 5 spot.

6th: Sam Brownback (steady) Brownbak remains in the top 5 in polls, but his support in key states remains at a steady 1%

7th: Mike Huckabee (steady) Huckabee is a long shot, but experts predict he is the most liely darkhorse as a Fmr. Governor and we rank him #1 or #2 as a chose for VP.

8th: Jim Gilmore (steady) Being a governor and having conservative views could sway voters over. Don't count Gilmore out yet.

9th: Tommy Thompson (steady) His support in Iowa is growing and he is getting a fundraising base. He could be a strong candidate.

10th: George Pataki (falling) It isn't likely Pataki will run so he we rank him very low.

11th: Duncan Hunter (steady) Hunter is really known so he will remain near the bottom.

12th: Tom Tancredo (falling) Tancredo is still trying to revive himself from his remarks made earlier in the campaign. I don't look for him to revive.

13th: Ron Paul (steady) His radical Libertarian views and his unpopularity isn't helping his campaign.

Democrats

1st: Hillary Clinton (steady) Clinton has risen in National polls, but has fallen in key states, so she remains at a steady pase.

2nd: Barack Obama (steady) Obama is gorwing in support slowly, and could pull off early wins in NH and SC. Obama is I believe the most successful black candidate for president.

3rd: John Edwards (rising) Edwards's polls in IA are strong and he is the strongest candidate in GOP match-up polls. Edwards we believe seems to be the most electable Democrat running.

4th: Bill Richardson (steady) His numbers are low, but cpuld change with his experience and charisma.

5th: Joe Biden (steady) His remarks have gotten him in to troubl, but he remains a somewhat strong candidate.

6th: Wesley Clark (steady) Clark has moved down a positin for his reluctance to announce.

7th: Christopher Dodd (steady) Dodd remains alomst dead last in polls and avearges about 1%. He is too unknown.

8th: Dennis Kucinich (steady) Peace candidate mask hasn't really helped Kucinich, and is the same old candidate as in 2004.

9th: Al Sharpton (steady) Sharpton probably will run for soemthing to do. He knows he doesn't have a chnace of winning.

10th: Mike Gravel (steady) Gravel is too unknown and forgotteh for a presidential run and isn't doing too much campaigning. He has so little support he isn't included in polls.

Decision 2008: Vilsack quits the race.

2008 Presidential Candidate and Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today formally withdrew his candidacy for president in 2008, becuase of poor showings in polls compared to frontrunners Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. Vilsack polled 3rd and 4th in even his homestate of Iowa 10-15 points behind Edwards. Vilsack was hoping an early win in Iowa would surge him to victory in other key victories, but if he lost Iowa it would instantly kill his campaign. If his homestate wouldn't support him who would? His withdrawal from the race could help increase John Edwards's lead in Iowa.

Decision 2008: Democrats meet in Nevada and other news

Yesterday every announced Democratic Presidential Candidate in 2008 met in Nevada except for Illionis U.S. Senator Barack Obama who felt it was too early to hold a forum or debate. They discussed everything from Iraq to Healthcare. We have yet to rate the overall "winner" of the forum, because we haven't fully accessed Sen. Edwards and Sen. Clinton.

According to new IA polls Edwards lead is slipping, and Giuliani's lead is strengthening. McCain and Clinton's lead in NH are slipping one poll shows Giuliani and Obama ahead in NH.The frontrunners could be dethrowned. New national and NH polls show Romney having an average of a bout 13% which is an all time high only 10 points behind McCain and Giuliani and Edwards and Obama are strating to lead in key early states. Florida could wind up dethrowning South Carolina's importance in 2008 if its primary gets scheduled on the day. Polls have yet to come out of Florida except for General Election polls so it is open territory, but this could be a strength for McCain with his strength in the south like South Carolina.

Independent/Write-In Presidential candidates such as Bob Hargis have started to work for Unity'08's nomination for president and with it a promised 50 state ballot access which could really help a independent perform better overall. The chances of an Independent getting elected are about 1 out of 1-10,000. The only to possible candidates that could actuallt get over 5% is Fmr. Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg has been offered a chance to seek Unity'08's nomination, however he has yet to mention a run as an independent, but he has turned down a GOP run. Ventura says he hasn't ruled out 2008 yet. Ralph Nader has stated he is considering running for president again. He has yet stated whether he will seek the presidency as a Reform candidate, Green Candidate, or just an Independent.

Independent Power Rankings

1st: Michael Bloomberg (steady) Bloomberg isn't likely to run, but wiht Unity'08's support and other 3rd party support Bloomberg could go far.

2nd: Jesse Ventura (steady) Ventura has dropped out of the spotlight lately, but since Kinky Friedman's strong showing in Texas, Ventura could be a strong candidate.

3rd: Ralph Nader (steady) Nader has been toying with the idea of running again, but it is unlikely he will get his near 2,000,000 votes back in 2000.

4th: Bob Hargis (steady) If Bloomberg and Ventura do not run and he gets Unity'08's support he good rank among usual 3rd party candidates.

5th: Steve Adams (steady) Adams a local pastor and small businessman has strong support on the internet.

Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings Week #13: Giuliani and Hillary lead.

This is this week's rankings. Giuliani entering his 2nd straight week in the top spot, but can he hold it? McCain has started to campaign and within months the two will meet to debate. Hillary remains ahead with Edwards's slip this week, while Obama remains in his position.

1st: Rudolph Giuliani (steady) Giuliani is now officially in the race, and remains ahead withthe momentum, but will his lead hold with the McCain train starting its engine.

2nd: John McCain (rising) McCain's campaign is being set up and his train is leaving the station and the momentum could wing his way. McCain also keeps on rolling the money and endorsements. He needs to work hard to catch up with Giulani's bank.

3rd: Mitt Romney (rising) Romney is rising in polls and in money. He is raising jaw dropping amounts of money and we all know the 2 candidates who face off next November will need alot of money.

4th: Newt Gingrich (falling) Romney is steaming ahead of Gingrich and Gingrich's delay in campaigning may really hurt his chances. The only thing keeping him from being removed from the top 5 is his surprisingly great numbers.

5th: Chuck Hagel (rising) Hagel remains strong in key early states and is rising in national polls. If actually does run he may have a shot.

Democrats

1st: Hillary Clinton (steady) Clinton remains strong in early numbers, but bit by bit she is slowly dropping in support. She is the one to beat, but she hasn't got this won yet.

2nd: Barack Obama (steady) Obama's momentum has stopped and he remains in a distant 2nd in almost every poll. Obama needs an early win to take down the Hillary machine.

3rd: John Edwards (falling) Edwards slip this week may hurt him but he remains ahead in IA and SC 2 key early wins. Thiscould give him the momentum to take the nomination away from Hillary.

4th: Bill Richardson (steady) Richardson's experience has yet to show any strength , but it could in the future.

5th: Wesley Clark (steady) Clark is a long shot, but his 4-5% showing in early states may turn into something.

Decision 2008: Edwards slumps? Endorsements race

Did the mistake made by 2 Edwards campaign aids really end his chances of winning the White House. Bill O'Reilly thinks so. He stated on his show The O'Reilly factor that he felt Edwards was done for. Many political bloggers have yet to pick up on the story and the remarks made by those aids about faith has yet to come out and really hurt Edwards, so i don't feel this hurt him. Giulian pciked up nearly 5 legislators from Mass. yesterday raining on romney's announcement parade. McCain also has picked up one there also. Congressman David Dreier, Ranking member on the House Rules Committee is also set to endorse Giuliani. Romney and McCain are currently fighting for endorsements in NH, SC, and IA. Giuliani is recieving poor endorsements support there, but his number sremain ahead of McCain in IA. 2 black South Carolina State Senators have officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, slapping Obama in the face. Obama's announcements has yet to give him endprsement support, but his numbers are slowly rising.

Decision 2008: Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are officially in!

Just a brief update. In the past 3 days 2 big candidate threw their hats into the ring officially only a month after their exploratory campaigns were launched. Illionis U.S. Senator Barack Obama officially announced his candidacy for president from the steps of the old statehouse in Springfield, illionis the same place Abraham Lincoln announced over 100 years ago. Fmr. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced his intention to run for president in 2008 from his old home of Michigan. Both are currently in the top in our rankings and very much could be the nominees.

Politics-Central Polls: 2008 Presidential Polls

Our 14 2008 presidential polls have finally come to an end. Here are the results to our online survey polls.

(Note: these our online polls and are very inaccurate)

(D)Hillary Clinton 44%
(R)John McCain 33%
Other or Neither 22%

(D)Al Gore 50%
(R)John McCain 38%
Other or Neither 12%

(R)John McCain 45%
(D)Barack Obama 44%
Other or Neither 11%

(R)Rudolph Giuliani 25%
(D)Hillary Clinton 13%
Other or Neither 62%

(D)Al Gore 50%
(R)Rudolph Giuliani 26%
Other or Neither 24%

(D)John Edwards 50%
(R)Rudolph Giuliani 13%
Other or Neither 38%

(D)Barack Obama 63%
(R)Rudolph Giuliani 25%
Other or Neither 13%

(R)Mitt Romney 43%
(D)Hillary Clinton 29%
Other or Neither 29%

(R)Mitt Romney 91%
(D)Al Gore 7%
Other or Neither 2%

(R)Chuck Hagel 84%
(D)Hillary Clinton 3%
Other or Neither 13%

(R)Newt Gingrich 75%
(D)Al Gore 20%
Other or Neither 5%

(R)Sam Brownback 88%
(D)Barack Obama 11%
Other or Neither 1%

(R)Chuck Hagel 78%
(D)John Kerry 18%
Other or Neither 4%

(R)Mike Huckabee 51%
(D)Bill Richardson 45%
Other or Neither 4%

Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings #12, Giuliani and Hillary to fight?

Here are these weeks presidential power rankings. No real major changes or surprises.

Republicans:

1st: Rudolph Giuliani (rising) the surprise of his jumping into the racegave him the momentum for the week and he has bagen to distance himself from McCain in polls. Also many republicans don't know about his weakness, social issues. Giuliani is very liberal, with Pro-choice, Pro-gun control, and Pro-gay marriage views. Giuliani could get away with becoming one of the most liberal candidates slected by the GOP. Giuliani's financial base continues to lead the field as well.

2nd: John McCain (steady) McCain continues to lag in polls and in media spotlight to Giuliani. McCain however already has the endorsement support and his organization and planning could help him regain the lead.
McCain's numbers in NH are slipping and he is now considered tied to Giuliani there.

3rd: Mitt Romney (rising) One poll out of NH has Romney tied with 20% fir 2nd with Giulian which is strongest shwoing in any poll. Romney's endorsement support, support in media attention and his numbers are rising and he could become another "comeback kid".

4th: Newt Gingrich (steady) Gingrich remains in double digits and is tied for 2nd in some states with McCain. We will continue to post Gingrich stong if his numbers remain high, even if it looks as if he wont run.

5th: Chuck Hagel (steady) His polling among nationwide polls is low but his numbers in key states is impressive considering he is embattling the biggest names in the GOP.

Democrats

1st: Hillary Clinton (steady) Clinton's numbers are regainign and her lead remains in the double digits nationwide. Her numbers are lagging in Iowa and New Hampshire, but they could comenack up with her recent campaigning trips to those states.

2nd: Barack Obama (steady) After recieving better poll numbers in states he regains his standing as the #2 man, but currently in polls he isn't winning any state in polls while Edwards has 2 under his belt and Hillary had 20+.

3rd: John Edwards (rising) Edwards remains very strong in Iowa with a double digit lead in most polls and is considered liley to take or do well in South Carolina, a state he won in 2004. This could give him Kerry's momentum back in 2004 to upset Hillary and Obama.

4th: Bill Richardson (steady) Richardson's experience as a mmber of the president's cabinet, US Ambassador to the UN, and a successful two term governorsip could give him the edge soon.

5th: Joe Biden (falling) Biden's poor announcement day mishap really hurt him, but I don't feel it killed his chances.

Decision 2008: Presidential Field as of now!

The list of presidential candidates has doubled since our last posting of candidate so here is the complete list of announced or soon to announce candidates:

Democratic Candidates
Delaware U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (announced)
New York U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (to announce)
Conn. U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (announced)
Fmr. N. Carolina U.S. Sen. John Edwards (announced)
Fmr. Alaksa U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel (announced)
Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich (announced)
Illionis U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (to announce)
NM Governor Bill Richardson (to announce)
Fmr. IA Governor Tom Vilsack (announced)

Republican Candidates
Kansas U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (announced)
Fmr. VA Governor Jim Gilmore (ex. committee)
Fmr. NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (to announce)
Fmr. AR Governor Mike Huckabee (ex. committee)
California Rep. Duncan Hunter (ex. committee)
Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain (to announce)
Texas Rep. Ron Paul (ex. committee)
Fmr. MA Governor Mitt Romney (to announce)
Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo (ex. committee)
Fmr. WI Governor Tommy Thompson (ex. committee)

The first debate/forum is about to be held in Nevada by the democrats on Feb. 21st inviting all of the democrats listed above.

Politics-Central hits 9,000 vistors!

We here at Politics-Central are honored that we have reached the 9,000 different vistor mark. Thanks to all who have stayed with us since last July. On to 10,000

Decision 2008: Is Rudy really running?

Today Fmr. New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani filed a official statement not paperwork with the FEC to run for president. I expect Giuliani to announce soon. He has been very quiet since he formed his exploratory committee back in November. He has just recently set up a website for his ex.committee and has just started visiting key states. Now the question is will his lead hold. Currently he leads a crowded field of candidates, becuase of his fame from the tragic 9/11 disaster. Is that enough to bring him from city hall to the White House. Giuliani is questioned for his liberal views on gay marriage, gun control, and abortion. Giuliani could lose his lead becuase of this. The GOP hasn't picked a liberal candidate in years. New polls from the American Research Group show a slip in Giuliani's lead. He is not tied for 2nd in NH and only has a 5 point lead in Iowa. The polls show: Iowa GOP Giuliani 27%, McCain 22%, Gingrich 16% and Romney 11%. In NH the poll showed McCain 27% Giuliani 20%, Romney 20%, and Gingrich 11%. Among Democrats in Iowa it showed Clinton 35%, Edwards 18%, Obama 14%, and Vilsack 12%. In NH Clinton 39%, Obama 19%, and Edwards 13%. These are different numbers from other polls. Other polls in Iowa and NH show Edwards and Obama way ahead of Clinton so it is unclear who is winning so far.

Happy Superbowl Sunday!!!!!! Colts vs. Bears

No posts today so just enjoy the superbowl! It should turn out to be a good game! Our predicitions:

Colts 24

Bears 17

Decision 2007: Louisiana Races

I know it is a bit late after our Kentucky post, but he is our info. and analysis on the Louisana Races in 2007. Incumbant Democratic Governor of Louisiana Kathleen Blanco is up for reelection this year and she faces an uphill battle. Her unpopularity arose when the people of the bayou blamed her for much of the disaster of Katrina. The state democratic party is hoping another big name will run and surpass Blanco and the most vote getting democrat in their october first round of voting, because Blanco trails her main GOP challengers by a wide margin. Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu might be hoping to become that candidate. Congressman and fmr. GOP challenger to Blanco in 2003, Bobby Jindal has decided to jump in and run again for governor. His only GOP challenge is State Senator Walter Boasso, however Jindal's popularity in numbers shows a minor challenge. It looks as if the will come down to Blanco and Jindal and Jindal may even defeat Blanco right off the bat and their might be no need for a runoff like many expect. We predict a solid GOP pick-up and so far it looks like 2007 might be a little kinder to the GOP than 2006 to bad their is only 3 big races throughout the country and 2 look to be solid GOP.

Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings #11, Giuliani and Hillary again.

This our 11th Weekly Presidential Power Ranking since we started posting them. I hope you have enjoyed our rankings so far

Republicans:
1st: Rudolph Giuliani (steady) Giuliani has once again risen to the #1 spot again on our site. His numbers are strong everywhere and new polls show him tied with McCain in NH for the first time. McCain is now only winning in South caolina and Missouri. They both are falling in Democratic match-ups. Giuliani now tops all GOP candidates in fundraising thus far.

2nd: John McCain (steady) McCain has had a bit of a set back in fundraising and in poll numbers, however the endorsements and internet support is rolling in. Political professionals are lining up to work on this soon to be campaign and this could help McCain gain the advantage over Giuliani.

3rd: Mitt Romney (steady) Romney is picking up steam slowly and could become a major contender soon with new poll numbers out of NH showing him in the 20's. Romney is almost tied with Gingrich for 3rd place in nationwide polls and is picking up more and more professionals to work on his campaign and endorsements.

4th: Newt Gingrich (steady) Gingrich still holds on to strong poll numbers, but is now showing little interest in the presidential race.

5th: Mike Huckabee (rising) Huckabee is lagging in polls to Brownback and Pataki, however Pataki has pretty much opted out and Brownback is falling in support. Huckabee also with governor experience could become a potential darkhorse.

Democrats

1st: Hillary Clinton (steady) Clinton has regained stableness as the frontrunner, however only leads in NH in 1 poll and trails in Iowa in every poll. Hillary is rising in numbers against McCain and Giuliani, but has been falling in numbers against Obama and Edwards. Will Hillary win? Well right now it is hers to lose.

2nd: John Edwards (rising) Edwards is now gaining in nationwide support and is reaching a double digit lead in Iowa. He also leads in another important primary, South Carolina. Edwards also is rising in electability factors, since he is now leading Giuliani and McCain or barely trailing.

3rd: Barack Obama (steady) Obama is lagging in support in NH a big state for him. He is behind Hillary in the state for the first time in awhile. Obama is however in a steady 2nd in Iowa ahead of Hillary and Vilsack. If the momentum goes his way he could swing a victory in both states. and 2 early wins here could give him the election.

4th: Bill Richardson (rising) Richardson has risen in rankings from the Biden slip this week. His experience could give him the advantage and he could become a darkhorse.

5th: Wesley Clark (steady) Clark remains strong in early states such as Nevada and could pull out a possible good showing in NH. Clark still hasn't stated whether he will run or not, while most of the others a in the full swing of the campaign.

Stay tune for more rankings.

Saying Goodbye to a great blog!

We just want to give a little space to say goodbye to The Next Prez. The Editor Doug Daniels decided to hang it up after a year and half of continual coverage of the 2008 Presidential race due to schedule changes. This blog will be severly missed.

Stop by http://thenextprez.blogspot.com/ and say a goodbye to Mr. Daniels and his great blog.