Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings #42

End or the Month Rankings:


Republicans:


1st: Mitt Romney (falling) The beginning of the drop that was expected to happen to Romney is finally happening. Primary Voters and Caucus Goers always take 2nd looks to frontrunners and aren't usually kind. With 49% undecided in Iowa, its anyone's game, and Huckabee is coming on strong.


2nd: Rudy Giuliani (falling) New Iowa polls show Giuliani in a distant 4th and 5th with McCain and Paul even surging ahead. In New Hampshire it seems Giuliani is slowly dropping and may leave it between Romney or McCain. He seems to be relying on a landslide victory in Florida on Jan. 29th, which polls suggest. However will his lead there hold with 4 loses especially if Romney wins them all?


3rd Tied: Mike Huckabee (rising) Huckabee surges ahead in Iowa, according to Rasmussen and that has surged his polls to 3rd and 4th in NH and within striking distance of the lead in South Carolina. If he wins Iowa Huckabee could surprise us all and steal the nomination away.


3rd Tied: John McCain (steady) McCain held a strong performance at the CNN Youtube Debates and recent NH polls show him within striking distance of Romney, howver others show a Romney landslide. That could all change in 1 month. McCain needs a win in NH in order to continue.


5th: Fred Thompson (falling) Fred does get 14% and 15% in Iowa and South Carolina but that still leaves him in a distant 3rd and 4th in both states and his lazy campaign and organization in those states may surge another candidate to win in those states. New Hampshire Polls have him at 2-3% with even Congressman Ron Paul leading him.


6th: Ron Paul (rising) Alot has changed from our last End of the Month rankings. Paul has shot to 6th from 8th. New New Hampshire and other Ealry Contest Polls show him at all time highs of 6-10%. He may make something of this campaign. He wont win the nomination, however he certainly is surprising us all.


7th: Duncan Hunter (steady) Hunter has the experience, but not the poll numbers. He will be another also-ran.


8th: Tom Tancredo (steady) His early state visits have lagged recently and he seems to slowly be abandoning his presidential run for his re-election bid to the U.S. House.


9th: Alan Keyes (falling) He isn't invited to any debats and many forget he was a strong candidate in 2000. If Hunter and Tancredo get to go, Keyes should as well.


10th: John Cox (steady) Making head-way for an Illionis Businessman and a complete unknown with no political experience. Getting on the NH and SC ballots helped, but he didn't comethrough with a debate performance.


Democrats


1st: Hillary Clinton (falling) with Bill's mistakes on the war and flip flops on issues herself Hillary has also been hurt by the voters taking a 2nd look at the frontrunner. Her lead in Iowa has vanished and 3 polls have Obama ahead and Edwards catching. She could survive a 2nd but how would a 3rd place go, which silenced Once Dem. Frontrunner Howard Dean.

2nd: Barack Obama (rising) Obama has come on strong in Iowa, and a win there could give him the momentum needed to win the nomination. Clinton doesn't have the nomination locked up yet. Obama however must win or else its over.

3rd: John Edwards (steady) Still in a close 3rd in Iowa. He was able to pull an upset in Iowa 4 years ago, so he might be able to pull something out of this race.

4th Tied: Bill Richardson (falling) His numbers are poor everywhere, he will likely get 4th places in most states with maybe a few 3rds.

4th Tied: Joe Biden (rising) Biden seems to be coming on strong against Richardson, but way to far from the top. He might have to quit soon to campaign for re-election or go for Secrtary of State.

6th: Chris Dodd (falling) Not making headway anyway. He averages at 1% and could very well come dead last in some primaries and caucuses.

7th: Dennis Kucinich (steady) Kucinich sure is making hype about his campaign, however not enough to win the nomination. He'll finish last erveywhere, well I guess ahead of Gravel.

8th: Mike Gravel (steady) Sure to come in dead last. He isn't invited to anymore debates and no one covers his campaign. Its likely he will not even get 1% in any state.

Decision 2008: CNN Youtube Debate

Once again the CNN Youtube Debates showed how debates should go, but what I wish to talk about right now, instead of saying who won. I want to address what the Republicans want in 2008? I'm sure most of my readers know, I am a Republican always have been always will be, however I'm very dissatified with the Republican field of Presidential Candidates before me. Right now if the primaries were today (Thank Goodness they're not) Mitt Romney would likely be the nominee. Why? Well there I can not tell you. Governor Romney has flipped flopped on every issue, is only a 1 term Governor, and will surely lose the General Election to our worst fears, Hillary Clinton. To prove what I have said, Governor Romney is on record of being Pro-Choice. He did so to win an election. You can't be Pro-Life and win in Massachusetts. You can't be Pro-Choice and win the Republican Nomination for President and thats why he has changed his position. Not because he felt he was wrong about Abortion, but because the Republicans and the Conservatives who will get him elected feel that way. Romney currently trails Sen. Clinton in every General Election poll by 5-10+ margins. That could be a landslide. Romney than decided to switch sides on Gay Rights when he said tonight he isn't for Gays in the military, well he sorta avoided the question. What I found astouding was Romney could not look into the camera and answer any the questions he is acused of flip-flopping on. If he is our nominee Hillary will demolish him in the debates. Now Im not just saying this about Governor Romney. I'm also ashamed this party who has worked so hard for decades fighting against Abortion would make Former NY Mayor Rudy Giulani the leading candidate nationally. Giuliani came out tonight defending thr right to Abortion saying if he had the oppertunity he would not ban it. He also stated he doesn't believe in the words of the Bible entirely. In my opinon the Bible is the Holy Word of the one true God Almighty, and Mayor Giuliani says his word isn't entirely correct. Pat Robertson endorsed this which really steamed me. Robertson supposed is the face of Christian Conservatives. Then how America can Robertson Endorse a man who doesn't totally and absolutely feel the Word of God is correct? Giuliani and his line item veto is a scham. He didn't fight against the veto for justice he did it to protect the billions of dollars of pork and earmarks that got him elected to his position which Sen. John McCain pointed out. Giuliani and Romney say things you want to hear to hide their own selfish ambitions to keep their political careers intact and earn your vote. That is why I renew Politics-Central's Endorsement of U.S. Senator John McCain for President of these United States. I also announce our support of Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Both admirable men who stand by what they believe in and know what they are talking about. Sen. McCain has been in congress for nearly 3 decades, fighting against earmarks and pork which Mayor Giuliani used to filth New York legislation. Huckabee reduced 90 taxes in Arkansas the most of any running for president and in his states history. He held a long time Pro-Life record with John McCain. Both men stand by what they believed in not to get your vote and be in politics, but to fight for what's right. These are the men we need in the General. McCain currently is the only candidate who can beat Sen. Clinton. He is our last hope at keeping the White House. Sen McCain has 2x the experience ins ecurity issues than Mayor Giuliani. He was senator in the persian Gulf and fought in Vietnam. He was the only man to stand by the current successful strategy in Iraq. He proposed what the president is using and is credited as the most successful thing to happen to our stay in Iraq. Come America and the Republican Party. DONT ELECT ROMNEY OR GIULIANI! ELECT MCCAIN OR HUCKABEE. Now I know you ahve your right to your decisions, Im just saying a long time Conservative Republican who is fed of with 2008 politics's opinion.

Happy Thanksgiving

Politics-Central is taking a break but will be back Dec. 1st.

Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings #41

Republican


1st: Mitt Romney (rising) Increasing his leads in Iowa and NH puts him on top even with his poor national numbers. Romney is surprisingly even leading in South Carolina. Romney is on his way to sweeping the primaries, but we can't say he has it won, because look what happened to Dean in 2004. If he loses Iowa his campaign could be in trouble.


2nd: Rudy Giuliani (rising) While his national numbers increase he holds steady in the early primaries and caucuses. Giuliani needs to win at least one of the early 3 to move on to Super Tuesday.


3rd: John McCain (rising) McCain has shot to 19% nationally a steady 2nd place, as his numbers in Iowa, NH and South Carolina improve. All he really needs is a win in NH and that will swing South Carolina and Michigan.


4th: Mike Huckabee (rising) 2 points from the lead in Iowa, and 10% nationally puts him on top of Fred Thompson for the first time since the campaign began. Huckabee could upset the nomination with a win in Iowa, and with his numbers going nowhere but up since his strong Ames finish and Debate performances he could very well be on that path.


5th: Fred Thompson (falling) Recent General Election Polls show Thompson losing by a landslide to Sen. Hillary Clinton. I know he recieved that big endorsement from The Right to Life, but endorsements dont win elections. If someone can show me a way Thompson is effectively improving in the early primaries which he isn't then Ill move him up. Oh he also slipped to 3rd nationally over the weekend. All not good signs for his campaign.


Democrats:


1st: Hillary Clinton (steady) Improved in the past debate, but the damage was already done. Barack has moved into a tight race with her in Iowa, that could swing the momentum his way and at last end the Clinton nomination inevitablitiy.

2nd: Barack Obama (rising) Nationally Hillary has is won, but there isn't a national primary. Obama now is in a horse race with Sen. Clinton in Iowa. Should he win there Hillary could be in serious trouble.

3rd: John Edwards (steady) People don't realize, however Edwards still is in the hunt to win Iowa. He is currently only 6-8 point from the lead and scored a 2nd here in 2004. Edwards isn't completely out, but is being heavilay overshadowed by Obama and Hillary.

4th: Bill Richardson (falling) He was tied with Edwards in NH in 1 poll, but is falling everywhere so he remains in a lobsided 4th.

5th: Joe Biden (rising) Biden might be able to use some of his momentum he has been getting to turn this campaign from a possible 5th to even last place finish in most of the primaries to maybe even a 3rd or 4th. Still nowhere near a chance at the nomination however.

Decision 2008: Independents crowding the '08 race, could mean a Democrat in the White House.

Well more and more strong Ross Perot like candidates are coming out and considering a run for the presidency next year which could throw the election next year into paradox! In the past 2 days CNN's Lou Dobbs a popular CNN Anchor and Radio Show Host, was seemed to be contemplating a run for president next year. Dobbs denied this on his show, but said he was flattered by the speculation. Now don't count Dobbs out of the '08 race yet, as his advisors tell us that he may enter the race if New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg runs as an independent. That would make it a 4-way race. Also is Former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn ran a 5-way race for the Presidency, a first in U.S. History would emerge. Than there's the speculation of Ralph Nader running again, Fmr. Governor Jesse Ventura of Minnesota, Fmr. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, running a Green, and Congressman Ron Paul as a Libertarian. Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert exited the presidential race last week, after being denied access into the South Carolina Democratic Primary. Colbert has yet to deny a nationwide independent bid, but Colbet aides say his career in presidential politics is near over. There is a strong chance this election may not be decided right out on Nov. 4th. If no candidate recieves 270 electoral votes the U.S. House of Representatives, which will likely remain in Democratic Hands, will likely choose a Democrat. All of these Independent or 3rd party candidates may pave the way for a Democrat to emerge as President, current polls show. If Bloomberg, Dobbs, Colbert and others ran it is likely they would draw Republican votes away from thw Republican or at least take enough independent voters away for a Democratic Victory.

Decision 2008: Presidential Power Rankings #40

Here are Politics-Central Oct-November Power Rankings:

Republicans:

1st Tied: Mitt Romney (rising) Romney continues his stable lead in Iowa and New Hampshire and is showing strength in South Carolina. If Mitt does win in Iowa he could sweep the primaries and the nominations.

1st Tied: Rudy Giuliani (steady) Giuliani currently leads in Florida, a strong southern state, but still trails Romney is key early states. Michigan may put Rudy over Mitt in the race but he can't win without NH. Pat Robertson's endorsement is expected to boost his campaign.

3rd: John McCain (steady) McCain has finally tied Thompson now in National Polls and new Iowa and NH polls show McCain's campaign getting a small boost from the Brownback endorsement. McCain also is up to 16% a high in South Carolina. McCain was so bold to state he will win NH. NH is his do or die state, but new numbers are showing the former frontrunner, may be back in this thing. McCain now seems to be the most electable Republican according to General Election Match-up Polls.

4th Tied: Fred Thompson (falling) With the Right to Life endorsement Thompson may get a boost, however it is unlikely. Currently the only early contests he holds strong in is South Carolina, where he comes in a close 2nd to Romney. Thompson has fallen to a distant 3rd in Florida and even polls in his homestate of Tennessee show Thompson in a tight race. Thompson's campaign has certainly lagged lately.

4th Tied: Mike Huckabee (rising) New National polls show his campaign skyrocketing. He has gone from 3-5% nationally to 10-12%. In Iowa he is 8-10 points from the lead now in 2nd. Huckabee's darkhorse campaign is quickly picking up steam while Thompson and McCain lose steam especially in Iowa. If Kerry came back and won Iowa in 2004, we can't rule out a Huckabee win in Iowa in 2008.

Democrats

1st: Hillary Clinton (falling) For the first time in 2 months Hillary has actually slipped in polls. That slip isn't big enough to take her frontrunner status, but it is great enough for us to re-thnk whether she has he nomination locked up. New Iowa and NH polls show a sharp dip in polls for Clinton, while Obama trails not too far behind.

2nd: Barack Obama (rising) The Jackson and Jefferson dinner was clearly a success for the Obama campaign. Obama is now within 5-8 points on Hillary in Iowa and 10-12 in NH which is down from 20 last week. Obama's campaign of attack-dogging is improving and may benefit his campaign.

3rd: John Edwards (falling) Edwards continues to fall in his must-win Iowa caucus. He has fallen to a distant 3rd. Edwards needs to no less than win the state to continue if not the race is over for him.

4th: Bill Richardson (falling) Richardson as we have stated earlier is longer running for president, but for Hillary's VP slot. Nothing further.

5th: Joe Biden (rising) With Richardson falling and Biden's steep attacks on Rudy Giulini Biden has risen to 6% in NH, but still way too far to catch up to Obama and Hillary.

U4prez Election Results

Lane Startin or Faustus 37 has officially won the U4prez Presidential Election. Startin, a Idaho Democrat, and Successful Businessman narrowly defeated MejicoJohn/John Averitt with Republican Musicman/Sandrow Belanger trailing far behind. Disappointing results for Republicans coming dead last, however Independents and certainly Democrats must be satisfied. Startin is expected to make his first radio show appearence since being elected U4prez President on my show http://blogtalkradio.com/politics-central. Startin is a long time friend of the site and the show and we welcome his win. Congratualtions to Mr. Startin.

U4prez Presidential Election Results
(D)Faustus37/Lane Startin 153
(I)MejicoJohn/John Averitt 147
(R)Musicman/Sandrow Belanger 42

Decision 2007: Election Day Preview

Tuesday is Election Day, but not too many will pay attention to the off-year elections happening then. 2 states, Kentucky and Mississippi will hold statewide elections for Governor and several other statewide positions, while Mayoral Elections will be held in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Houston.

Kentucky Governor's Race

What was expected to be a competitive race earlier this year appears to be looking like a landslide. According to the most recent WHAS-TV/SurveyUSA poll Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) appears to be trailing to Former Lt. Governor Steve Beshear (D) 60%-36%. A landslide. Not good numbers coming into the final week of the campaign. Filled with scandal and a weak re-election campaign look for Fletcher to become the Democrat's first victim since 2006.

Our Prediction: Strong Democratic Pick-Up (20%+)

Mississippi Governor's Race

Democratic Attorney John A. Eaves Jr. challenges popular Republican Governor Haley Barbour. Barbour was considered a possible presidential candidate until he denied interest early last year so he could focus on running for re-election. Eaves hasn't put up a strong enough challenge and the onyl few polls taken show a strong Republican Victory. If Barbour does succeed on Tuesday he will definately become a possible VP pick for 2008.

Our Prediction: Strong Republican Hold (20%+)

San Francisco's Mayoral Race

Incumbent Mayor Gavin Newsom should cruise to a landslide victory with no strong opponent and 13 unknown challengers. Newsom's approval of Gay Marriage acts has remained popular so watch for the Democrat to win the race.

Our Predicition: Strong Democratic Hold (40%+)

Philadelphia's Mayoral Race

In a extremely Democratic city, City Councilman Michael Nutter (D) is expected to crush Freguent Candidate Al Taubenberger. Nutter is Incumbent Mayor John Street's selected successor.

Our Prediction: Strong Democratic Hold (70%+)

Houston's Mayoral Race

Mayor Bill White has no competition. The only concern is what will the 3-Term Mayor do in 2008 or '10 since he is term-limited in 2009. Look for White to win the Mayoral Primary by a wide margin, and likely run for Governor in 2010, challenging either Governor Rick Perry or Sen. Kay Hutchison.

Our Prediction: Strong Democratic Hold (50%+)