More commentary on GOP potentials in 2012

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Mike Huckabee: He believes in absolute literal interpretation of the Bible, including the creation story. He would not consider the probability that it was meant to be allegorical. He and Pat Robertson and Glenn Beck will get along just fine.

Mitt Romney: He will always be the godfather of Obamacare in the minds of most baseline Republicans and as such, will not get their vote. And in the South, which is now the corporate headquarters for the GOP, a Mormon is not likely to scratch. Still, the Southern wing of the GOP has never been known to stick to principle, so if he starts to gain momentum, they may throw out their convictions to be with the only guy they believe can win. Why? He is the best looking candidate they have -- and he says so. He's the guy "whose picture is in the frame you buy at the drug store." That's what he says. [The other Mormon, Jon Huntsman, is not going to run, so I'll make no comment on him.]

Haley Barbour: Oh, boy. Well I should say, "Oh, what a good ole boy!" He reminds me of Senator Phogbound (from the Li'l Abner comic strip). And his positions are much the same. Very dismissive of racial segregation. Of course, he will have to live in Mississippi after he fails in the pursuit of the nomination so he has to be careful or he will end up with a cross burning on his lawn.

Tim Pawlenty: He knows the truth and if he dares say it, the GOP faithful will show him the door quickly. For instance, he knows global warming is a fact and that man is the major contributor to it. But he can't say it. He's going nowhere.

Bottom line: this is a wide open race. All contenders are from the GOP "redshirts," that is, they couldn't make the varsity so they are being held out to mature and hone their skills. But first, you have to have skills.

Remember these names: Rick Perry, Sonny Perdue, Bobby Jindal, Haley Barbour and Mark Sanford

Those are the names of the five southern governors who have indicated they may not take money from the Obama stimulus package to help their states, particularly if it comes with "strings attached."


In other words, remaining ideologically pure in opposition to "anything Obama" is more important to them than actually meeting the needs of their constituents, serving the people who elected them.



They have 45 days from last Tuesday to certify their states will request and use the funds provided in the new law. That means they have until April 3, 2009 to help their states participate in a national effort to stimulate economic recovery.


So, don't forget those names: Rick Perry is Governor of Texas; Sonny Perdue is Governor of Georgia; Bobby Jindal is Governor of Louisiana; Haley Barbour is Governor of Mississippi and Mark Sanford is Governor of South Carolina.


Meanwhile, South Carolina's chairman of the Board of Economic Advisers is already complaining that the money is moving to slowly to the states. "We're on a trajectory to 14 percent unemployment" in South Carolina, and he pleads, "We need it now!" Are you listening Gov. Sanford?

Are any of you guys listening? It is a new day; the people of your state want none of your political posturing.


By the way, the Center for American Progress says some of the states that voted most heavily against the Obama candidacy will do the best in the stimulus package. Damn, this business of having a President who believes in actually being a President for all of the people is sure inconvenient for maintaining a Republican's narrow self serving ideology, isn't it?