“When it comes to the presidency, the Republican Party has a long tradition of nominating the next guy in line” notes Liz Sidoti, Associated Press Writer. She also notes the obvious about that tradition: John McCain is next.
Yet, a full year before the first primary contests, the Republican race is anything but wrapped up. The Arizona senator who once reveled in his reputation for bucking the party line is now running as the establishment candidate, but he faces serious challenges from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Yet, a full year before the first primary contests, the Republican race is anything but wrapped up. The Arizona senator who once reveled in his reputation for bucking the party line is now running as the establishment candidate, but he faces serious challenges from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
“Right now, McCain is the front-runner. There are always dangers in being a front-runner. But you’d rather be the front-runner than the also-ran,” said Ken Duberstein, a longtime GOP consultant. “The question is whether McCain falters or not.”
Others dispute that the front-runner mantel belongs to anyone this early.
“We don’t have one yet. There’s not enough engagement by the activists and the money people,” countered Ed Rogers, a Republican strategist. He said straw polls, dollars in the bank, and key endorsements next year would better gauge the state of play.
Yet, there’s no denying the party’s history.
“We’re respectful of hierarchy,” Rogers acknowledged.
Regardless of who has the early edge, McCain, Romney and Giuliani make up the top tier of the crowded GOP presidential field that includes a cast of other lesser-known potential candidates, most of whom would be long-shots should they decide to formally enter the race.
In all, at least a dozen Republicans are considering running to succeed President Bush. With Vice President Dick Cheney having ruled out a candidacy, the cast of wannabes grows daily. It includes current and former governors, as well as current and former members of Congress.
Among them, the McCain, Romney and Giuliani troika are considered serious contenders believed to be able to raise the $80 million to $100 million next year that operatives say will be needed to mount a viable campaign.
The article points out however that all three also have positions that raise alarms with the GOP’s vitally important conservative base:
— Long viewed skeptically by conservatives for his renegade streak, McCain has further agitated them with his position on immigration and his involvement in avoiding a Senate showdown over Bush’s judicial nominees.
— Romney insists that he opposes abortion and is a defender of traditional marriage. Yet, he voiced more liberal views when he ran as a moderate in his 2002 gubernatorial race and in a failed 1994 Senate bid. He’s drawn fire from leading conservatives for such inconsistencies.
— Giuliani is a social moderate who supports gun control, same-sex civil unions and abortion rights, stands that run counter to the positions of the GOP’s right flank.