Who Is THE Candidate Around Whom Conservatives Can Rally?

Charlotte, NC (TLS). Early-on in the process leading up to the election cycle of 2008, conservatives and libertarians found themselves in quite a quandary. No candidate in either of the two major political parties had solid conservative or libertarian credentials.

Suddenly that scenario has changed. With seemingly an endless string of announcements over the past couple of weeks, the political landscape finds itself with a variety of candidates who appeal to those with conservative/libertarian leanings.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has thrown his hat into the ring, as have U.S. House Representatives Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, and Ron Paul. Rounding out the conservative candidates are U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who is the only Democrat among the conservatives.

Newt Gingrich says he will make an announcement concerning whether he will run soon, but most believe he, too, will throw his hat in the ring.

Each of these candidates possess acceptable records to the voting base of conservatives, such as gun owners, evangelical Christians, pro-life groups, and those who support tough immigration reform to prevent the continued onslaught against the country by illegal aliens. Thus, any of these candidates could potentially garner enough support among the various conservative groups to form a competitive campaign on a national scale.

However, I would like to do some analysis of these candidates, albeit briefly, in order to bring some pertinent facts into focus.

Governor Richardson has served as a solidly conservative Governor in New Mexico. However, he comes with baggage. His years spent as a Clinton Administration official and confidante of Hillary and Bill Clinton automatically make him suspect. This dangerous liaison is enough for voters to think twice before throwing their support behind the candidate.

Governor Huckabee carries a few negatives when it comes to the general population. As an ordained Baptist minister, many voters I am afraid will be leery of him, perhaps unfairly, but leery nonetheless. While Huckabee was a very popular governor in Arkansas, there is a big question mark over whether he can gain a broad-based following throughout the country. It is likely he is not electable.

Newt Gingrich has an image problem that is similar to Hillary Clinton's. His negatives are as strong as his positives among the electorate, meaning that either people love him or they hate him. Whether the assessment is true or not, some view Newt as a polarizing figure much like Hillary. His recent statement to the effect that the electorate may have to give up some of its right to free speech in the name of fighting terror is highly problematic for those of us who value liberty above all.

Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul also have an image problem, that is, with those who recognize them. Unfortunately Tancredo's major claim to fame is his heated exchange with Jeb Bush over Miami, Florida. He has great ideas, but I am not sure the public would go for him. The same can be said for Ron Paul, although I find myself in total agreement with him most of the time.

This leaves Senator Brownback and Rep. Duncan Hunter. Both are attractive candidates. However, Brownback rates a grade of 'B' on gun rights issues, while Hunter rates a grade of 'A+', one of the very few in Congress who have such a stellar record on Second Amendment rights.

At present, I put my money on Duncan Hunter as the choice around which most gun rights groups can rally, including those who are pro-life, pro-defense, and who support smaller government, lower taxes, strong immigration reform, and a decisive revamping of our trade policies so that fairness prevails.

Not only does Hunter have the goods when it comes to the issues, but he is from an area of the country that conservatives sorely need to win. In the years since Ronald Reagan was Governor of California, that state has steadily become a liberal Democrat stronghold. In the middle of this wasteland of leftists, Duncan Hunter has achieved name recognition and the trust of the voters in the San Diego area. The Republican ticket will need someone from California who can deliver some votes. Personally, I do not see any of the other candidates having a chance in that area.

Gingrich, Paul, Tancredo, Huckabee, and Brownback all hail from areas that are known for their consistent support for conservative candidates. We need a strong candidate who has the trust of the voters in a state that is NOT known for its conservatism, and California is the biggest prize of all.

In addition, Duncan Hunter has the stage presence for a candidate on the national stage. He is poised, confident, relaxed, knowledgeable, courageous, and exudes the aura of a man who knows who he is and what he is about. The fact that he is a true Viet Nam War Hero, with a bronze star, is another highly attractive quality.

Thus, at this stage of the process, I throw my support to Duncan Hunter as the man around whom conservatives can rally. Gun owners in particular will be impressed with his 'A+' grade from the GOA.