Tuesday, June 19, 2007

McCain Decries Early Primary Trend, McCain: Early Presidential Primaries Only Serve to Hurt Voters, Candidates


By PHIL DAVIS Associated Press WriterFORT MYERS, Fla. Jun 19, 2007 (AP)

Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Tuesday that Florida's decision to move up its 2008 primary to Jan. 29 was part of a strange national trend that gives voters little time to pick the best candidate for their party.

Mark Towner

Fred Thompson Passes Rudy Giuliani in Latest GOP Poll



Fred Thompson Passes Rudy Giuliani in Latest GOP Poll
By Jackson Simpson

Jun 19, 2007

Fred Thompson now sits on top of the Republican presidential candidate field according to the latest poll from Rasmussen Reports. According to a morning story on the polling firm's website a national telephone survey finds the 'Law & Order' actor on the top of the heap even though he has still yet to officially declare his candidacy.
Fred Thompson Passes Rudy Giuliani in Latest Poll
The report notes that former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson earning support from 28% of Likely Republican Primary Voters. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani attracts support from 27%. While Thompson’s one-point edge is statistically insignificant, it is the first time all year that anybody but Giuliani has been on top in Rasmussen Reports polling. A week ago, Thompson and Giuliani were tied at 24%.
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More notes from Rasmussen: Once gain this week, Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney are tied for a distant third. This week, both men attract 10% support. Last week, they were both at the 11% level of support. For McCain, this is a continuation of a downward trend. For Romney, it reflects a fairly steady position. Romney is doing well in selected state polls but has been unable to gain much traction and expand his support nationwide.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback are each the top choice for 2% of the likely voters. The combined total for five other candidates in the race is just under 3%. Those candidates are Congressman Ron Paul, Congressman Tom Tancredo, former Governor Tommy Thompson, Congressman Duncan Hunter, and former Governor Jim Gilmore. Eighteen percent (18%) say they’re not sure how they will vote.
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On note - Rasmussen has dropped Newt Gingrich as a potential candidate as he has indicated that he will not run. Gingrich earned 7% support in last week’s polling.

Mitt's New Ad




Mark Towner

Bloomberg No Longer a Republican, NYC Mayor Leaves Republican Party, Registers As Independent



The Associated Press
By SARA KUGLER Associated Press WriterNEW YORK Jun 19, 2007 (AP)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday switched his party status from Republican to unaffiliated, a stunning move certain to be seen as a prelude to an independent presidential bid that would upend the 2008 race.
The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelong Democrat before he switched to the GOP for his first mayoral run, said the change in voter registration does not mean he is running for president.




Mark Towner