Who Will be the Next President?

AVOIDING PRIMARIES? Republicans leaders in three key states -- Ohio, Illinois and New York -- are trying to narrow gubernatorial primary fields to improve chances of victories in general elections next year. In Ohio, the AP reported that longtime State GOP Chair Bob Bennett and other leaders know their party is already gravely wounded by term-limited Governor Bob Taft's (R) dismal performance. That's why they want to avoid a three-way primary next year May between a trio of the state's top Republican officials. Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, Attorney General Jim Petro and State Auditor Betty Montgomery are announced candidates for Governor, and Republicans would love it if two of them would exit the contest in favor of other races. Ohio Democrats this week largely rallied behind the gubernatorial campaign of Congressman Ted Strickland (D) when Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman dropped out. In Illinois, former Governor Jim Edgar and other state GOP leaders there are trying to narrow the gubernatorial field in favor of State Treasurer Judy Topinka. According to the Chicago Tribune, State GOP Chair Andrew McKenna "wants the five current candidates for governor to meet with him Friday and review results of new polling that could raise questions about the viability of some of their campaigns." Topinka's two leading primary rivals, wealthy businessman Ron Gidwitz and State Senator Steve Rauschenberger, vow they will not be forced from the race. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich still may face minor primary opposition, but is assured of being his party's nominee. Meanwhile, in New York, Republican county chairs are already set to meet December 12 to endorse candidates for Governor and US Senate. Governor George Pataki (R) and his allies were behind the move in an effort to endorse former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld as the candidate for Governor and Westchester County D.A. Jeanine Pirro as the candidate for US Senate. Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and incumbent US Senator Hillary Clinton are assured of being the Dem nominees for Governor and US Senate next year. Those plans seem to be unraveling as State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Congressman John Sweeney and others are attempting to derail the meeting in order to advance the odds of billionaire businessman Tom Golisano for the Governor race and former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer in the US Senate contest. This anti-Pataki faction would also like to steer Pirro into the open Attorney General's race. This "avoid primaries" strategy isn't unique to Republicans. Florida Democrats, for example, would like to find a way to avoid a Jim Davis-Rod Smith gubernatorial primary by steering the two men into running together as a team for Gov and Lt Gov.

We at thwe Politically Correct Corner found this very interesting.  These guys are just holding on for the ride!

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