Democratic Governors - 2008 Presidential Prospects

[Infinite Hope]

I won't start with any analysis. I'll post a list of names I've heard tossed around and let you all tell what you know.

Disclaimer: That I've heard them suggested does not mean they're strong candidates. My classification of them was done quickly based upon the amount of news attention, suggestion from pundits, and national name recognition. The classification is admittedly subjective in that regard, though ranking is not based on any personal preferences.

Based on the news and suggestions I've heard over the last couple years here's the "short list":

Announced:
Vilsack (Iowa)

Strong chance:
Richardson (New Mexico)

Moderate chance:
Napolitano(Arizona)
Sebelius (Kansas)
Bredeson (Tennessee)

Slight chance:
Baldacci (Maine)
Schweitzer (Montana)
Easeley (North Carolina)
Manchin (West Virginia)
Freudenthal (Wyoming)

Post what you know about your governor or neighboring governor.

[wiley]

1. Excellent tagline!

[Alexander]

2. Well for starters, I know my governor's last name is spelled "Napolitano".

:evilgrin:

And I'd enjoy seeing her run for president, however I'd say Sebelius would have more of a chance (of announcing, running, and winning) than she would.

Sad, but true. I think a more realistic alternative is for her to be appointed Attorney General (of the United States - she already was for Arizona) and for Terry Goddard to be elected governor.

[Infinite Hope]

3. I agree...

First, sorry about the typo, I knew how to spell it, but errored and will correct it. ;)

Second, I agree very much that Sebelius would be a stronger candidate. I've had a difficult time seeing Napolitano as electable in a presidential race.

Third, ironically I've seen her as AG as well. She reminds me of Janet Reno on a face level.

[liberalpragmatist]

4. None of the last five and only one of the previous 3

Baldacci is relatively unpopular and comes from a solidly blue state.

Schweitzer is fantastic, but he does come from a very small state and is only in his first term. If he were a two-termer it might be doable, but he'd still face long odds because most presidential nominees who are governors come from medium-to-large sized states (even Arkansas is fairly bigger than Montana).

The small-state thing applies to Freudenthal (Wyoming) as well. Plus, he's probably too conservative for the national party.

Manchin in West Virginia also too conservative for the national party (he's pro-life).

Napolitano, though this is a silly hindrance, would face problems from the fact that she's unmarried and that, as a result, there are silly whispers that she must be gay. Anyway, she hasn't shown any interest in the race.

Mike Easley and Phil Bredesen are both a little dull and neither has expressed any interest in the presidency. Americans elect governors president, but Americans don't elect dull technocratic governors as president (how's President Dukakis doing?).

Among our present, second-term or outgoing governors, the only really viable ones I see are Vilsack, Richardson, Warner (former Virginia governor), Ed Rendell (Pennsylvania), and Sebelius (Kansas). Of these, Warner was a top contender but dropped out; Vilsack and Richardson are both running (I'd say Richardson has a better chance), and while Rendell could be formidable, he's expressed no interest, has explicitly said several times he's not running and also isn't quite as popular as one would like a potential presidential nominee to be. Sebelius would be great, but she isn't running. I wonder if she ever considered it.

So basically in sum, the two that are running are two of the five that logically should run, and the other 3 just plain aren't running, although all 3 could be good candidates if they chose to.

Also, Sen. Evan Bayh is a former two-term governor of Indiana.

[longship]

5. I like Kathleen Sebelius.

She's a real cracker jack.

If she doesn't run for President, I'll bet anything that she'd be on the Veep short list.

[Inspired]

6. Vilsack is my Governor

He is a nice guy and is considered a policy wonk. It is hard to think of a local politician as 'presidential' sometimes. It will be interesting to see him speak on national issues.

I wasn't even considering him as a serious contender until I ran into a local Democratic 'big wig'. We started talking about the possible candidates and he told me that he would support Vilsack. I asked why and he told me that it was simple...he would be the best man for the job.

It is going to be an exciting 2 years folks.

[IndianaGreen]

7. Bill Richardson is top-notched, an all-around solid candidate

He will make a fine President, if elected.

[Clark2008]

8. You can move Bredesen into a "No Chance" column.

He's not running.

I like him. He's my governor and despite have to kick a lot of people off TennCare, he's been a good governor. He didn't really have much choice with TennCare if he wanted to keep the state solvent (the people would have revolted over a tax increase, believe me - Tennessee isn't a wealthy state, income-wise, so it's a catch 22).

But, I don't see him moving to run for president any time soon.

[loyalsister]

17. He is pictured

alongside Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri in a hall of shame when disability rights activists consider policy makers.
They are a very serious non partisan group. Either party can get on their bad side.
That is not a constituency you want to piss off.

[Infinite Hope]

9. Self-kick for further discussion. n/t

[nickshepDEM]

10. O'Malley - no to 2008, maybe 2012.

[Baltimore]

11. O'Malley is actually better than any of the others mentioned.

[pkz]

12. some local talk about Manchin (WV)

for VP. He got a lot of national exposure during the Sago mine disaster and the ensuing clusterf*ck.
Showed lots of compassion, sincerity and discretion.

for the record, I am a family friend, but not really biased.

[Infinite Hope]

13. I've heard things about him and would definitely be open to him.

That's one opinion from Minnesota.

[snowbear]

15. Joe Manchin.....

Sounds like he has a few options he could be weighing in the future depending on what happens:

Per Wikipedia:

Manchin is considered to be one of the most popular Governors in recent West Virignia history. Due to his strong roots in the state community and his immense popularity in the state, there is a widespread assumption that Manchin might run for the U.S. Senate if Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) retires in 2008 or Manchin might replace himself if Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) passes away. Manchin would be able to do that, since the law requires the Governor to replace the vacant seat.

also...

...many media outlets have speculated that Manchin is considering a run at the Presidency (or at least consideration for a Vice-Presidential nod). Manchin, however, refuses to comment on such speculation.

Sounds like his future's so bright, he's gotta wear shades!

[NJ Democrats]

14. Easly won't run for President

Senate maybe or Veep, but I think he'll endorse Edwards.

[Infinite Hope]

16. Kick n/t

[loyalsister]

18. I had been hoping

that possibly Hillary had been priming the pump for Sebelius or Napolitano.

Getting people ready to receive the idea of a woman candidate may make the field favorable for one of them to sneak in.

[Renew Deal]

19. The only 2 running are Vilsack adn Richardson

Forget about the rest.

[TheDonkey]

20. Sebelius is a strong name for VP

Don't think she has the ambition for Pres.