Confidentiality is necessary for an open discussion? That right there seems to sum up a lot of people’s reservations about the Republican Party.

Good idea! Let’s have a “primary” to avoid having a primary. Seems to be yet another alcohol induced inspiration from Sen. Bond.

MarkieB - Are you saying that Democrats hold their political strategy meetings in public? I don’t think so.

beenthere - Having a poll now is a lot less costly than having a primary in August. Not only that, but in a tough primary, candidates often come out looking horrible. Remember the Webster-Blunt-Bailey primary? THAT is what Republicans are hoping to avoid, and you really can’t blame them.

Thank you for your wisdom, Kisoff.

I mean, stating the obvious.

The Republicans would be wise to avoid a primary. Luckily with their worst option Kinder already saying he is in the Democrats can feel safe. The Republicans either have to get behind this loser and close Blunt ally, or get into an ugly and expensive primary. Personally, I think Jo Ann Emerson is their best bet.

Nick - Having a poll, as suggested by Bond, is exactly the same as having a primary except you only allow the “important” people to vote. Sure it saves money and it also saves the embarassment of politicians in a cat fight but it is not democracy. That applies to the Democrats as well, by the way. What Bond is saying is democracy is too important to be left in the hands of the people.

Nick, isn’t it funny how dems love to tell us who we should run for governor?

Emerson? Honestly? Most in Missouri have never even heard of her (probably because she has lived most of her adult life in another state), and she doesn’t exactly draw out the republican base.

But that’s what they want, isn’t it?

The country-clubers certainly don’t want Emerson or Steelman or Col. Jackson. Those 3 are too free-thinking, show too much independence of the party and can’t be controlled by the rightwing fringe.

We need conservative leadership!

http://DraftHulshof.Blogspot.com

Actually, Robb, since I think you have always included me and people like me in your “country clubbers” category …

I’d welcome the candidacy of Jack Jackson or Steelman. I’m just not certain that Emerson is prepared to make the run, personally.

My money’s on Hulshof for governor, even though repubs will likely lose his congressional seat to Joe Maxwell or Steve Gaw afterward.

I think Hulshof would be a great GOP candidate, but I don’t think he’ll do it. Seems to me that Matt B’s announcement comes so late, and Jay Nixon has such a head start in name recognition and fundraising, that any GOP candidate is going to be doomed.

(Copied from the Friday thread, as it seems more germane here).

Treasurer Sarah Steelman could bring a breath of fresh air to our state and its people. She received an Economics Degree from the University of Missouri. She served as an adjunct economics professor at Lincoln University and as an economist for the Missouri Department of Revenue. She speaks clearly and understands how to unify people in reaching goals. People are asked to look at http://www.draftsarah.4t.com
I have worked since 1998 to get a Technology Park to southwest Missouri. We have spent millions on the second industrial park in Springfield, and we could rename it and change the concept. Indiana passed a state law allowing any city to apply for approval for a certified technology park. Please see http://www.technologypark2006.org Having a Governor who has worked in and understands economics, could benefit every person in the state. She knows we are in competition with every country especially China, India, and others including our own states for the creation of jobs and companies of the future
Please Call or fax her and tell her she is wanted!—for Governor!
Phone: (573) 751-2411 or Fax: (573) 751-0343.
http://www.draftsarah.4t.com

Steven L. Reed

1441 S. Estate Ave.

Springfield, MO

Bond’s attempts to avoid a primary mirror efforts (which I have also criticized) by Democratic state chair John Temporiti to avoid primaries for his party by bullying out, er, “negotiating with” potential primary challengers to the establishment’s chosen candidates (most notably the early-on efforts to give Nixon a clear shot at the nomination, and more recently to clear the way for Sam Page for the LG slot). I’d be surprised if Temporiti wasn’t making similar efforts in the AG and 2nd congressional contests. Last election (before Temporiti’s tenure) Democrat leaders negotiated Jake Zimmerman out of Barbara Fraser’s way for the 5th District County Council nomination and talked an ally of Fraser into getting out of the way for Zimmerman to succeed Fraser as state rep.

While I sympathize with these folks about the high cost of extra campaigning that primary contests require, the primaries are the public’s best opportunity to have a voice.

I do think Hulshof would make a good governor but don’t think he will run. As you know, I also like Steelman, Emerson and Jackson. Couldn’t vote for Jetton. I think Kinder is weaker than the rest.

Peter Kinder is hands down the best candidate for the job of governor. He has support in St. Louis, not traditionally a bastion of conservative support, has a reputation for integrity, and has the best presence on the stump. The GOP would be smart to get behind Kinder!