Louisiana Politics Everyday
In a new ABC News-Washington Post poll, nearly half of the Republicans surveyed believed that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani presented their party's best chance of retaining the White House in 2008.
Giuliani also continues his lead in the nationwide poll as the choice of 37 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, followed by Arizona Sen. John McCain with 16 percent,and actor Fred Thompson with 15 percent, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with 8 percent.
In a Saturday visit to New Orleans, America's Mayor and Presidential hopeful Rudy Guiliani stressed the need to put an end to illegal immigration before addressing any other challenges surrounding the issues.
"We need to end illegal immigration," he said. "If we do, a lot of things can happen, in terms of how you resolve everything here. But if you don't end illegal immigration, almost nothing is possible, because no matter what you do, things are going to get worse."
The visit marks Guiliani's first visit to New Orleans as a candidate for President. The former mayor of New York was joined by US Senator David Vitter.
"I think all this has to do with competence and leadership and making things work, and I think Rudy has the best proven track record in that, by far, among presidential candidates," he said, Giuliani at his side.
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On Monday, the Rudy Guiliani campaign released his Twelve Commitments To America, "a bold vision aimed at moving America forward through change and reform, overcoming new challenges and increasing accountability in Washington."
Most notable,
8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
Does this signal a move to the right for America's Mayor? Is it just rhetorical spin to answer attacks from social conservatives? Or is it just Rudy being Rudy?
The Twelve Commitments:
1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us.
2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
5. I will impose accountability on Washington.
6. I will lead America towards energy independence.
7. I will give Americans more control over, and access to, healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
12. I will expand America’s involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.
This pretty much sums it up...
Overall, the survey underscored the unsettled nature of the Republican contest, with voters splitting roughly along ideological lines.
Giuliani, whose views on abortion, gay rights and guns are to the left of many in his party, has built a wide base among moderates and independents, while Thompson has drawn conservatives, particularly among the religious right.
That dynamic, however, could change quickly. Giuliani has faced a swarm of media scrutiny of his weak spots for months, but retains a lead in national polls, although it is somewhat diminished.
Thompson, by contrast, is only starting to introduce himself. He has never endured the rigors of a high-profile campaign and has not parried with rivals in debates, as Giuliani and nine other Republicans have done three times this spring.
Thompson "has this allure, but he hasn't been tested yet," said Times Poll Director Susan Pinkus, who conducted the survey. "He has gotten a free ride so far."
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Louisiana Politics Year Around
