Millionaire Republican challenging * in 2004

[remfan]

http://tinyurl.com/x3h8

More primary filings are in the works, Ashby said Wednesday, adding that he's prepared "to spend whatever is necessary" - including some of his own millions - to promote his message.

-snip-

But Ashby asserts that Bush, and the Republican-controlled Congress, have ignored their party's founding principles. Ashby's chief beef: the budget deficit.

"A $400 billion deficit is a massive distortion of our economy," he said in telephone interview from Concord, N.H., where Ashby campaigned Wednesday before flying back home to St. Louis. "Deficits are stealing from our children, and not a way to run a government."

more...

Comment: He may not stand a snowball's chance in hell, but I love the idea that he's a) got his own money and is willing to use it, b) could peel off some moderate/old school Republicans by talking loudly about the deficit, and c) has the nerve to challenge the GOP radicals.

[dusty64]

1. I'd also heard

former "judge" moore from Alabama's ten commandments fame was thinking of a run as a third party candidate. That ought to be interesting.

[Racenut20]

2. I think this is important

It is my humble opinion, that a HUGE plus given to Clinton in 92 was Buchanan running against Poppy, esposing him for what he was, and George Will not supporting him.

[AntiCoup2K4]

3. And let's hope that Pat uses all his free time to jump into the race again

This Ashby guy is an unknown. he won't dent Junior's numbers, but Buchanan very well could. Even graven image Roy's got a shot, as he's very popular among the religious reich at the moment.

Hmmmm.... a Buchanan/Moore ticket to split the right wing vote.... I like it! :evilgrin:

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. I wish a well known

name would run...like Perot or Buchanan. They would take more votes away from the shrub.

[UTUSN]

5. Run, Blake, Run!

"Social conservatives" have taken over his party and he sez it's time for "moderates" to take it back.

[mikehiggins]

10. This may sound silly

but Perot will not run against Clark. I can't quote a cite for this but I was a volunteer in both campaigns and in United We Stand (even have the teeshirts). Unless something has really changed (maybe the influence of Lola Fulani) there is simply too much of an ingrained love of the military to take on a Viet Nam hero.

Much of what really burnt Perot's ass about Popi Bush was his role in pushing the decision that there was no chance of finding anymore living POW/MIA's. He never forgave 41 for that.

He even picked a Viet Vet as his running mate (though that was just another one of his many mistakes). Running against a vet just isn't in the cards, even if 43 is the biggest mistake this country ever had foisted on it.

As to Buchanan, I'm frankly amazed he hasn't jumped into the fray already. Maybe having a comfortable roost on cable pays too well for Mr. Conservative.

Pity.

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. That's too bad.

I would see Perot's running as an asset to the General. He would be helping him. :) Right? Take votes away from the shrub....get the General elected. That also would make it difficult to put the Electronic Voting Machines to work in the shrubs favor. We truly need a WELL KNOWN republican candidate to neutralize the voting machines.

[aquart]

6. This is sweet.

Saw a cable news show over the weekend saying how Presidents unopposed for re-election in their own party win, and those who are, don't. Tee hee.

[wryter2000]

7. LOL

I'm for him. Maybe I'll give him a few bucks.

[sistersofmercy]

8. Actually this could be the Ross Perot we were hoping for!

Finally a Repub in dissent and I sincerely hope it gathers steam to put bush* co on the defensive.

[brainshrub]

9. This is window dressing.

A straw man Bu$h can use for the primary. Nothing to see here folks.

[Norbert]

11. Perot was an unknown 11 years ago

and yet he made a difference running as a third party candidate.

His announced candidacy is an affront to KKKarl Rove. I wish Ashby the best of luck.

[in_cog_ni_to]

13. Me too!

Now, if he could only get some air time on the cable news. Hmmmmmm.