Updated Republican Primary voting.....

[BamaFanNKy]

Can we stop already saying that Rudy and Fred are top tier candidates. I know most don't like Ron Paul.... so scratch him off as well. He is well funded. Then you consider Huckabee needs a BIIIIIG win in S.C. So isn't this proof that the Republican Party is dead when Romney and McCain who are very very moderate are our party leaders. Here are the overall votes (90% reporting in Michigan)
1. Mitt Romney 416,165 39%
2. John McCain 341,185 32%
3. Mike Huckabee 117,882 11%
4. Ron Paul 90,307 8.5%
5. Fred Thompson 48,405 4.5%
6. Rudy Giuliani 47,136 4.4%

[Williams-Brice]

I don't know what I'll do if Romney gets the nomination because I can't bring myself to not vote. My wife and I will probably be the only two people at our precinct on Saturday because we live in a neighborhood with mostly democrats. I'll cast my vote for Huckabee, and hopefully she'll do the same. She is determining what experience is best: Senate or Gubernatorial (McCain or Huckabee).

It's going to be a McCain vs. Huckabee battle here on Saturday. If any of you Gamecock fans on this site are republicans, then please get out there and vote on Saturday.

[BamaFanNKy]

Yeah get out and vote....... vote Ron Paul :)

[Cockfan720]

I just registered a month ago...will vote for Huckabee saturday!!!!

[BamaFanNKy]

So your voting Democrat. :)

[AUChamps]

You got 4 fractures in the Republican Party.

Faith Republicans = Huckabee
Economic Republicans = Romney
National Defense Republicans = Rudy/McCain
Libertarian Republicans = Paul

Fred seems to be treating this election very casually so I'm not counting him unless he wins SC.

The point I'm making is that these 4 camps/tents/whatever you want to call it are becoming so polarized between one another that when it comes down to only 1 of the 4 tents getting the nomination for the Republican Party, fans of the other 3 tents may have become so invested and die-hard for their tent that they'll just be like "screw it" and stay home come General Election time.

I'm not solely a Faith Republican, Economic Republican, National Security Republican, or Libertarian Republican. I'm a little bit of each and then some, as most ppl are. This election season just makes things very difficult for me to decide how much I'm willing to compromise. It's almost like I'm shopping around to be a fan of an SEC team. You can't be a Georgia fan and be a little bit of a Florida fan, or be a little bit of an Alabama fan, an Auburn fan, and an LSU fan. Yeah we can be SEC fans, but I feel like in this election, I have to pick a team and not the conference like I've been used to doing in previous elections.

Democrats are in the exact same boat too, only with Hillary and Obama as the 2 big tents you're seeing it as being like "ok, I'm a Big 10 fan but do I really have to decide in this election if I'm strictly an Ohio State fan or strictly a Michigan fan"?

[tennesseegirl]

Iam getting out there and voting ! Of course you guys know who Iam voting for (avatar)

[crawfish]

Very disappointed with the lack of choices we have this election. This election reminds me of the Louisiana election which I had to hold my nose and vote for Edwind Edwards over David KKK Duke. What a sick moment in my life. I have a feeling I may have another sick moment next November.

[WayzUp]

I voted after work yesterday and Ron Paul got my vote. The mass media has done their best to not give him any airtime & when they do they ask him about other candidates or some off-the-wall question about how he doesn't have a chance and what he thinks about that...they never ask him about any issues.

Call me a conspiracy theorist but the way the mass media, primarily the 24-hour "news" channels, cover the candidates is an atrocity. Ron Paul's ideas to change a lot of what is wrong with this country, most of which are to go back to *GASP!* actually following the Constitution, are dismissed as he and other candidates are & though he's a longshot to even be in the race in November, his message will be lost in all the airtime these outlets give to who they think the leaders are. In essence, they're basically telling a vast majority of the American people who to vote for. Ron Paul wasn't invited on Faux New's debate in Iowa, Kucinich had to sue NBC to be allowed in the debate in Nevada. And the first debate on Faux News that Ron Paul was in on, the edited out a couple questions to him for the broadcast so no one saw it. The missing questions are out there on YouTube...Fox has claimed copyright on a few but they keep getting re-posted. WTF is that all about?

Here's a candidate who's raised more money than any other from private citizens/grassroots, who has the largest contingent of supporters at just about every stop they make, who's won more straw polls than any other (i think?) and set records for campaign fund raising in a single day and the mass media virtually ignores him. IMO, this is due to his ideas for 'fixing' this countries problems would put a serious dent in the very few who hold all the power and money. Click here (http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2870) and you'll see how very few mass media empires control all the press/TV networks out there and who has a vested in what is put out by those networks. It doesn't take a mathematician to figure out why Dr. Paul's platform would be silenced as much as possible by those his ideas would hurt.

It saddens me that for all the common sense Ron Paul makes & how his ideas for change are really what we need rather than a 'tweak change' here or there the other candidates talk about (say what voters want to hear), not only will he not stand a chance to make a ballot in November, his message will be lost completely because the few that control what makes TV don't want what he has to say to be heard.

We as a country have sleep-walked into allowing big business, big oil, special interest/lobbyists and corrupt politicians to make it so we choose from who they want us to choose from. The "change" drum that the leaders of the pack are banging on isn't going to get it done.....Jim Cramer can't even keep his calm when he talks about the immediate future of our economy, the stability of the dollar and what lies ahead. When Jim Cramer speaks, I listen. When Ron Paul speaks, no one can hear him.

And we wonder why we have all the problems we do.

/rant

[JerryBeeds]

I will be writing in the Fonz.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/JSnipes/happydays_fonz_1024_thumb3.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/JSnipes/cover-fonz.jpg

[GamecockDieHard]

I don't know what I'll do if Romney gets the nomination because I can't bring myself to not vote. My wife and I will probably be the only two people at our precinct on Saturday because we live in a neighborhood with mostly democrats. I'll cast my vote for Huckabee, and hopefully she'll do the same. She is determining what experience is best: Senate or Gubernatorial (McCain or Huckabee).

It's going to be a McCain vs. Huckabee battle here on Saturday. If any of you Gamecock fans on this site are republicans, then please get out there and vote on Saturday.

My biggest concern with Huckabee has to do with his "higher calling." In my view, if you've been called to preach, witness, and help those that are lost, then you have a special devotion that precedes all other aspirations. It seems incongruent that Huckabee has now found a more important calling than what he had (and that includes his giving up the pulpit for Governor). I'm not saying a Christian can't be president, but IMO, a preacher is ordained to preach and Huckabee has no problem rejecting that calling.

Huckabee strikes me as a populist just like his "brother" from Hope. He has an icky way of using religion as leverage to reach out to those of us that are fed-up with how Christians have been treated lately. I think we'd have the same compassionate conservatism that W has shoved down our throats if he wins. Bush believes in tax cuts but also believes in spending on entitlements like a drunk sailor. Huckabee is smarter, he realizes that to be compassionate, you have to increase taxes first (like he did in Arkansas). Huckabee's endorsement from the NEA is enough for me to understand what he would do.

Romney is a businessman and Mormons are very disciplined and usually very successful due to their discipline. That's what I want in Washington. Someone that understands how a balance sheet works and how to resist programs that don't make sense. But, at this point, I don't know who I'll vote for on Saturday. It's tough.

[BamaFanNKy]

Good to see the Carolina boys are going out to vote. I do fear Henry Winkler may run away with the nomination in South Carolina. :)

I am not able to gauge Ron Paul's support very well. His son is a doctor here where I live. So it's Ron Paul in every window. I jumped for Paul when the economy became my #1 issue.

[nooneLT]

Very disappointed with the lack of choices we have this election. This election reminds me of the Louisiana election which I had to hold my nose and vote for Edwind Edwards over David KKK Duke. What a sick moment in my life. I have a feeling I may have another sick moment next November.

that's the way i felt 4 years ago, that's the way i'll feel this november, and i'll even go out on a limb and say that's the way i'll feel 4 years from now. down with the 2 party system -_-

[the Paradox]

If everyone got as passionate about local and congressional elections like they seem to do every 4 years, this country would be much better off.

RTR

[GetEmGamecocks]

Preseason prediction: start getting used to saying "President Clinton" again. :sad:

[the Paradox]

Preseason prediction: start getting used to saying "President Clinton" again. :sad:

Not me, she will have no authority in New Zealand.

RTR

[RW13]

Huckabee is getting my vote in a few days....

[BamaFanNKy]

What does Huckabee stand for that you guys like?

[Williams-Brice]

Huckabee is getting my vote in a few days....

You mean you and I actually agree on something?

Just kidding with you. :laugh:

[BamaFanNKy]

Still wondering.... what policy is making you want to vote for Huckabee?

[GetEmGamecocks]

Dude, he used to be a preacher and plays bass guitar! We've gotta vote him in! Are ya with me, or do you worship the devil? The choice is yours.

[Gator2753]

[QUOTE=JerryBeeds;365359]I will be writing in the Fonz.

Me too!
http://www.cinebel.be/portal/resources/movieperson/2171/2171.jpg

[Williams-Brice]

I had decided on Huckabee before I knew he was a baptist minister. I heard last summer that there was a baptist minister in the running, but I thought it was someone different. I did my best to pick a candidate without focusing on which one was wearing his religion on his sleeve because that can be easily done by any candidate. I did so, but I still ended up picking the one who does just that. I grew up methodist, but I joined First Baptist Church here in Columbia this summer. Either way, I fall into that "Evangelical Christian" category.

In terms of why I like Huckabee, he is definitely a social conservative in the sense that he is pro-life and against gay marriage.

I really like his views on health care. He wants to get serious about preventative health care. He wants to commit to giving more money to state and private labs to conduct research for preventative health care. As a graduate student in the field of epidemiology and a future epidemiologist, this is huge for me. Epidemiologists study the distribution of disease in populations in order to find effective ways to prevent future cases of disease. Translation: Funding my field of study and work means I'll have a better chance of having a job and a better chance of getting adequate funding to conduct research in order to help people. Chronic disease is bankrupting our health care system. We need to figure out how to prevent these and other diseases.

Also, he supports FairTax, which I think is an amazing concept, even though it may seem to be idealistic.

His agricultural policies are set up to encourage young people to go into farming. I read at the beginning of 2007 that by the end of the year, there would be more people living in metropolitan areas than in rural areas for the first time in human history. I haven't read if this actually happen by last month, but it certainly will soon. We need to encourage people to stay in agricultural settings so we can feed our own people.

There are a ton of things out there that I agree with him on. I don't agree with everything. For example, I think we need to figure out some way to reform gun control. He doesn't seem to think so.

Do you have any other questions? What policies made you decide on Ron Paul? I love his policies on immigration, no amnesty, etc, which is why I like Huckabee, too.

[the Paradox]

What WB said and Huckabee is not John McCain or Mitt Romney.

RTR

[uscrules]

Preseason prediction: start getting used to saying "President Clinton" again. :sad:If she can do half for the economy what Bill did, then she has my vote. Of the Demorcrats, she is the only one that could win in the general election. The Republiacans are very aware of this fact. Obama has too much baggage, Edwards is Edwards and will always be a politician on the fence. Hilliary is the best chance the Demorcrats have and with her you have the first former president as the first gentleman. Would that be his title?

[Cockfan720]

I had decided on Huckabee before I knew he was a baptist minister. I heard last summer that there was a baptist minister in the running, but I thought it was someone different. I did my best to pick a candidate without focusing on which one was wearing his religion on his sleeve because that can be easily done by any candidate. I did so, but I still ended up picking the one who does just that. I grew up methodist, but I joined First Baptist Church here in Columbia this summer. Either way, I fall into that "Evangelical Christian" category.

In terms of why I like Huckabee, he is definitely a social conservative in the sense that he is pro-life and against gay marriage.

I really like his views on health care. He wants to get serious about preventative health care. He wants to commit to giving more money to state and private labs to conduct research for preventative health care. As a graduate student in the field of epidemiology and a future epidemiologist, this is huge for me. Epidemiologists study the distribution of disease in populations in order to find effective ways to prevent future cases of disease. Translation: Funding my field of study and work means I'll have a better chance of having a job and a better chance of getting adequate funding to conduct research in order to help people. Chronic disease is bankrupting our health care system. We need to figure out how to prevent these and other diseases.

Also, he supports FairTax, which I think is an amazing concept, even though it may seem to be idealistic.

His agricultural policies are set up to encourage young people to go into farming. I read at the beginning of 2007 that by the end of the year, there would be more people living in metropolitan areas than in rural areas for the first time in human history. I haven't read if this actually happen by last month, but it certainly will soon. We need to encourage people to stay in agricultural settings so we can feed our own people.

There are a ton of things out there that I agree with him on. I don't agree with everything. For example, I think we need to figure out some way to reform gun control. He doesn't seem to think so.

Do you have any other questions? What policies made you decide on Ron Paul? I love his policies on immigration, no amnesty, etc, which is why I like Huckabee, too.

GREAT POST!!!!!!:happy:

[BamaFanNKy]

You convinced me.... Huckabee adapted the get rid of the IRS policy after Ron Paul. Then he goes and Promises to throw money around like a drunk sailor. He is trying to have it both ways. Look how the CLub For Growth sees him..... The Club For Growth - http://www.clubforgrowth.org (http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/01/a_report_on_mike_huckabees_fis.php) He always promises small government. Then he goes and raises taxes left and right.

Huckabee likes to say he was tough on taxes in Arkansas, noting a $100 million tax cut in 1997 that until this year was Arkansas' largest. When asked about a fuel tax increase he backed in 1999, Huckabee says incorrectly that he joined 80 percent of Arkansas voters in approving it.

Huckabee in 1999 supported a $1 billion highway bond program, including costs for interest and lawyers' fees, but the question on the ballot was only whether the state could take on the debt, not how Arkansas would pay for it. Huckabee had signed the fuel tax increase two months earlier.

Shortly after taking office, Huckabee took a four-day trip by bass boat along the Arkansas River to tout a 1/8th-cent sales tax increase for outdoor programs. (Two nature centers now carry the names of Huckabee and his wife.) Taxes went up $40 million in the months before the $100 million tax cut Huckabee touts.

Guys he's a Democrat who hasn't realized you can be a dem and love Jesus.

[BamaFanNKy]

Why I like Ron Paul you ask:

Will cut foreign aid to all countries.
Will cut spending.
Was laughed at for wanting to get rid of the IRS in May last year.
Wants to get rid of the Dept. of Education and Energy.
Wants to get rid of Dept. of Homeland Security (A BAD IDEA) and the Patriot Act.
Will return states rights on gay marriage, drugs and abortion.
Decriminalize drugs. If alcohol is legal why isn't marijuana?
Will fight to get rid of paper dollars (A BIG PROBLEM WITH OUR FINANCE. Kills the dollar the more we print them.)
Wants to pull out of our debacle Iraq and bring my family home.
Wants the government to get out of my pocket and life.
Believes in following the constitution for everything.

Like Paul I have never used drugs or done most of these things..... but I am a libertarian.

[GetEmGamecocks]

^I agree BamaFan. The main criticism against Ron Paul (not neccesarily on this board) is that "he's a crackpot, he wants to get rid of everything." Thing is, as president, he wouldn't be able to get rid of everything because of checks and balances. I think he'd be a big step in the right direction, and I love him for standing up to the ones who really run this country: the bankers.

As each day passes, I get more and more convinced that Bill, um I mean Hillary will win it. Ah well, she'll be better than Bush.

[BamaFanNKy]

He's standing up to loyalists and the a**holes who have been ruining this country. Sorry to my evangelicals..... I went to a Christian College. We are electing a president not a pastor. When people bring in religion be weary. They seem to be the most tainted and end up being horriable. Look at the last two outspokenly religious Presidents..... "W" and Carter!

[WayzUp]

^I agree BamaFan. The main criticism against Ron Paul (not neccesarily on this board) is that "he's a crackpot, he wants to get rid of everything." Thing is, as president, he wouldn't be able to get rid of everything because of checks and balances. I think he'd be a big step in the right direction, and I love him for standing up to the ones who really run this country: the bankers.
I have to agree, GEG. But then, I've never seen anyone succeed at anything if they aren't given the opportunity.

As each day passes, I get more and more convinced that Bill, um I mean Hillary will win it. Ah well, she'll be better than Bush.

I have to disagree, GEG. Due to Michigan moving their primary up w/o a whole lot of notice, the Democratic party only had Hillary on the primary ballot (Obama, Edwards, Biden and just about every other DEM candidate dropped out) so the choice if you were voting Democrat was Hillary or "Uncommitted," meaning you didn't want Clinton. You'd think with a DEM governor (Granholm) and DEM Secretary of State (Stabenow) that Clinton would run off with a huge margin. I think she actually lost a few counties to "Uncommitted" and only won overall by a little bit. Last figures I saw were Hillary-55%, Uncommitted-40%. That's pretty ominous for her camp, IMO.

I think Obama wins the DEM nomination, myself. But it's early yet and there are many a gaffe, dirty campaign tactics and finger pointing to do before it's settled and that goes for both parties.