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Dark Horse Veep Watch: Don Carcieri (Gov-RI)
By Leon H Wolf Posted in 2008 | Fun with baseless speculation | Republicans we should be talking more about | Veepstakes — Comments (48) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Some of my fellow RedState contributors and I were discussing via email today why it is that a certain segment of the population is determined to push Condi Rice for Veep, as though it would be a good idea for the entire executive branch to run like the State Department currently does. During the course of this conversation, which inevitably turned to potentially *good* choices for Vice President, an unexpected name came up: Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri.
More below...
I was initially very skeptical of this suggestion. I didn't know much about Carcieri's record, and so I just automatically assumed that a guy who got elected twice in statewide Rhode Island elections had to be pretty moderate, especially if he survived the slaughter of 2006. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was mostly wrong.
It turns out that, among other things, Don Carcieri is pro-life. The comments attributed to the Governor and his wife in that article were positively shocking to me for their strength. He has also taken strong stances in favor of traditional families. Carcieri is also a much stronger opponent of illegal immigration than is McCain, which might help to offset McCain's biggest weakness with the Republican base.
Carcieri has grown somewhat less popular within Rhode Island over the last two years, and one of the primary reasons appears to be that he has supply-sider instincts. The State of Rhode Island ran into a $200 million budget shortfall, and instead of addressing the problem by raising taxes or fees, Carcieri responded by revamping the entire government, including the layoffs of over 1,000 government employees. Watch this series of videos here where Carcieri discusses his decisions with a local reporter and you will see that Carcieri's budgetary instincts are sound and surprisingly conservative.
Also, it should be noted that Carcieri makes all the right sorts of enemies. I offer you exhibit A:
Carcieri also has a very interesting and diverse background, including experience in education, business and manufacturing. His expertise in financial matters would offset one of McCain's confessed weaknesses. Carcieri has also earned a reputation in Rhode Island as being a guy who is willing to take on one of the most notoriously corrupt state governments in the country - experience that could help allay the general public dissatisfaction with politics as usual in Washington.
Now, have I heard anything at all that indicates that Don Carcieri is actually being considered by McCain? No. But I think his resume clearly indicates that he should be. No, Carcieri probably isn't going to help the Republican ticket carry Rhode Island (which went to Kerry by 21 points), but the value of Vice Presidential picks in that regard has always been overstated. I think it's very possible that Carcieri could help McCain nationally as a guy the nation would feel comfortable having his hand on the wheel in the event that anything might happen to McCain. And for that reason, Carcieri should at the very least be on McCain's long list for Veep choices, if not his short one.
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Dark Horse Veep Watch: Don Carcieri (Gov-RI) 48 Comments (0 topical, 48 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Given the evidence
by simpson316
I hope he is considered. He sounds like a much more politically matured version of Jindal.
McCain/Carcieri '08
Carcieri/Jindal '16
Jindal/? '24
That could be a very strong progression.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
Jindal is a Christian
by Norman Rogers
but is there some Muslim faith in his extended family in India? I seem to recall something from his Congressional campaign where someone released photos of Jindal with his family in India and there was a distant relative who had traveled to a Madrassa in Pakistan at one point.
Katie Bar the Door, sir.
And your point is?
by simpson316
Other than the obvious race baiting that is.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
I seriously doubt you want your "extended family"
by David Hinz
examined for skeletons. I know I have a few relatives I'm not all that proud of.
Immediate family too....
by Darin H
Why yes, I am an embarrassment to the family :)
Every family has them, and you know what would be coming your way should you talk bad about them!
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the other third is covered by Champ Bailey.
is this relavent really?
by Brandozilla
Who cares, he could be a Muslin himself for all I care. He is right on terrorism, and a damn competent reform minded governor.
Don't go there nt
by Dan McLaughlin
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
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I'm not so sure about that Adam
by simpson316
Even if he is a little less favorable now, wouldn't it be better to leave him at GOV?
That is unless there is another strong R candidate that would be able to run a good campaign for the GOV seat.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
At 66
by Brandozilla
he is hardly a youth movement. A little too old to go with an unknown when there a lot more sensible younger choices.
I'll tell you who it should be
by Norman Rogers
and that's Pete du Pont.
Here's a man who was right about Social Security privatization in 1988, here's a man who's had legislative and executive experience--he was Commander in Chief of the Delaware National Guard, as governor--and he is a true conservative.
Pete's 73 as well. I hope his age is not the issue.
Katie Bar the Door, sir.
that's a little old
by David Hinz
especially with McCain. But, that ticket would wrap up the octogenarian women's vote.
My short list:
by Brandozilla
Mitt Romney
Mark Sanford
Tim Pawlenty
Charlie Crist
Sarah Pallin
I put Romney at the top because I know more about him, I haven't seen the others in debates or anything.
It would be great if they could all have a debate.
Awww, c'mon, why you bashin' on Condi today. What did she do wrong-conduct the President's policies instead of wasting time on a thoroughgoing blood-purge of State that would have accomplished nothing? Oh well, that's another column.
Richelieu, in his column of today pointed out several reasons why Condi won't be on McCain's short list, one of which is that she doesn't draw much from California. I have some disagreements with Richelieu's assumptions (I think he's got some skin in this game on behalf of another favorite...), but it's a long process, and I think McCain will end up with Condi in the end. But I could be wrong. Hey, I want her to be on the ticket, but I'm willing to live with what McCain picks.
But Mr. Scorched Earth from Rhode Island ain't gonna win you any elections, peeps.
Tell me how this guy gets that massive haul of electoral votes from Rhode Island into McCain's pocket? Like, it's the most Democratic state in the country. "Yup, I gave a bunch of government workers pink slips in Rhode Island!"
Yah, that would go over well during Tough Times.
McCain would have to spend two to three valuable weeks in August and September rolling this guy out. He's liable to be from eight to eleven points behind Barack by that point in time and Honest John doesn't know how to raise the dead or do the loaves and fishes thing like Obama does. He can't waste time peddling some True Believer to the Country just because Scorched Earth goes over like strawberry cupcakes on RedState.
This is the same problem you run into with the Pawlenty and Cox choices and the Sarah Palin Pregnancy Pick-they enter the weird realm of Rumsfeldian Unknown Unknowns. People who frequent Redstate, HotAir, and go to CPAC every year or two know who these people are.
Real, living, breathing human beings aren't obsessed by politics and have no idea who these people are. That's a shame for Bobby Jindal and Charlie Crist, by the way, because in about four years, those two men will dominate the national debate-Obama or no Obama. But not today, and not in this cycle.
Mitt Romney, Tom Ridge, Jeb Bush, Condi Rice, Fred Thompson? Now you're talking about VP prospects that the nation would instantly consider as suitable candidates for the succession.
I know this is, like, Movement Central, but understand that JMC needs to win the Country. You want Mr. Genghis Khan? See how far it gets you in this environment.
Thankfully, the top of the ticket is a candidate who knows how to talk to the country.
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it"-Winston Churchill
Carcieri sounds like a solid guy, but...
by goldenboy
Next to Condi Rice he's sort of a pip squeak. Maybe in a decade or so.
I really think McCain has to pick someone people know...
McCain/Rice
McCain/Sununu
McCain/Powell
McCain/Bush (Jeb) : )
McCain/King (Peter)
McCain/Chambliss (Saxby)['cause I'm from GA]
McCain/Romney
McCain/Lungren
I don't want anyone toooo young. The Dem VP will be old and statesmanlike.
"The most dangerous form in which oppression can overshadow a community is that of popular sway" -James Fenimore Cooper
This is a joke, right?
by Leon H Wolf
Carcieri is a pipsqueak next to Condi Rice?
Because nothing says "titan" like never having won an election anywhere, at any level, in your entire life. Or, for that matter, like running State Department in a manner that... well, in the manner in which Condi has run it since she began her tenure.
------------
The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
Besides, what did you expect her to do at state?
I'd really like to know...really...in these times.
And yes, pipsqueak in terms of name recognition and overall clout on the foreign policy side.
I think that's what's really important in these times. I don't care so much about manufacturing experience next to NSA and Sec of State.
Respectfully,
GB
"The most dangerous form in which oppression can overshadow a community is that of popular sway" -James Fenimore Cooper
Yes, because being a pathetic failure as SecState...
by Jeff Emanuel
...lends itself to such high recommendation.
Pathetic failure? Hyperbole.
by goldenboy
Are we living in the same universe?
I guess the rest of the world, not to mention the state department itself, was just waiting to cooperate with us in every way possible when she took over.
I suppose she should have given everyone a pink slip and started over...d'oh! this isn't the private sector and these are civil servants.
I think you are too dismissive. Germany, France and Russia have grown much more conciliatary in her time in office, and that is not all due to elections. Nato was a success, not to mention the great work being done in Iraq by Crocker.
I don't know what you want from her.
"The most dangerous form in which oppression can overshadow a community is that of popular sway" -James Fenimore Cooper
Jeff & Leon
by David Hinz
we just went through almost a year of this $#it! Acolytes for Candidate A screaming near obscenities about Candidate B. Supporters of Candidate C threatening to leave the Party if Candidate A wins.
Hasn't ANYONE learned a stinking thing from the last six months?
Sorry, but I would at least expect YOU GUYS to be adults.
Nice how you choose to ignore
by Leon H Wolf
Carcieri's two terms as Governor, and pretty much everything else on his list.
Condi's not going to be on any tickets, not this time around. If you think McCain is going to take a lightning rod from the Bush admin for his Veep, you're either insane or not very politically astute. And if not now, when? Maybe if she goes somewhere and gets elected to a position that she performs competently, I'll be willing to listen.
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The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
but I think Condi's polling would match up to Carcieri's any day of the week.
Actually, ightning rod point well taken, but we are going to hear these charges no matter what. I think Rice has a lot of positives going for her.
Carcieri's pro life beliefs are admirable, as is his aversion to illegal immigration (that great bane of Rhode Island), and manufacturing experience is nice, but come on.
Two terms as governor of Rhode Island. Now that is truly impressive (furtive laughter).
"The most dangerous form in which oppression can overshadow a community is that of popular sway" -James Fenimore Cooper
Ohhhkay.
by Leon H Wolf
As a wise man once said, I try not to argue with the religious about their religious beliefs on this site, so I'm going to walk away from this discussion now.
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The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
Just kidding, but I think I make fair points. This is not "religious beliefs".
This is a real philosophy of the executive function in a time of war and international crisis I have put forth here. I'm one of those foreign policy guys, I guess.
I just think that's more important.
Of course, we can just lose the election so the talk show guys can save face after McCain's nomination.
Cheers,
GB
"The most dangerous form in which oppression can overshadow a community is that of popular sway" -James Fenimore Cooper
I love the bipolar nature of these posts
by Joliphant
If x is our nominee we will definitely lose the election
If x is our nominee faction Y will stay home or go to the other side.
The only thing I find surprising is that anyone still reacts.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
I dunno Leon....
by Mike Dugas
"Because nothing says "titan" like never having won an election anywhere, at any level, in your entire life. Or, for that matter, like running State Department in a manner that... well, in the manner in which Condi has run it since she began her tenure."
Considering the nasty political scene we are currently experiencing in Washington, there might be something to be said about a V.P. candidate who is not generally considered a politician per se. Someone from outside the beltway, judicial or retired military for example, might be attractive to an electorate tired of Washington's forked tongue. Now as far as Condi goes, I am not suggesting that she doesn't deal with things political, but I don't think she's viewed as a politician.
Now, with that I want to say that I don't think Condi is the choice this time around. I was interested in her as a V.P. candidate with Fred as my P.O.T.U.S. Fred was solidly conservative and Condi would compliment that. With McCain I am hoping he makes a strong conservative choice Someone who
holds some sway with McCains decisions, and can influence his policy in favor of a conservative outlook. Again that's my hope, I in no way expect McCain to do the RIGHT thing and choose a solid conservative. Though there is no way it could
happen/work etc., I'd like Jeb to be the V.P. and then President, dare I say, four years later. There's just no way
the country would elect another Bush right now, makes people feel too much like there's a dynasty running things.
Not Pushing, Per Say
by BigGator5
(W)hy it is that a certain segment of the population is determined to push Condi Rice for Veep...
I wouldn't say that we are "pushing" her. We are debating on who we might pick and speculating with who John McCain will pick. This is a good thing, as it keeps us talking instead of going: "Now what?"
As for Don Carcieri, he seems like an OK guy. He would certainly balance McCain's ticket.
Carcieri would make a great
by RandomGuy
Carcieri would make a great Secretary of Labor or Commerce, but he's too old and doesn't bring much to the ticket as VP.
"I ain't never votin' fo another Democrat so long as I can draw breath! I'll vote for a dog first!" - Leola Thomas
Good man Carcieri would be a great VP choice I'm with
by BatMasterson
you on this Mr. Wolf
Seems to me Carcieri is one of the best options out there (nt)
by Neil Stevens
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"If we want to take this party back, and I think we can someday, let’s get to work." – Barry Goldwater
Don Carcieri is not exactly a household name
by David Hinz
In fact, he sounds like a character from Goodfellas. Maybe it will help pick up the Sicilian vote.
Let us not kid ourselves.
by Leon H Wolf
Sanford, Pawlenty and Crist aren't exactly discussed around the average dinner table, either.
And, it should be pointed out that there are significant Italian populations in two states the GOP would love to have (PA and NJ).
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The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
Well Leon, all I can say
by David Hinz
if he becomes VP, you think the "Darth" Cheney jokes were bad. Now we will have a "Don" in office, and you can guarantee the Dems will make it a "title" and not a name, and be talking for four years about the Republican Mafia.
LOL when I saw the title I was expecting that myself
by Joliphant
I had never heard of the man. So, the first things that came to mind were scenes from the godfather.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
On the other hand
by ekevlar11
It would be a great follow-up to Darth Vader.
Erik
Close, but no...
by CT_GOP
Are you people serious with this Carcieri guy? He seems like a TOTAL HOMOPHOBE. A better pick would be GOVERNOR RELL of Ct. Conn is more winnable for the GOP than rhode island, Gov Rell is a woman, and....much to the biggots on this blog's dismay, she doesn't hate gay people.
MCCAIN-RELL '08
It's not us; it's you.
by Leon H Wolf
Blam.
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The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
I guess this is one of the growing pains
by simpson316
of having the site mentioned in multiple forms of media lately.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
I have in-laws who live in Rhode Island, and my impression is that there is a lot of under-the-table graft and other corrupt practices there. We'd need to be certain that Carcieri can't be tarred by any of this corruption (and I have no knowledge on him one way or the other) because we know that the Democrats will move heaven and earth to dig up some skeletons to play their corruption chords on the harp.
As far as policy positions, he sounds like a sound choice in terms of strengthening McCain's support from the right while not being a lightening rod who will polarize the independents and leaners. While not bringing electoral votes directly, he would provide geographic balance to McCain.
I grew up in RI; my parents
by dld1717
I grew up in RI; my parents still reside there and I voted for Carcieri for his first term (not RI voter anymore so could not for re-election). Carcieri is a good man who has tried to build the party in RI so it can have some say in Assembly which runs the state. Basically, the Governor has very little power and anything he vetoes is always over ridden.
That all said Carcieri while a great man would add nothing to VP ticket and he is not the most charisma man. I would be shocked if he ever ran for US Senate; sad to say but Reed and Whitehouse will have both seats for life although Whitehouse may want to run for Governor down the line again and then Patrick the Idiot will run.
As I said on the email thread
by Dan McLaughlin
that spawned this post, NJ & RI are the AR & LA of the Northeast.
Carcieri seems to be pretty clean, by politician standards. But of course he would need vetting.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
"...pretty clean, by politician standards." LOL
by David Hinz
don't you just HATE to have to make that caveat?
That caveat is the sound of
by Dan McLaughlin
a free people's healthy skepticism.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
Thune?
by bjr03
Why doesn't anyone take John Thune from South Dakota seriously? Conservative, young, energetic - he'd be a great addition.
I like Thune.
by Leon H Wolf
I think the idea is that McCain needs someone with executive experience, being a Senator himself.
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The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
Condi at 60%
by ekevlar11
And this from Fox news. The polls showed Condi was supported as a VP pick by 60% of people they polled (not sure what the groups they polled were vetted as).
But...I have real concerns about her electability seeing as she has never been elected to office.
There would be poor follow-through with this choice. Unless she learns a great deal about getting elected in primaries and ultimately the Presidency by McCain.
Erik
dark horse Veep
by edward cropper
with all the short-comings John McCain has what he needs is a running mate that no one has
ever heard of, has no sizable constituency to run up the vote, comes from a state that has no
electoral votes, and is losing popularity with his own people.
He should just pick his nose, it could run as well as Governor what his name.
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