Another presidential election season, one of the most uncertain in years, is upon us. Frankly we have no idea who from either party will be nominated, much less elected. Rudolph Giuliani and Hillary Clinton have campaigned for this year since seemingly the 1990s but struggle to build support within their own parties. Giuliani looks too liberal for many Republicans and Clinton has become anathema to the Communist kookies. Once again the Republican party offers a variety of strong and moderate candidates while the opposing side offers a lineup of aspiring George McGoverns.
With the public and even the media, everyone but the Democrats, recognizing success in Iraq the issue focus will shift to the economy. Apparently seven years of prosperity do not earn Republicans high marks. The housing market collapse and high energy prices will likely replace Iraq as the main issue for the Democrats. Neither of these issues falls very close to the purview of a US President. Since the Democrats control Congress, too much harping on these issues could boomerang on them.
Within West Virginia, this looks like a year that Republicans could make gains. The venerable Jon Blair Hunter's seat is open and Gary Howell will make a strong run for the seat. The 14th Senatorial district is one of the most difficult in the state in terms of how the geography separates the various regions. However Dave Sypolt's resounding victory in 2006 indicates that the district preferred a candidate committed to developing business while protecting property and personal rights. If Manchin picks 2008 to launch an assault on old time liberal Democrats in West Virginia, a united GOP would benefit from the fallout.
Unfortunately no major candidates have stepped forward to run for governor or to challenge Alan Mollohan in the First Congressional District. Both incumbents in these races appear very entrenched. Few people want to devote the time to run a real campaign and likely even fewer want to invest a lot of money.
One of the big problems facing those running for office is that fatigue has already set in. Presidential campaigns started way too early in this cycle and many are already fed up with mailings, news coverage, and other aspects of the political season. Politics has a time and place in the American calendar. It no more seems natural to see debates on who will be the next president a year and a half before the election than it does to watch college football on Wednesday night.
In any event, for those still interested, it promises to be an exciting season.
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