Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Presidential politics

Presidents operate under many constraints in a system like ours but their influence is most long-lasting with respect to judicial appointments. Both of the leading Republican candidates have mixed records on an issue important to religious conservatives: abortion. Giulani is "pro-choice," but promises good judicial appointments. Thompson once sounded like he was also opposed to legal limits on abortion, but had a consistent pro-life voting record in the Senate and now sounds firmly ant-abortion.

Giuliani, this morning, made "Twelve Commitments" he promises to fulfill if elected President. [They can also be found here.] Of particular note for religious and social conservatives:
  • I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
  • I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.

And Fred Thompson, an as yet undeclared candidate, moves into second place in the race for the Republican nomination.
When GOP primary voters were asked to choose among the top four, the field broke into upper and lower ranks. On top were Giuliani, 32%, and Thompson, 28%; below were McCain, 17%, and Romney, 14%.
The new Rasmussen poll has it even closer:
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has to share his spot atop the field of Republican Presidential hopefuls this week. The newest face in the race, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, is now tied with Giuliani. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds each man earning support from 24% of likely Republican Primary voters. A week ago, Giuliani had a six percentage point lead over Thompson, 23% to 17%.
Giuliani's 'Twelve Commitments' - Latest Politics Blog, latimes.com: Giulani retains lead as Fred Thompson gains, Rasmussen Reports: 2008 Republican Primary

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