Chicago Republicans

The Iowa Caucuses are coming fast. The early states will start the momentum of the Republicans next nominee. After listening to the debates, I sometimes find myself pulling for some candidates and pushing back against others. Howver, after reading rational analysis about the candidates, I realize I can pretty much support ALL the Republican nominees for President.

Like most Conservatives, I have been willing to leave open my decision and let the flavor of the month try to woo me with the latest anti-Romney rhetoric.

I didn't quite fully embrace the Perry movement. He lost me with his poor performance in the debates. I also must admit his Texas twang and swagger remind me too much of W.

Cain was a puzzle. I thought the triple 9s were extremely catchy, but I couldn't resolve that last 9. Adding another tax just couldn't be a good thing, but the man could talk to a crowd.

Ron Paul has always been a perennial favorite of mine. I believe he is the intellectual godfather of the tea party. But his complete unwillingness to modulate his foreign policy stance is his own undoing. Most Republicans believe this is a dangerous world with a bunch of crazies out there; we want a strong military.

It turns out Romney isn't as bad as I originally thought. He did a good job explaining himself in the debates. Living in Chicago, I can understand how he had to modulate his views in that extremely liberal state. This point hit home when he explained ALL the people voting on his judge nominations were Democrats. Of course he had to nominate mostly Democrats. I actually get this. Mitt's not so bad.

The Newtster is my latest favorite. His debate performance is unrivaled. He would twist Obama into fitful tongue-tied knots. I like that he actually passed some actual effective government reform. Newt though, isn't perfect. His personal life is despicable, but Bachmann's partial-birth abortion attacks are unfounded. Newt is my current favorite, but not by much at all. He may stick as he is a known entity, unlike the pizza-man.

I could live with Huntsman fine. Solid, but not terribly compelling.

Bachmann and Santorum I think are also fine, but I see them as dropping down to 3rd tier with Huntsman. They are just hoping to stay in long enough to peak as flavor of the month at the right time.

I must admit McCain did not thrill me. I dutifully displayed his yard sign, but he wasn't my choice. I just wasn't enthusiased by him, regardless of his great war hero narrative.

This time around, I think I can be enthusiasic about Romney, Gingrich, or Paul. And maybe the others.