Two years ago as President George W. Bush fought for an extension to his political career, the mainstream media, blogosphere, and magazines of political opinion began handicapping the next big race-the 2008 presidential contest. In the Democratic column, the presumed frontrunner was Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton with mentions of a “more-electable” Mark Warner. In the Republican column, speculation seemed to abound that former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and failed presidential hopeful Senator McCain would battle it out for the nomination. The Dark Horse candidate was supposed to be Senator George Allen from Virginia. Has anything changed in the last two years? Yes and heck yes.

The jury is still out on whether Senator Clinton can walk the tightrope of being perceived moderate to woo swing voters, while appearing “liberal-enough” to retain the anti-war leftists of the Daily Kos variety. Can she be many different people to the American electorate? We shall see-her husband pulled off this balancing act masterfully for eight long years. Governor Warner has yet to distinguish himself outside of political junky circles, and, consequently, the jury is still out on his candidacy.

What about in the Republican column? Governor Rudy Giuliani has the hutzpah straight talk that the American people would seem to be receptive to in a post-9/11 world, but a track record of social liberalism that makes most of America hesitant to give him the top job. I know, I know, I know. I hear it all the time-the conservative base will overlook his shortcomings on social issues…No they won’t, so he is out in the long-term for presidential considerations. Maybe V.P.

What about the “maverick” candidacy of former 2000 presidential candidate Senator McCain? How do I begin? I love how direct and seemingly honest McCain came across in his failed 2000 bid for the Oval Office. During the Bush Presidency, it has been difficult to figure out what side of the aisle Senator McCain has been sitting on. He has angered the conservative base, and I think the damage is permanent. His crusade for campaign finance reform seemed courageous until the liberal wing of the Democratic Pary exploited loopholes and created enough 527 groups to make my television seem like Air America TV.

Senator McCain’s rebuke of President Bush’s policy on illegal combatants, and early call for increased U.S. troop levels during anti-War liberal onslaughts left an image of a renegade Republican unwilling to defend one of his own in the conservative trenches.

At 70 years of age, Senator McCain’s best hope to inhabit the Oval Office was 8 years ago in his failed bid for the 2000 Republican nomination. McCain can best serve his country and his party as a strong voice in the U.S. Senate.

What about Senator George Allen whose strong conservative credentials made him a favorite Dark Horse among many in the Republican base? Senator Allen “macacaed” himself right out of the ‘08 nomination with a racially insensitive insult hurled at a political opponent’s campaign worker. Now Senator Allen’s presidential hopes are as much at risk as his Senate seat that he is in a dogfight trying to reclaim.

So who should you support as the Republican candidate for President in 2008?
Governor Mitt Romney. He has shown his conservative credentials by balancing the state budget without raising taxes. He has helped develop a plan to provide health insurance for all state citizens, while avoiding creating a never-ending government entitlement program. Governor Romney is in favor of traditional marriage, and strong on national security issues. He is an excellent public speaker capable of communicating directly to the American people-reminiscent of President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan. He is intelligent, witty, and able to persuade the American people to support his vision for a new, more hopeful America.

In short, Governor Romney possesses the vision, intelligence, and problem-solving skills to become the Republican nominee for president, and become the 44th President of the United States.

If you are in favor of a candidate who will make positive change in Michigan and all other 49 states, and feel proud of the person you voted for-than Governor Romney is the candidate for you.