The people have spoken in last night’s New Hampshire primary and a couple of governors are still standing.
While Donald Trump occupies the top spot with a plurality in the “Live Free or Die” state, two governors: Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida are still contenders for the nomination.
The governors should be thanking the foil, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who took one for the team in his attack last Saturday night of Sen. Marco Rubio.
Christie pilloried Rubio over his “robotic” responses to a specific question regarding the Obama administration’s systematic dismantling of this country. While Rubio’s responses were repetitive, they were still correct. It’s unfortunate, and amazing, that there are people in the Republican Party who actually believe what the president is doing is random!
Regardless, Christie did nothing to help his cause (he did not finish in the top 5 and is eliminated from the next debate). But he sure helped his fellow governors Kasich and Bush. (Update: Christie is to drop out of the race)
That said, I, a Rubio (and still) supporter, thought my candidate folded like a cheap suit exposed to a bottle of water during that debate. He’s promised me it will never happen again.
Good.
So, while I am confident he’ll do fine in Saturday’s debate in South Carolina, I can’t help but wonder about a wide array of governors.
The Contenders
Gov. Kasich: You’re a buckeye. I have issues with that. And Medicaid expansion.
Gov. Bush: You should be doing better. You did awesome over 8 years in Florida. You and your family have served this country admirably. Your last debate was great. But,”please clap?” C’mon, man!
Virginia Democrats
Sen. Warner: This was your opportunity.
Sen. Kaine: Don’t count on VP anytime soon.
Gov. McAuliffe: After Bernie Sanders smoked Hillary Clinton in NH, your political schedule just got a lot busier. What does that mean to the Virginia economy?
Gov. Wilder: Folks discounted your poll numbers once. But you not only are an inspiration to all Virginians, could you have been the rational alternative to Bill Clinton and prevented all this?
The Republicans
Gov. Gilmore: A nice effort. I’d vote for you. But Iowans and New Hampshire-ites didn’t. This means, by the time Super Tuesday arrives here in the commonwealth, you’re welcome to join the BD team as a contributor.
Gov. Allen: Sen. John McCain (my personal hero) would have had a serious challenge from you if it were not for an unfortunate exchange of words you had at a campaign stop. I’m still hopeful for a comeback.
Gov. McDonnell: You rock and you’re looking good. I am also hopeful that SCOTUS realizes that campaign finance laws are as vaporous right now as the air outside my window. You do not deserve punitive measures. But, politically? ~sigh~
Ahh, Virginia. So close, yet so far.
