John Hawkins, a writer at Human Events, recently wrote an article about the possible GOP Presidential Candidates. Mr. Hawkins writes about the top 20 candidates and divides them into, Top-Tier, Second-Tier and Just-Might-Be’s. Here is my summary of the top candidates:

John McCain – Yes he is a Republican, although you wouldn’t know it by his voting record on some issues. He formed the Gang of 14 with other Republicans and Democrats which effectively blocked some of President Bush’s conservative judge nominations. He has run for the nomination in the past and lost. I think this hurts him more than helps him. At the beginning of every campaign, he seems like such a nice guy. Then he starts to lose his cool. Also, he will be 72 in 2008.
Rudy Giuliani – Seen as the cool-headed Mayor of New York City after the 9/11 attacks and very tough on crime. Not as conservative as most Republicans would like. He is pro-choice, pro-gun control and soft on gay marriage. He also might have a few skeletons in his closet and came across as a sort of a dictator at times as Mayor of New York.

Mitt Romney – Conservative former governor of Massachusetts, Mr. Romney opposed raising taxes there and balanced the budget. He was responsible for turning around the Salt Lake City Olympics from a huge deficit to a $100 million profit. His religion affiliation is Mormon and unfortunately that causes some to conclude that the would not vote for him. A religious litmus test is always a dangerous thing.

Newt Gingrich – Maybe a long shot, but former speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich has been keeping his name in political circles since he left the House. Newt’s personal and political skeletons may be too much for the public to bear.

Technorati Tags: McCain, Giuliani, Romney, Gingrich, 2008 GOP Candidates, Presidential Elections