IR State Bureau - 02/03/08

HELENA -- Here is a quick snapshot of the candidates on the ballots at the Montana Republican Party's presidential caucuses on Tuesday:

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee

Background: Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, served as governor of Arkansas from 1996 until January 2007 and as lieutenant governor from 1993-1996. Huckabee's Web site said he's running because "he feels the country needs a reawakening and a leadership to address an array of issues, including how to improve the nation's infrastructure, education system, environmental policy and failing health care system."

Visits to Montana: None. His wife, Janet, spent three days in Montana around the Republican Winter Roundup in Billings late last month.

Major Montana supporters: Former Gov. Judy Martz, Bozeman businessman Steve Daines and Montana Right to Life Political Action Committee.

Assessment: "Mike Huckabee, in terms of Second Amendment and of life, is the strongest candidate out there," Daines said. "If you think about who's voting, these are some of the more conservative and staunch members of the party. He's such a genuine person and principled leader."

Alan KeyesBy the Independent Record - 02/03/09

Background: Keyes is a former assistant secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan. He twice lost bids for the U.S. Senate and ran unsuccessfully for president in 1996 and 2000. His Web site says: "Keyes has unashamedly and consistently raised the standard of unalienable rights -- and Biblical truth -- in defense of the unborn."

Visits to Montana: None.

Major Montana supporters: His campaign has not issued a list of Montana supporters.

Assessment: Montana Republican Party officials said they knew of no leader of Keyes' campaign in Montana.

U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona

Background: McCain has served in the U.S. Senate since 1987. A Navy pilot, McCain was shot down over Vietnam and spent five years in a prisoner of war camp. He lost a bid for president in 2000. McCain's Web site described him as "an experienced leader in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan."

Visits to Montana: None.

Major Montana supporters: Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, former Secretary of State Bob Brown, Republican National Committeeman Errol Galt and these legislators: Sens. Corey Stapleton of Billings, Dave Lewis of Helena, Jim Shockley of Victor, John Brueggeman of Polson, John Cobb of Augusta and Reps. Walter McNutt of Sidney, and John Ward of Helena.

Assessment: "We're getting a good feeling," Burns said. " I think McCain will win. We've made some calls, and we're feeling pretty good."

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul

of Texas

Background: Paul, an obstetrician-gynecologist, is serving his sixth term as a congressman from Texas. His Web site said his reputation is as "the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency."

Visits to Montana: None. Paul's son, Rand, appeared at the state Republican Winter Kickoff in Billings and at a rally in Bozeman.

Major Montana supporters: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar of Laurel, and Reps. Roger Koopman of Bozeman, Tom McGillvray of Billings, Diane Rice of Dillon and Jack Wells of Bozeman, all Republicans, and Rep. Rick Jore of Ronan, a Constitution Party member, and Sens. Jerry O'Neil of Columbia Falls and Aubyn Curtiss of Fortine.

Assessment: "It looks very strong," said Paul's state coordinator, Dave Hart. "We expect to win. He's the only true conservative with the track record that backs up his credentials. I would encourage the caucus voters to vote on principle and not let the liberal media tell you who the front runners are. Vote on principle, vote for the constitution and vote for freedom and liberty."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Background: He was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002 and served until January 2007. Romney is credited with turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He previously headed Bain & Co., an investment firm. Romney's Web site said as Massachusetts governor, he "presided over a dramatic reversal of state fortunes and a period of sustained economic expansion" without raising taxes or increasing debt.

Visits to Montana: He is the lone Republican presidential candidate to visit Montana, speaking at the state Republican convention in June 2007. Son Josh has been to Bozeman and Billings in November and Billings in late January and is coming to Helena and Bozeman on Monday. The candidate's brother, Scott, has been in Bozeman and Billings.

Major Montana supporters: Former Gov. Tim Babcock, Secretary of State Brad Johnson, Reps. Debbie Barrett of Dillon, Ken Peterson of Billings, Bill Nooney of Missoula, Harry Klock of Harlowton, Carol Lambert of Broadus and Jesse O'Hara of Great Falls and Sen. Rick Laible of Darby.

Assessment: "I feel really good about things," said Romney's Montana campaign coordinator, Chuck Denowh. "I think he's got really good ties to the West. He used to live in Utah. That's why he was successful in Wyoming and Nevada. He recognizes we've got unique issues here. Mitt Romney is a true conservative on the issue and the strongest candidate on the economy."