Danbury & John McCain

Senator John McCain was seen as the front runner to receive the Republican nomination about five months ago. However, his position on the Iraq War, and support of the Bush Administration's policy, has dropped him out of that position. He still is a top tier candidate, and it is still very possible for McCain to get the nomination. McCain has been Senator from Arizona since 1987, and was previously in the House for four years. He was also a Prisoner of War for about five and a half years during the Vietnam War. The following is a poll of where he stands in the crowded field of Republican candidates:

Rudy Giuliani -- 27%
John McCain -- 23%
Mitt Romney -- 12%
Newt Gingrich -- 10%
Fred Thompson -- 9%

Now, in 2000 Danbury Republicans chose McCain over Bush by only nine votes in the Connecticut Primary. They showed their moderate side by not voting for conservative Bush. This time around Rudy Giuliani is the most moderate candidate so it will be interesting to see if they again choose McCain, or if they go with a more moderate candidate. Giuliani does well in Connecticut Republican polls. McCain is currently in second. Here are the results from the latest Quinnipiac Poll:

Giuliani -- 43%
McCain -- 27%
Romney -- 4%
Gingrich -- 5%

In the general election, McCain does fairly well when polled up against the top three Democratic candidates. He is either ahead or at a reachable number. Here are the results from the latest Quinnipiac Poll from Fairfield County:

Clinton -- 50%
McCain -- 41%

McCain -- 44%
Obama -- 39%

McCain -- 48%
Edwards -- 36%

However, at this point I just don't see McCain winning Connecticut the way that Giuliani could. But anything could happen. What will make or break McCain is simply the War in Iraq. If the troop surge works, or the public begins to see improvement in Iraq, then he has a good shot. However, he may attract Republican voters which helps him getting the nomination, but winning the general election could prove to be very, very difficult. Arguably, McCain is said to be the one who deserves to become President, or at least get the nomination, because of his experience. As of right now when it comes to getting the nomination, he is stuck in second place. It will be interesting to see how McCain does especially after his low fund raising mark. One question we may ask is, if his "straight talk" message will get across to voters because so far it hasn't been that effective. We will wait and see.