2008 Minnesota Republican Caucus: FEBRUARY 5th, 2008

I thought I would take the time to outline how the Minnesota (GOP) Republican Leadership is individually supporting candidates as we enter the Minnesota Republican Caucus for 2008. We have the big five: Huckabee, Romney, Thompson, Giuliani, and McCain picking up high-profile Minnesota Republicans.

Mitt Romney is the most organized with the broadest support including many in the Minnesota Republican Party Leadership. Brian Sullivan (Former Gubernatorial Candidate and SteriMed CEO) support of Romney does not surprise because he has supported Democrats like “ultra” liberal Rep. Martin Sabo in the past. It seems that “flip-flopper's” evidently come in pairs.

Mike Huckabee received the personal endorsement of Chairman Ron Carey. This is incredibly rare given it is his job to work for the election of all Minnesota Republicans. However, I think everyone should be able to support a candidate and we might end up with a brokered Convention at this rate.

Fred Thompson has House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and a number of lesser known, yet, influential Republicans who have some pull in the truly grassroots areas of Minnesota.

Rudy Giuliani picked up the support of Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman. I was surprised at this pick by Sen. Coleman because it reinforces a (left-leaning) sore point the Senator has with his Republican base.

Lastly, we dare not forget the Maverick McCain and the Co-Chair of his campaign; The Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty. McCain picks up momentum after a good win in New Hampshire, and he lives to fight on to Michigan and beyond.

The Delegate count after New Hampshire: Romney, Huckabee, and then McCain.