Haley Barbour Testing the 2012 Waters in Iowa, NH

[tekisui]

Source: AP

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — If the Republican Party is in danger of being marginalized as a conservative, white male Southern enclave, is Haley Barbour — the longtime Washington power broker and current Mississippi governor — the best person to turn things around?

Many rank-and-file Republicans and party leaders say yes, as the 61-year-old Barbour prepares to ramp up his national profile this month with back-to-back trips to the early presidential voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Barbour will headline fundraisers in both states, but says the visits are part of his duties as incoming chairman of the Republican Governors Association. Both states have governors' races next year.

"I've told everyone I know that every Republican ought to be focused on governors' races in 2009 and the 2010 elections," Barbour said in an interview with The Associated Press.

A former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Barbour has emerged as a leader of his party's efforts to retool for the future. His allies believe he could be a formidable presidential contender if he chooses to play.

more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g19N5nwxiN5AIU1POu17nLpNs7-AD98QEEUG0

:) Let the fun begin.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Oh, they'll just LOVE him....NOT. nt

[camera obscura]

2. Because an old, fat, white guy with a racist record is just what their party needs

[liberal N proud]

6. I am sure he will play well with the base

:rolf:

[rvablue]

14. Add to that someone who made a millions and millions lobbying for the tobacco industry.

It might be popular or at minimum, OK, in his neck of the woods.

This will not be a plus among the general population, blue or red.

[LynneSin]

15. They already have Limbaugh & Gingrich leading the pack

:eyes:

[saltpoint]

3. "And now, here's Buddy Hackett for Slim-Fast."

[Clio the Leo]

4. ... or Jerry Falwell reincarnated. NT

[Rowdyboy]

5. My governor, Haley is the posterboy for the Republican party today.....

An overweight, white, rightwing bible thumper whose mushmouth accent makes Sarah Palin sound educated (You Betcha!).

I don't think the Republican party of 2009 is that stupid but I'd love for them to surprise me...

[ccharles000]

7. He would never win the GE

[hatrack]

8. Haley - for those who just couldn't take the adrenaline rush that is Fred Thompson

:rofl:

[Are_grits_groceries]

9. Don't go swimming in the ocean.

They might harpoon you Moby.

[WI_DEM]

10. Harley is the symbol of the GOP: white, rich, fat, male, right wing, racist, southerner

[CTyankee]

11. Neat-o! What a great idea!

Why, Haley's my fave mush mouthed racist! He's the best man for the job of Republican candidate. Let's all get behind him and give him our unequivocal support.

[BeyondGeography]

12. Haley Barbour for President...who said the Republican Party wasn't diverse?

[SpiralHawk]

13. "We want another Chickenhawk to lead us. Smirk." - Republicon Homelanders

"We have a long tradition of meekly following Chickenhawks like Reagan, Bush, Lott, Gingrich, Rush, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, and we INSIST that our next leader also be a Chickenhawk. Smirk."

- Republicon Homelanders

[zulchzulu]

16. What a trainwreck that campaign would be... n/t

[Thrill]

17. Reagan vs. Mondale Johnson vs. Goldwater

Obama vs. Barbour :)

[Cha]

18. So palin is going to parade her kids

again in 2012 against this show?

[mitchum]

19. That fucking pig will certainly displace a lot of water

[Umbral]

20. I can't decide. Which would be more fun, Palin or Barbour?

Boy Howdy! How about Palin AND Barbour!

[StevieM]

21. I think it will be Pawlenty for the GOP, unless Romney can buy it (eom)

[tekisui]

23. I could see that scenario.

[Ilsa]

22. Oh yes, please run that money-grubbing sonofabitch! nt

[WCGreen]

24. This guy is sleezy like an old fashioned preacher selling moonshine out the back of

his truck while lookin' to have his way with your daughter