The Daily Buzz
So no wonder that the governors and former governors who gathered this weekend for the NGA's centennial congregation eyed each other for telltale hints. Would this be a showcase for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the outgoing NGA chairman who is often mentioned as a possible pick for Republican John McCain? How about Pennsylvania Democrat Ed Rendell, the host of the confab and its incoming chairman?
Mike Huckabee, Radio Iowa:
"....I don't expect to be asked. I really don't. It's pretty clearly obvious that what I'm doing -- I'm not sitting around waiting on the phone to ring and right now it would really mess up a lot of things I have going," Huckbee concluded, with a laugh, "so I'm clearly not living with any expectation that (being the GOP's 2008 vice presidential nominee) is going to happen for me."
Sebelius has never been good at giving The Big Speech. It's not something that has mattered much in Kansas, a rural state with a small political press corps where she has spent 22 years in state government, the last six as governor. But lately, as a top-tier potential running mate for the presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, she has been getting a lot of practice in stumping for the senator, making appearances that may help his campaign decide whether she is prepared for the national stage.
Gov. Mark Sanford:
Before addressing the state Legislature, [Sen. Ted] Stevens told The Associated Press that Palin has "shown the right leadership to bring about a decision."Stevens continued his recent public support of Palin, a fellow Republican who once challenged the veteran senator to provide details of an ongoing federal investigation.
Rob Portman's political action committee has raised nearly $300,000 thus far and donated about $25,000 to local, state and federal Republicans in a stated effort to strengthen the party and help Ohio's economy.