a blog of little consequence

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Here is Henry’s latest map.  If only the storm could track a bit further East!

http://www.accuweather.com/news-blogs.asp?blog=meteomadness

Henry has not finalized his snow map yet, but his morning video indicates that Pittsburgh will get several inches of snow and high winds.

John McCain sealed up the GOP nomination and now Pennsylvania Republicans are left with no say in the in primaries. But wait what if I switched my registration to Democrat? I could switch back after the primary. It might even be fun to attend a few Clint and Obama rallies here in the ‘Burgh. In all seriousness, I would love to ask Hillary Clinton to explain her repetitive remarks that the Bush tax cuts only helped the rich, when I have benefited and am far from rich. I would also like to ask her why I , someone without children, should have to pay higher taxes to fund universal pre-k or donate a $5,000 savings bond for every baby born in the U.S. I would like to ask Senator Obama how he intends to fund universal healthcare and maintain security.

So, what do you think, should I and other Pennsylvania Republicans temporarily switch our party registrations? We have until March 24 to do so.

Now that the campaign has drawn to a close, I have a few parting thoughts.

First, the campaign was a huge success. Huckabee demonstrated his ability to read understand people masterfully throughout the race. He won virtually every debate he participated in, was able to stay in the race when it seemed over, appear on late night shows, and answer reporter questions in a straightforward fashion but with amazing charm. It is quite remarkable that Huck did as well as he did, given the spending margins. He was smart to stay in the race until the end. He in no way hurt John McCain and gained additional positive name recognition to set the stage for 2012. When it was time to go, Mike Huckabee knew when to bow out gracefully, as promised on his SNL appearance.

Second, I think he will be back in 2012. It is doubtful regardless of the outcome we will see John McCain in 2012. His closing remarks have made it clear that 2012 is on the radar. Now he has the name recognition and the beginnings of a solid infrastructure, not to mention a slew of lessons learned from 2007-08.

Third, although the establishment didn’t get their golden boy pick (Mitt Romney) they did effectively cut Huckabee out by hammering him in South Carolina. A win for Huckabee in South Carolina would likely have produced a different race.

Fourth, I think he very well might have a cabinet appointment for McCain. I would be surprised if McCain picked him as his veep. I think McCain needs someone with a strong reputation as a fiscal conservative. Let’s just hope his idea of a fiscal conservative is Mitt Romney, who is a faux fiscal conservative.

Lastly, although buoyed by his grassroots supporters, their lack of experience and organization ultimately hindered him. If the campaign had pulled them in the fall, we might have seen a very different outcome. His supporters were spreading different messages about Huckabee, instead of a consistent unifying theme. I believe this to be a onetime problem. I would imagine that the next time around, we will see better organization.

I hope we see Huck in 2008. His road won’t be easy. He will likely be joined by rising GOP star LA Governor, Bobby Jindal and perhaps even Conservative favorite, Newt Gingrich.