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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



GOP watch: Ensign in Iowa

Posted: Monday, June 01, 2009 9:13 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: ,

The Las Vegas Sun says that Nevada Sen. John Ensign’s visit to Iowa today “continues to stoke speculation that the rising conservative leader is testing for a presidential run in 2012. Ensign will speak before a conservative organization in Republican-friendly Sioux City, and make a few other stops. He admits he has thought about being president — what politician hasn’t? — he recently suggested to an interviewer.”

The AP looks at the GOP activity in Iowa. “Potential Republican candidates who have visited the state include Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won the GOP caucuses in 2008. More politicians have trips planned, starting with … Ensign on Monday, followed by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and another appearance by Huckabee.”

Stu Rothenberg, writing in Roll Call, looks at GOP infighting and concludes: "Times are indeed tough for the GOP, and the party may suffer more defeats before it starts to string together some victories. But most of the yapping about the ideological rift within the Republican Party simply isn’t worth listening to any longer."

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Paragraph 3 says it all folks!!  GOP is in blah, blah, blah mode.  

As far as Ensign is concerned, haven't seen what he's done for Nevada while living here.  Any input Nevadians?
After yesterday's murder the GOPers need to receive the message that they are marginalizing the numbers more and more.
Ensign should tone down his POTUS ambitions, we Nevada dems plan on taking him out in the next election, along with Gibbons.
justthinkinoutloud - I agree with you.  Gibbons needs to go away.  He's a dirtbag.  Give me a clue who you think dems should put out there for Gov.  I'm interested!
Dems wont win Nevada again. All of them have lost their homes and moved back to Mexico. Their goes your voter base. Thats right I said it....I lived in Vegas when it was booming and the Hispanic population grew tremendously because of the job market, now there is no jobs, housing is the worst in the nation, and you continually want Democraats in charge; that is just plain stupid. Harry Reid is going to lose too....
>>>Stu Rothenberg, writing in Roll Call, looks at GOP infighting and concludes: "Times are indeed tough for the GOP, and the party may suffer more defeats before it starts to string together some victories. But most of the yapping about the ideological rift within the Republican Party simply isn’t worth listening to any longer."
==========
Frankly, the Republican party isn't worth listening to any longer.  As long as they keep up the culture wars, they'll never gain any traction with mainstream
America.

http://jawillie.blog.com
Cindy, Las Vegas - I must confess I don't have a clue who we should put up against Gibbons. I just went to the Nevada Dems web site and couldn't find any information there. I have been so wrapped up in national politics that I haven't paid much attention to  state politics, but the point is Gibbons must go. I promise to start paying more attention to my home state.
The republicans have no true, acceptable, honorable leaders. They all continue to tout beliefs that were unacceptable during the last election, refusing to
acknowledge our total disgust with their tactics, outdated ideas.
There have to be some decent, patriotic politicians that are upset with the path their leaders are taking them but have yet to hear any speak out.
"But most of the yapping about the ideological rift within the Republican Party simply isn’t worth listening to any longer."

I agree because most of it has been pushed by liberal hacks in the media following talking points from their little meetings with the DNC.
President Ensighn? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha....I'm sorry I just can't stop laughing.
Please, give us a break and don't come to Iowa this early pushing 2012  presidential ambitions.  We are just recovering from two years of it!

Wishing Iowa would get rid of our version of Michelle Bachmann--Rep Steve King.  He's not from my area but he's said some pretty crazy stuff, hateful things and I cringe when he speaks as an Iowa voice.
You're right, the republicans just aren't worth listening to anymore.  I turned them and their bitterness and blatant bigotry off completely during the run up to the elections.  I'm disgusted with their handling of the Sotomayor nomination - they say rush and newt aren't elected officals, but that really doesn't matter - they are the current mouthpieces for the party, and their comments are disgusting.  Some elected official should have stood up and stopped the nonsense. Whatever happened to common decency?  I guess republicans aren't born with that gene.  I want adults running my country, not jr. high bullies.
Joe C - Oregon   I lived there 15 years back when Barbara Roberts was governor.  A crappy one at that.  I must say I always liked Gordon Smith, even tho he's a repuke,  I thought a moderate one at that.  My point being, in the 4 years I've lived here, worked for the Obama campaign, met lots of really good people here, I have no need to slam the state of Oregon.  I will support my state no matter where.  I'm not sure about Reid.  He's to in the middle for me.  Ensign is a joke, if you were to ask me. I do very much like Dina Titus, not for governor tho, she should stay where she's at.  justhinkinoutloud, I too went to the web site, and nothing.  If anythings comes up, keep me posted!  Thanks
   


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