McCain and New Hampshire

Mmmmmm, McCain's win in New Hampshire was little surprising. But then the state isn't exactly known for being a hotbed of conservatism. That said, McCain had a nice showing and it puts him back in the running. McCain isn't a liberal but his biggest liberal-like issue will likely be his baggage over McCain-Feingold. Thompson has a similar problem but at least his name isn't on the legislation. Also, National Right to Life seems to be willing to overlook this with Thompson-- as evidenced by the organization's endorsement of him.

NH gives McCain a boost. Anytime a candidate is low-man-on-the-pole everyone wants bury his or her campaign. But a strong showing in a primary state early on can put that candidate back on track and prevent people from claiming his campaign is over. Media commentators were all but calling the McCain campaign dead. NH gives him a "comeback."

Can McCain pull off a nomination? I don't know. More people are leaning toward Thompson; Huckabee seems to be our underdog candidate. Who knows? In the world of politics things change as quickly as you can send a text message. We have about eight months until a nominee is picked-- anything can happen between then and now.