Now that the first official Republican debate has been held (technically, the May 5th debate was the first official Republican debate, but besides using the parties money it was a mostly inconsequential debate); 12 or so candidates have put forth their Presidential bid for nomination (and a few on both sides of the aisles have put forth their Gubernatorial or Congressional bids); and the first true straw poll is being counted, this seems like the opportune time to start the new United States Elections 2012 thread.
This thread is dedicated to discussion of the upcoming US Presidential, Gubernatorial and Congressional election in November 2012. The purpose of this thread is to discuss the various candidates, their positions, and the various other positions being voted on across the country. All news and discussion of the upcoming election will be placed in this thread, and once the results are in a possible new thread dedicated to the 113th Congress could be made.
The usual forum rules apply (be considerate of others and their opinions, no flaming or cyclical posting, try and provide sources when possible, etc), and try not to get too caught up in the News coverage of the elections (i.e., we all know the mainstream media is inherently biased (toward the right and the left), so try not to create too much discussion based on how bad you perceive the individual networks are skewing the various elections). To clarify further, you can post any clips or excerpts you feel will add to this thread (as so long as they are actual news clips and not simply talking heads), but do not get too focused on the source of the information (which is partially irrelevant to the discussion topic)...
I will update this OP with recent information as it is presented (e.g., Presidential Candidiates; various primary results; and then finally Obama vs...?; etc)
This is the "sequel" to the
US Election 2008 thread. Please visit that thread if you wish to learn how this discussion is held (or visit to read your old posts, and reminisce on happier times
.)
---
Current Presidential Candidates:
Democratic Bids: Barack Obama (barring accident or resignation, Obama is the unofficial Candidate for the Democratic party.), Randall Terry.
Republican Bids:
Michele Bachmann,
Herman Cain,
Newt Gingrich,
Ron Paul,
Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney,
Rick Santorum,
James "Rick" Perry,
Jon Huntsman,
Buddy Roemer,
Fred Karger,
Andy Martin,
Roy Moore,
Jimmy McMillan,
Jonathon Sharkey...so far.
3rd Party/Independent: Kent Mesplay (Green Party), R. Lee Wrights (Libertarian Party), Jack Fellure (Prohibition Party), Roseanne Barr (Independent...though I am not sure she is serious), Robert John Burck (Tea Party/Independent), Joe Schriner (Independent)...so far.
And here are the non-Presidential listings for the 2012 elections (as they currently stand by region, specifics will be added later):
2012 Judicial elections
2012 House of Representatives elections
2012 Senate elections
and
2012 Gubernatorial elections