***G.O.P. Insiders Poll***
Greene County Republican activists are warming up to Mitt Romney, flirting with Rudy Giuliani and don't know much about Fred Thompson.
A series of interviews with county committeemen and women found that many are conflicted about their choice for President in 2008, some are downright displeased, and most believe it's way too early to tell how the crowded G.O.P. field will shake-out.
In conversations with close to two dozen Greene County Republican party officials, an informal survey found no clear cut choice for President.
Five insiders said they supported Romney. Four would vote for Giuliani. Three gave the nod to Thompson.
Then there are those like G.O.P. Treasurer John Hoffman.
"I'm not impressed with any of them," said Hoffman. "I'd vote for (Mike) Huckabee or (Sam) Brownback. The others are from back east, and much more liberal," he added, referring to the Republican frontrunners.
Committeeman Tim Pietchek echoes the frustration among conservatives about the top tier. That's why he's leaning towards looking at Fred Thompson. "I want to see a Reagan conservative and I haven't seen that," Pietchek said. "My top choice might be a Brownback, but I don't know if he can win, so I'm leaning towards Thompson."
Pietchek even called Romney "a liberal," for pushing "socialized medicine."
Committeeman Bruce McNeely said he would vote for Newt Gingrich "in a heartbeat," but doesn't think the former Speaker really has a chance. "So Mitt Romney would be my choice," McNeely said.
For many, Romney seems to be the fallback candidate - the candidate with the most conservative credentials who also can win.
Committeewoman Lisa McIntire put it best. "He has the best chance of winning and has the closest views to ours," McIntire said of Romney. "We like Brownback, but don't think he has a chance," she said, referring to her and her husband's views. "And Romney's raised a lot of money."
Then there are those who believe Romney won't cut it. That a stronger candidate is needed. To some, that candidate is Fred Thompson.
"His beliefs are more align with mine than anyone else," said Committeeman Steve Helms, who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Sara Lampe for her legislative seat last fall. "He exudes leadership and is electable. I'm talking him up to people, and have signed the petition," Helms added.
But many Republican activists said they knew little about Fred Thompson. Many didn't know if he was a Congressman or Senator -- or could say what state he is from. It calls into question how widespread Thompson's name identification is with dedicated, loyal Republicans.
It's a fair point to say that Thompson hasn't even announced yet, so most don't know him. But the premise of many Republicans pushing his entry is that he's already beloved.
"I think it might be difficult for Thompson to get in now," said Committeewoman LoVene Claypole. "I like Giuliani. I hope his marriages won't hurt him. I mean, some of these things mattered a lot more when I was younger. These things don't matter as much any more," Claypole said.
Committeewoman Thelma Neff also expressed that she likes Giuliani. "There's not one I completely agree with," she said. Committeeman David Schultz also said he would vote for Giuliani.
"I'm probably a more moderate Republican, but I like how Giuliani handled New York, not just 9-11, but the police and crime situation. I know he has a lot to overcome in Missouri," said Committeewoman Leigh Garren.
But Committeeman Bruce Brown, another self-described "moderate" said it will take a moderate to win. That's why he's supporting . . . Mitt Romney?
"If you a Republican that can get elected in Massachusetts, you can get elected as a Republican as President of the United States," Brown said. "It's going to take a moderate to win this time. A moderate Republican is better than no Republican," he added.
Even County Commissioner Roseanne Bentley said she's undecided on the wide-open field. Bentley is more in the "moderate" mold of the G.O.P. She said she likes Romney's managerial style.
When I asked her about Thompson, she said she has gotten to know him.
But that's another Thompson. Tommy Thompson.
Bentley doesn't know much about Fred Thompson.
The question is whether there is room for another Thompson in this race -- nationally, and among Greene County Republicans.
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