Noted Pollster Conway Gives Her Perspective on '08 Presidential Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of Tuesday's NPMA Legislative Day ceremonies, noted pollster Kellyanne Conway delivered the breakfast keynote address, which was sponsored by Syngenta Professional Products.

Conway had several interesting perspectives on the 2008 Presidential election, including her belief that “anybody not currently running has a chance to win.”

Conway said that none of the big-name candidates who have already announced they are running have stood out from the crowd. In fact, by announcing their candidacies so early on, Democratic front-runners Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton may open the door for others because they are constantly pointing out each other’s flaws.

Leading Republican hopefuls also have their challenges, Conway noted. She said former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani needs to “tell America who he was pre-9/11,” and promote some of his other accomplishments as mayor such as reducing crime and revitalizing Times Square. Sen. John McCain, a fervent supporter of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has his Presidential hopes closely tied to the outcomes/status of those events leading up to the election. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who is Mormon, needs to explain his religious faith a bit more and how it will affect his presidency, Conway said.

Conway also recommended that both parties pay more attention to third party candidates, reminding attendees of the impact of recent third-party Presidential candidates Ross Perot and Ralph Nader.

Another interesting fact Conway passed along was that women historically overwhelmingly vote for incumbents.

Following Tuesday morning’s sessions, Legislative Day attendees left to meet with their respective legislators.