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By Miriam Raftery
April 14, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady, announced Sunday that she is officially running for President. Thus far, she is the only Democrat and the only woman to declare candidacy.
Three Republicans have thus far announced and others are expected to join the field. On Monday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio officially tossed his hat in the ring. Other Republicans running candidates are Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
Clinton announced her candidacy in a YouTube video that featured footage of working families, women, a gay couple and a small business owner. She states, “Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion -- so you can do more than just get by -- you can get ahead. And stay ahead. Because when families are strong, America is strong.” This is her second run for the presidency. Clinton has an extensive resume and has been a champion of healthcare reforms and women’s rights through the years, though she faces controversy over deleted e-mails from her tenure as Secretary of State.
Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, has fought to reduce the size of the federal government while Senator and also spear-headed immigration reforms and urged his party to support the Dream Act, breaking with the Republican party line. But he has since tacked to the right, saying border security must come before immigration reform. He is pro-life and opposes gay marriage. He has taken a stance opposed to President Obama’s on negotiations with Iran. Rubio has stated, “Conservatism is not about leaving people behind. Conservatism is about empowering people to catch up, to give them the tools at their disposable that make it possible for them to access all the hope, all the promise, all the opportunity that America offers.”
Cruz announced his candidacy on Twitter, tweeting,“I'm running for President and I hope to earn your support”! Cruz was associate deputy attorney general under the George W. Bush administration and chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. He has sponsored legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and threatened to filibuster any gun control legislation. He was also a major force behind the 2013 government shutdown. He denies that climate change is man-made, opposes gay marriage and abortion unless a woman’s life is in danger, and won the Value Voters straw poll for presidential candidates.
The Libertarian-leaning Rand Paul from the GOPs Tea Party wing, is running on a platform of smaller government. “Big government and debt doubled under a Republican administration and is now tripling under Barack Obama’s watch,” he stated, Politico reports.“We’ve come to take our country back from the special interests that use Washington as their personal piggy bank.” Rand, an eye doctor, wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and voted for a bill that would have declared life began at conception and banned all abortions. He has been outspoken in favor of restoring civil liberties and wants to eliminate TSA airport screeners.
The New York Times counts at least nine Republicans reported to be seriously considering running as well. They include Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the brother and son of two ex-presidents, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie of “bridge gate” fame, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindahl, ex-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and Carly Fiorina, former Hewlitt Packard CEO who previously ran unsuccessfully for Governor in California.
On the Democratic side of the aisle, those considering a run include former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, former Senator Jim Webb, and ex-Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
Two prominent figures have announced they are definitely not running for President in 2016. Mitt Romney, the GOP nominee in the 2012 presidential election, says he’s definitely not running – so don’t expect a western White House at his La Jolla home.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a consumer champion who has taken on big banks, also denies any plans to run despite efforts by progressive groups to recruit her as a presidential candidate.
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