Sports Interaction has the early jump on the US Presidential election for 2008, and while it's a slow and tedious process, for the next two plus years, we'll periodically check in and see who's got the odds and who's got your vote, at least in betting dollars.

Let's start with the top five odds getters for the Republican presidential nominee. Why Republican? They're at the bottom of the page and I want to work my way up. But be sure to come back later because 14 potential candidates are posting odds right now, and I can't cover them all at once!

The Favorite: Rudolph Guiliani at 3.20
Oh, it's true, of all of the Republicans, he's the most presidential. He's got great pedigree and the nations LOVES him. He's definitely a likely nominee. But is he really the favorite? Will the Republicans really want to nominate somebody who is so associated with the September 11th attack, especially when the response to that attack has become a black mark on their current administration? Guiliani doesn't have federal government experience, though the argument is obviously that New York is like its own country! At 3.20 odds, he's running as the favorite at SIA, and probably still a safe bet. If you get on board now with your betting dollar, you could be smiling later. And not just because he seems like an upstanding guy who might have a shot at being president.

The TV Favorite: John McCain at 4.00
Is this guy even a Republican though? I watched him on The View, yes, The View, and while he's got admirable politics and balls the size of New Hampshire, would the Republicans really nominate somebody whose daily political thoughts and words don't represent much of the party core? I'm kind of suprised McCain is posting as a favorite. He's doing all the right things....lots of pre-election media, lots of sitting in the middle. Good things if you want to get elected president, but maybe not if you're trying to get your party's nomination.

Hilary- Light: Condoleezza Rice at 6.00
I know, I know, there are a lot of you who think she's more Hilary than Hilary. How is this woman posting as a favorite? First, to get nominated she'd have to be the first woman in the Republican party to get nominated in a presidential election of any kind, ever. Then she's got the war in the Middle East written all over her resume. THEN everybody thinks she's a George puppet. Not where my money is going, but maybe you know something I don't.

Jocelyn's Pick for Value: Tom Ridge at 8:00
I think Tom Ridge could get the nomination. He's competent but not super highlighted. He's participated in national security but kept enough distance not to get burned by it. He comes from a key state for electoral votes. He looks like what we expect our candidates to look like. I put $10 down on him now. Who knows? A year from now I may get that back. But honestly, how many other Republicans can really be a viable candidate?

Who is this guy? Bill First at 9.00
Bill First is actually the Sentate Majority Leader from Tennessee. The first thing that comes up when you Google him is "More Ethics Concerns for Senate Majority Leader Bill First." I wouldn't put money on him.

Anybody sound like a likely Rebulican nominee for President in 2008? Get your money in now before they start dropping like flies (or politicians when the media gets a hold of them) and the odds change. Or come back to HollyWagers later to see our analysis of the other nine likely Republican nominees, there may be more value with the longshots!

Labels: presidential election

posted by pregamejocelyn at 11:37 AM