A disappointing finish in the Florida primary officially doomed Rudy Giuliani’s quest for the presidency, after coming in a distant third behind John McCain and Mitt Romney.
        The former New York City mayor, nothing more than a  ``noun, a verb, and 9/11’’, to Senator Joe Biden, didn’t fare much better with party stalwarts, as he entered the campaign with some hefty baggage: messy divorce, irreconcilable difference with his children, questions about his relationship with former New York police commissioner Bernie Kerick and his mob ties, all distractions that might have played a role in preventing his message from getting out. 
         But you can’t help but wonder if the Brooklyn native had milked a few cows, donned a few straw hats in Iowa and New Hampshire, and tried to shed his east coast Republican image, if he would still be alive and kicking today.
        Ed Koch, former mayor of New York, and a unabashed Hillary Clinton supporter (responding through an email) thought that  `Giuliani lost when his record in New York City became widely known.”
 Ouch!

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        Many are disappointed to see John Edwards head for the exit doors before Super Tuesday, and especially before the Democratic debate Thursday in Los Angeles, California. Edwards often acted as the great equalizer when spirited clashes broke out between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Edwards, in fact, delivered his best performance of his career during the last debate in South Carolina last week; he was sharp and articulate in outlining what ills the country, but most importantly, he asked some of the toughest questions of his Democratic opponents. He challenged Obama on his 100 votes that he refused to vote ``up or down'' on while serving in the Illinois state legislature; and was equally tough with Clinton, wondering how the New York senator plans to pay for her Social Security plan without raising taxes.
        I’m hoping the former North Carolina senator becomes the next Jimmy Johnson of American politics and accepts an analyst’s job with one of the major news networks. His keen insight, quick wit, and perfectly coiffed hair, would bring an interesting perspective (and look) to any post election coverage.

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        As we prepare for Super Bowl XLII, it should be remembered there’s more riding on Sunday’s match-up than just the overachieving N.Y. Giants hoping to spoil the New England Patriots plans for a perfect season.
        If the past is any indication, should the Brady Bunch end up crushing their NFC opponent, it could potentially mean a significant downturn in the economy.
        The NFL claims that when an NFC team or an original pre-1970 merger team (Browns, Steelers, or Colts) have won a Super Bowl, the following year has led to a bull market. If, on the other hand, an AFC team wins, a bearish drop in the market follows. Of the 41 past Super Bowls played, this theory has held up 33 times.
        Go Jints!
        -Bill Lucey
        billlucey@bellsouth.net