More names: As the Republican field grows, it will be time to cut the weeds

Another day, another name.

Rick Santorum is the latest addition to the list of people who want a chance to be the Republican nominee for president of the United States.

And really, let's admit it, it is getting a little hard to keep track of who is in, who is out and who might still be considering a bid.

But as they continue to announce -- and face the barrage from the media, as, let's face it, most Republican candidates do -- we need to pay close attention.

Now is the time to find out just what these hopefuls stand for -- and what they could bring to the table as potential nominees.

Bottom line: It is not just enough to toe the party line and to fit the demographic outline of an acceptable party candidate.

There must be substance there, too.

And let's point out the need for another attribute, too. It boils down to a simple adage.

If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Nobody needs a president who fumbles when in the crosshairs of a reporter. We want a president who can keep his (or her) cool, and who can get the job done, the right way, no matter how much pressure he or she faces.

So let the announcements come.

But let's start the weeding out process sooner rather than later.

That way, when campaign time comes, there will more time for real questions and answers rather than just simply more noise.

Published in Editorials on May 27, 2015 11:19 AM