I have long said that one of the more intriguing California congressional races in '08 will be the 52nd district where Duncan Hunter is stepping down.

Many voters in the 52nd are not familiar with the names on the ballot. One such name on the ballot with a substantial and impressive resume of accomplishment is 64 year old Bob Watkins.

Watkins appeared on the show recently and listeners got to know him personally and professionally while the first time candidate demonstrated he is still working on becoming comfortable communicating. in the political arena.

A likeable and charismatic person, I am delighted to announce that Bob Watkins donated $250- towards Corey Clagett's legal defense while on the show.

Click here to hear my interview with Congressional candidate Bob Watkins.

On the eve of the New Hampshire primary last week, with campaign promises and candidate pledges in full swing, I thought it would be a good idea to call on my old friend financial expert Tony Steigerwald, for a no B.S. look at financial matters impacting the American middle class. He joined me as my guest on the radio show.

Steigerwald, is founder and president of Dunhill Insurance. Based in San Diego Dunhll acts as the "advisor's advisor" to financial professionals (financial planners, estate planners and the like) nationwide. In other words, they are a resource providing sophisticated, conservative strategies for planners who in turn implement them with their clients...people like you and me.

Tony informed us there is current pending tax legislation, which most people are unaware of and the candidates not speaking about:

The taxation of the cash value of your life insurance policy!

We will keep you updated on the status of the democrat-sponsored legislation.

...And speaking of life insurance, Tony told us of an effective strategy which- again- most people are unaware of:

A secondary market for life insurance policies.

In other words, your life insurance policy trades in a secondary market- much like a stock or a piece of real estate- and could be worth more than the policy owner realizes...resulting in an unexpected source of cash.

To hear my interview with Tony click here.

Much of what we reported during caucus day in Rumor, Speculation & Insight From Iowa" came to pass...except in the Thompson campaign.

As of 2:00pm PST on caucus day I had heard from sources deep with in the Thompson campaign that he would drop out of the race and throw his support behind McCain.

As of 8:00pm PST FOX News Television was reporting that Thompson would drop out of the race due to financial reasons.

By the time I went on the air at 9:00pm PST, Fred had given his caucus speech and announced,

"I don't know whether it's going to be a definitive third or tied for third, or whatever, but it's pretty clear that we're going to have a ticket to the next dance."

In other words he was back in and we don't know if he was ever really out. Fred was doing the Hokey-Pokey.

It is important to remember what John Dadian said on the show Wednesday night:

"This campaign is going to be a wild emotional roller coaster ride".

Complete with more twists and turns and ups and downs than the historicThunderbolt Coaster at Pittsburgh's Kennywood Park.

As we wait for the final tallies to be calculated at the Iowa caucus, as expected, rumor and speculation are in full gear.

On the republican side I am hearing that if Fred Thompson has a disappointing finish (ie: 4th, or perhaps 3rd, or lower) then he will drop out of the race and announce his support for John McCain.

That is very interesting considering just last night on the radio show, San Diego political power-player John Dadian projected that a McCain-Thompson ticket would ultimately represent the republican party in November.

Rudy is spending his time and money in Florida, conceding Iowa and New Hampshire. The pundits are calling a high risk and dangerous strategy.

The republicans and money. Word is McCain has learned from his past mistakes- from as recently as a couple months ago- and is now spending his money much more wisely and effectively. As for Romney- despite his great spending expenditures- he is still expected to under perform in Iowa and NH...leaving is campaign in critical condition.

On the democratic side, John Edwards seems to have the most to lose in Iowa. He has literally lived in the hawkeye state for the last four years...if he cannot finish first or a close second...where can he do so?

Of course it has been well documented in recent days that the Hillary campaign is lowering expectations and is declaring a third place finish as a success.

John Dadian on the show last night predicted a democratic ticket in November of...
Hillary-Obama.

...We have already had 19 years of either a Bush or Clinton in the White House. Is another four to eight years the best America can offer up?

...Which brings us to Michael Bloomberg. The moderate, independent mayor of New York has the financial resources and credentials (mayor of America's largest city) to offers voters a viable alternative to the two parties.

Keep an eye on Bloomberg.

In the movie Forest Gump, the main character played by actor Tom Hanks over came his physical handicap en route to becoming a great college football runner and an inspirational ultra-marathon runner.

It wasn't that Forest was in love with running or that he had a burning desire to excel at the sport itself...no instead, if you recall...at first he ran out of the necessity to escape grade school bullies...and later because it is what the coaches and fans of the University of Alabama asked and expected of him.

He excelled in the ultra-marathon and on the football field, not for glory, but because at the time it appeared to be the right thing to do.

And so now we learn it is the same with Fred Thompson. For months Fred supporters have been scratching their heads and wondering when their candidate was going to show some purpose and energy.

This past weekend he had this to say,

"I am not consumed by personal ambition. I will not be devastated if I don't do it. I'm not particularly interested in running for president." He said others encouraged him to run and he decided it was the right thing to do.

He went on to say some candidates have become too absorbed by the process and have lost sight of the ultimate need to serve the country.

"Nowadays, it's all about fire in the belly. I'm not sure in the world we live in today it's a terribly good thing that a president has too much fire in his belly."

Nobel statements indeed. Unfortunately however, like everything else in life, there is a price to be paid for those seeking the world's most powerful position.

But it just might be the right approach for someone seeking to become a running mate.

Based in San Diego, California, The Rick Amato Show broadcasts from The Edge of America™. The Show exposes issues, raises awareness and often makes a difference in the lives of people during times of injustice. Tune in and get the edge.