Garwin Davis, Gleaner Writer 
Simpson Miller
WHILE NOT able to show the same kind of high profile support that her main rival, Dr. Peter Phillips, had at his launch several months ago, look for Portia Simpson Miller to play to her strength with the populace at today's launch of her bid to succeed Prime Minister P.J. Patterson as president of the People's National Party (PNP), analysts say.
They note that Mrs. Simpson Miller, while cognisant of the significant role her colleague ministers, and Members of Parliament have in swaying delegates support, will be banking on the view that "amongst the grass roots base of the party she has no equal".
"We have to play to our strength and there is nobody with a wider appeal than Mrs. Simpson Miller," notes Robert McKenzie, a St. Ann delegate and Simpson Miller backer. "She is the most popular politician in the country barring none and we will be using today's launch to herald a new day in Jamaican politics. There will be no stopping Sister P this time."
Mr. Patterson is expected in the coming weeks to announce the date when a special conference will be held to choose his successor. Mrs. Simpson Miller has Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke and his State Minister Errol Ennis firmly in her corner. She also has the backing of the MP for Central Kingston, Victor Cummings, and that of Richard Azan from North West Clarendon, her campaign director.
Dr. Phillips, the man who many believe is the main obstacle to Simpson Miller's date with destiny, however, has the backing of more than half of the PNP's 34 MPs.
"While the numbers game will not necessarily give a true picture as to which candidate has the inside edge, it is still a momentum booster", Robert Frazer, University of Technology lecturer and party supporter noted. "Look out for Mrs. Simpson-Miller to come out with guns blazing. She may not have the party hierarchy behind her but look out for the massive grass roots support. I am willing to wager that you will see a crowd like you have never seen before. This is and will be her time to capitalise, especially with what is also expected to be, a prime time national audience".
Political analyst Shalman Scott however disagrees. "Dr. Phillips, in my view, is in the best position", he said. "While this would be democracy at work, it's a known fact that the delegates usually fall in line with their MPs and constituency caretakers. Dr. Phillips has the backing of most of the MPs and that is the position I would rather be in."
Mark Campbell, chairman of the PNP's Region One, comprising the parishes of St. Ann and Trelawny, is cautioning against what he called "taking the delegates for granted".
