At Least 17 Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election Field

[AceRimmer]

US News & World Report:

When Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour told us this week that the 2012 GOP presidential field will be "wide open," we had no idea just how many Republicans might be marching to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada for the opening caucuses and primaries. Including Barbour, who will decide after the fall midterm elections but who is expected to run in 2012, Washington political insiders tell us that nine Republicans are almost a lock to run and another eight are considering a presidential bid.

Many former presidential campaign organizers say that now is the time to be considering a bid because by spring of next year, the list of announced candidates will be firm and those in will be divvying up staff and raising money.

I think some of this is wishful thinking on a liberal reporter's single braincell. For one, I don't think Bobby Jindal wants to run next year, but is keeping the powder dry for '16 or '20. I also don't see Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Jeb Bush(the LSM has really done everything they can to ruin the Bush name, and it'll take another few years before the smear campaign is not forgotten but discovered for what it was for Jeb to make a go at it) or John Thune running in '12. I think Haley Barbour should have run against King Bubba in '96, but he may seen as too old now(personally, he'd be my choice, but I don't know how much backing he'd get outside of the Deep South).

We already know that Romney is going to run, and I think it's safe to assume that Newt, Pawlenty, and more than likely Huckabee and maybe Palin will dive in. The rest of this clown's field is a bankshot.

BTW: if she runs, Sarah gets my vote.

[Guest AnneV]

I mostly like the "Top Nine."

Huckabee and Palin are the two I'd be least likely to vote for in a primary, they're too far right for my liking, but if either one was our candidate I would get behind them and support them 100% -- something a lot on the hard right should have done for John McCain in 2008, then maybe, just maybe we wouldn't have Obummer in the white house now!!!

[Pepper]

AnneV, and I like your avatar.

[pollyannaish]

Well, if this is the list (which I doubt it will be) I would say this about my primary support

 

Yes- Mitt Romney

Maybe-Sarah Palin

Yes-Haley Barbour

Yes-Mitch Daniels

No-Mike Huckabee

Heck No-Newt Gingrich (And please put a sock in it between here and there. )

Yes- John Thune

Heck Yes-Chris Christie

Yes-Tim Pawlenty

 

The Eight Long Shots

 

Yes- Mike Pence

Yes-Jim DeMint

No-Ron Paul

Maybe-Nikki Haley

Maybe-Jeb Bush

Maybe- Rick Santorum

Maybe- John Bolton

Yes-Bobby Jindal

 

 

Wish that Paul Ryan was on this list.

[Pepper]

Well, if this is the list (which I doubt it will be) I would say this about my primary support

 

Yes- Mitt Romney

Maybe-Sarah Palin

Yes-Haley Barbour

Yes-Mitch Daniels

No-Mike Huckabee

Heck No-Newt Gingrich (And please put a sock in it between here and there. )

Yes- John Thune

Heck Yes-Chris Christie

Yes-Tim Pawlenty

 

The Eight Long Shots

 

Yes- Mike Pence

Yes-Jim DeMint

No-Ron Paul

Maybe-Nikki Haley

Maybe-Jeb Bush

Maybe- Rick Santorum

Maybe- John Bolton

Yes-Bobby Jindal

 

 

Wish that Paul Ryan was on this list.

 

 

Yes- Mitt Romney

Maybe YES -Sarah Palin

Yes-Haley Barbour

Yes-Mitch Daniels

No-HECK NO Mike Huckabee

Heck No-Newt Gingrich (And please put a sock in it between here and there. )

Yes- John Thune

Heck Yes-MAKE THAT HE** YES Chris Christie

Yes-Tim Pawlenty

 

The Eight Long Shots

 

Yes- Mike Pence

Yes-Jim DeMint

No-Ron Paul

Maybe-Nikki Haley

Maybe NO WAY NO HOW -Jeb Bush

Maybe- Rick Santorum

Maybe YES - John Bolton

Yes-Bobby Jindal

[pollyannaish]

I think we can do business Pepper.

[Casino67]

YesNo- Mitt Romney

Maybe YES -Sarah Palin

YesNo-Haley Barbour

Yes-Mitch Daniels

No-HECK NO Mike Huckabee

Heck No-Newt Gingrich (And please put a sock in it between here and there. )

Yes- John Thune

Heck Yes No-MAKE THAT HE** YES Chris Christie--won't run.

Yes-Tim Pawlenty

 

The Eight Long Shots

 

Yes- Mike Pence

Yes-Jim DeMint

No-Ron Paul

MaybeNo-Nikki Haley

Maybe NO WAY NO HOW -Jeb Bush

MaybeNo- Rick Santorum

Maybe No - John Bolton

YesNo-Bobby Jindal

 

We have some consensus. My last five 'no' votes are because Haley is too raw, maybe a run in a few years. Jeb doesn't want it. Rick because he wears his religion on his sleeve, sort of like Carter. Bolton because he can't win, but would make a great VP. Jindal IMO just couldn't win, period.

 

Of the remainder, Palin, Thune, Pawlenty would be the top contenders. Pence and DeMint could run, but would probably be thought of as 'Who?'.

 

Just my opinion.

[pollyannaish]

Good list. My maybes are built on not knowing enough about them...or wanting to see if the conditions on the ground support their candidacy.

 

I do have concerns about Mitt and Healthcare, (and I'm still bugged by the fact he never has his shirt untucked... Heh.) but other than that, I'm ok with him.

 

I am seeing a serious contender here: Chris Christie so far has all of our hearts and minds. In my opinion, he is the only truly exciting politician on that list.

[Casino67]

Good list. My maybes are built on not knowing enough about them...or wanting to see if the conditions on the ground support their candidacy.

 

I do have concerns about Mitt and Healthcare, (and I'm still bugged by the fact he never has his shirt untucked... Heh.) but other than that, I'm ok with him.

 

I am seeing a serious contender here: Chris Christie so far has all of our hearts and minds. In my opinion, he is the only truly exciting politician on that list.

 

But Christie has said repeatedly that he is not interested.

 

Pick again.

[pollyannaish]

Good list. My maybes are built on not knowing enough about them...or wanting to see if the conditions on the ground support their candidacy.

 

I do have concerns about Mitt and Healthcare, (and I'm still bugged by the fact he never has his shirt untucked... Heh.) but other than that, I'm ok with him.

 

I am seeing a serious contender here: Chris Christie so far has all of our hearts and minds. In my opinion, he is the only truly exciting politician on that list.

 

But Christie has said repeatedly that he is not interested.

 

Pick again.

 

Yeah, well...as much as I love the guy, he's still a politician and they've been known to be encouraged to change their minds. Heh.

 

I am glad we don't have to decide today. In general, I find that list kind of depressing. It might be less depressing if we could just get Newt and Huck off of it.

[Casino67]

If Huck were to run, he would drop out after the first or second primary. Could Newt even be able to raise enough money to make a run? I don't think he has a constituency to look to for support.

[AceRimmer]

If Huck were to run, he would drop out after the first or second primary. Could Newt even be able to raise enough money to make a run? I don't think he has a constituency to look to for support.

 

I'll never forgive Huck for tag-teaming with McCain to knock off Romney in the '08 primaries. As for Newt, he's better as a rightwing strategist than candidate. The LSM really did a smear campaign on him in the '90s, and he managed to step in it more than once on his own while Speaker. That being said, both will probably run, and flame out quickly, because I doubt either can keep up with Romney, Palin, or Pawlenty in the polls and the fundraising.

[Valin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49OUVRKQinw

Mississippi governor Haley Barbour shares his plan for 2012.

[Valin]

If Huck were to run, he would drop out after the first or second primary. Could Newt even be able to raise enough money to make a run? I don't think he has a constituency to look to for support.

 

I'll never forgive Huck for tag-teaming with McCain to knock off Romney in the '08 primaries. As for Newt, he's better as a rightwing strategist than candidate. The LSM really did a smear campaign on him in the '90s, and he managed to step in it more than once on his own while Speaker. That being said, both will probably run, and flame out quickly, because I doubt either can keep up with Romney, Palin, or Pawlenty in the polls and the fundraising.

 

 

Agree.

Scripture tells us we are to forgive, so I forgive the Huckster...but I don't forget!

[WestVirginiaRebel]

The Main Eventers:

 

Yes-Mitt Romney (say what you will, he looks the part of a presidential candidate, and knows economics, Romneycare aside. Could have crossover appeal in the general election)

Maybe-Sarah Palin (if she can get beyond Tea Party support)

Maybe-Mike Huckabee

Yes-Mitch Daniels

Yes-Tim Pawlenty

No-Haley Barbour (would look too much like the "Old South" wing of the GOP; too old)

No-Newt Gingrich (good on past ideas, lousy on treating the idea of running like a vanity exercise)

No-Chris Christie (too soon)

 

Long Shots (aka VP candidates):

 

No-Ron Paul

No-Nikki Haley (certainly could be a main eventer by 2016)

Yes-Mike Pence

No-John Bolton (sounds more like a protest candidate than a serious contender)

Maybe-Rick Santorum

Maybe-Jim DeMint

Yes-John Thune

No-Jeb Bush (too soon for another Bush in the WH)

No-Bobby Jindal (waiting for 2016)

 

Speaking of 2016, if The One wins, these are my top choices (just for fun):

 

Yes-Bobby Jindal

Yes-Jeb Bush

Yes-Marco Rubio

Yes-Nikki Haley

Maybe-Scott Brown

Maybe-Chris Christie

Yes-Paul Ryan

Maybe-David Petraeus

[Valin]

 

Maybe-Jim DeMint

 

Maybe? I would point out he has written a book out. Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America's Slide into Socialism

 

Ok in came out last year, but it has become a prerequisite to running.

 

While I like him...A lot! I think I'd prefer a governor. How ever it is they had better be ready to rumble....to quote Howie Long "Bring your big boy pads".

[Valin]

2016

Yes-Paul Ryan

 

 

Only if he runs away from Daddy!

[Argyle58]

Good list. My maybes are built on not knowing enough about them...or wanting to see if the conditions on the ground support their candidacy.

 

I do have concerns about Mitt and Healthcare, (and I'm still bugged by the fact he never has his shirt untucked... Heh.) but other than that, I'm ok with him.

 

I am seeing a serious contender here: Chris Christie so far has all of our hearts and minds. In my opinion, he is the only truly exciting politician on that list.

 

But Christie has said repeatedly that he is not interested.

 

Pick again.

 

Yeah, well...as much as I love the guy, he's still a politician and they've been known to be encouraged to change their minds. Heh.

 

I am glad we don't have to decide today. In general, I find that list kind of depressing. It might be less depressing if we could just get Newt and Huck off of it.

 

Chris Christie has a questionable past, both as a lobbyist, and as U.S. Attorney for the State of New Jersey. While these things aren't a hindrance in New Jersey political circles, they are sure to complicate any national campaign he might engage in.

 

I love the guy and what he has accomplished as Governor, but I don't think that he is a viable presidential candidate.

[Rheo]

2016

Yes-Paul Ryan

 

 

Only if he runs away from Daddy!

I thought his dad died when he was 16. What do you mean?

[nickydog]

I'm glad you asked.

[pollyannaish]

2016

Yes-Paul Ryan

 

 

Only if he runs away from Daddy!

 

 

Did you mean Rand Paul?

 

 

Rheo Nickydog this may be the source of the confusion. Ron Paul, Rand Paul, Paul Ryan. Sort of like me with Chris Christie and Charlie Christ.

[nickydog]

Yup, that must be the explanation. I have to think twice about Chris Christie and Charlie Christ, too. Thanks, pollyannaish.

[spikeytx86]

US News & World Report:

 

 

When Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour told us this week that the 2012 GOP presidential field will be "wide open," we had no idea just how many Republicans might be marching to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada for the opening caucuses and primaries. Including Barbour, who will decide after the fall midterm elections but who is expected to run in 2012, Washington political insiders tell us that nine Republicans are almost a lock to run and another eight are considering a presidential bid.

 

Many former presidential campaign organizers say that now is the time to be considering a bid because by spring of next year, the list of announced candidates will be firm and those in will be divvying up staff and raising money.

 

I think some of this is wishful thinking on a liberal reporter's single braincell. For one, I don't think Bobby Jindal wants to run next year, but is keeping the powder dry for '16 or '20. I also don't see Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Jeb Bush(the LSM has really done everything they can to ruin the Bush name, and it'll take another few years before the smear campaign is not forgotten but discovered for what it was for Jeb to make a go at it) or John Thune running in '12. I think Haley Barbour should have run against King Bubba in '96, but he may seen as too old now(personally, he'd be my choice, but I don't know how much backing he'd get outside of the Deep South).

 

We already know that Romney is going to run, and I think it's safe to assume that Newt, Pawlenty, and more than likely Huckabee and maybe Palin will dive in. The rest of this clown's field is a bankshot.

 

BTW: if she runs, Sarah gets my vote.

 

I think 17 is about right, I think there are about 17 people who are at least considering it and getting advice on if it is a good idea or not, maybe take a pit stop to a key state like Iowa to see what kind of buzz they get, but I do not think think there are 17 Republicans seriously considering running. I think the actual field will probably be more like 8-12 candidates, with about 4-5 or even 6 top tier candidates, which is quite a sizable field.

[spikeytx86]

Good list. My maybes are built on not knowing enough about them...or wanting to see if the conditions on the ground support their candidacy.

 

I do have concerns about Mitt and Healthcare, (and I'm still bugged by the fact he never has his shirt untucked... Heh.) but other than that, I'm ok with him.

 

I am seeing a serious contender here: Chris Christie so far has all of our hearts and minds. In my opinion, he is the only truly exciting politician on that list.

 

But Christie has said repeatedly that he is not interested.

 

Pick again.

 

Yeah, well...as much as I love the guy, he's still a politician and they've been known to be encouraged to change their minds. Heh.

 

I am glad we don't have to decide today. In general, I find that list kind of depressing. It might be less depressing if we could just get Newt and Huck off of it.

 

Chris Christie has a questionable past, both as a lobbyist, and as U.S. Attorney for the State of New Jersey. While these things aren't a hindrance in New Jersey political circles, they are sure to complicate any national campaign he might engage in.

 

I love the guy and what he has accomplished as Governor, but I don't think that he is a viable presidential candidate.

 

Compared to a Gingrich or a Huckabee his baggage is pretty minimal. But I think he won't consider running till 16'/20' anyway. He's still got a lot of work to bring NJ back from the abyss, though he has done an almost miraculous job thus far.

[spikeytx86]

Definite Yes:

 

Chris Christie

Mitt Romney

John Huntsman

 

Probable Yes:

 

Mitch Daniels

 

Maybe:

 

Bobby Jindal