GOP Field Comes Into Focus
With only eight months to go until the Iowa caucuses, the Republican field still isn’t set in stone. Most of the major potential candidates, however, have declared their intent. Here’s a snapshot of where the field currently stands, complete with notes on each candidate.
Officially Running
- Tim Pawlenty – Former governor of Minnesota has executive experience but low name recognition and a vanilla speaking style.
- Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the House and Bill Clinton nemesis. Already in hot water among his fellow Republicans for disparaging their plan for Medicare.
- Rick Santorum – Stridently conservative former Senator from Pennsylvania will attempt to position himself to the right of the other candidates.
- Herman Cain – Pizza mogul and conservative radio personality from Georgia, this Tea Party favorite could prove to be a dark-horse candidate. He would be the second African-American President.
- Ron Paul – Libertarian Texas congressman commands large online following and fundraising base, but came up short in 2008 and is likely to do so again due to his deviations from Republican orthodoxy.
All But Running
- Mitt Romney – Former Governor of Massachusetts has superior fundraising ability and name recognition but short on charisma and has a reputation for policy flip-flops.
Possibly Running
- Michelle Bachmann – Firebrand Minnesota congresswoman and Tea Party favorite is eyeing a run. She would be the first female President.
- Jon Huntsman – President Obama’s former ambassador to China, Huntsman has a reputation for moderation and is quick on his feet. He is quite likely to run.
- Sarah Palin – 2008 Vice Presidential nominee and former Governor of Alaska, Palin has well-known strengths and weaknesses. Even if she does not win, her entrance would transform the media environment surrounding the campaign.
Not Running
- Chris Christie – Pugnacious Governor of New Jersey has made a name for himself taking on teacher’s union, but claims he is unready to assume the Presidency.
- Mitch Daniels – Governor of Indiana was a favorite of the Republican establishment but claims that family concerns prevent him from running.
- Mike Huckabee – Former Governor of Arkansas came close in 2008 but is sitting this cycle out.
- Paul Ryan – Chairman of the House Budget Committee and architect of the Republicans’ austerity budget, he would have had great difficulty winning a general election given the plan’s unpopularity.
- Haley Barbour – Governor of Mississippi was hampered by racially insensitive comments and a career as a high-powered lobbyist.