2012 Republican Candidates--It's never too early...

I've been away from my favorite subject for far too long. I always enjoy a good election, but the odd year elections are a little sparse. We can discuss the New Jersey or Virginia Governor's races some other time. right now, let's see what our favorite GOP Presidential candidates are up to, shall we?

These candidates are NOT in ranked order:

Sarah Palin--"quitting" her post as Governor of Alaska may have its advantages in terms of availing Ms. Palin to more exposure in the lower 48 states. She can now campaign anywhere she wishes. However, she continues to be a polarizing force for independents, and some on the Right don't like the tag of "quitter" that they now feel she has to wear in any future election. Certainly, the bumper stickers already popping up (Sarah Palin--2012-2014 1/2) won't give her comfort.

Definitely not a good couple of months for the ex-Governor.

Newt Gingrich--I wonder why a guy who has so much going for him, would go on Meet the Press and represent to America that there are "those in the government" that are for Euthanasia... Really, Newt? Keep pushing this position. Watch the polls just slide right away.

In reality, Newt continues to be a strong force, and should be a favorite for the nomination...if he can avoid that "foot in mouth" situation, or Diane Sawyer interview...

Jeb Bush--I may be the only person here, but I still think Jeb's the favorite if he decides to run. He has the family connections, the experience, the more moderate tone, the popularity in Florida, and a hint of his father's pragmatism. Will America forget the legacy of his brother by 2012, though?

Bobby Jindal--The best thing Jindal's done recently, is NOT put himself out on the national stage. Jindal's a smart guy, and can play to the "penny loafer" segment of the party. He's an ideal vice president candidate in my mind. He helps a candidate without having to be too charismatic.

Paul Ryan--A new entry to the discussion, Conservatives have had their eye on him for a while. Like Jindal, Ryan may be a little young and inexperienced for the GOP to put him up at the top of the ticket in 2012. But he has experience and finance credentials, that would make him a formidable VP option. He'd make an interesting primary candidate.

Tim Pawlenty--Pawlenty is a popular guy, and considered a leader in the GOP. However, he has a problem. He's not really the darling of any real faction of the party. The evangelicals will prefer Huckabee, the Social Conservatives will pick Palin, Libertarians prefer Ron Paul, and the Economic Conservatives will prefer Newt or Mitt. That leaves Pawlenty as the also-ran, and will result in a quick exit from the race.

Mitt Romney--On paper, this should be THE guy for the nomination. Only no one in the GOP seems to really like him. He's not really anyone's first choice, so he has the same issue as Pawlenty. I think he'll do better, though, because he has more money, and since Romney is in his 60's, he may sense this is his last chance. He'll push harder, and he already has better infrastructure.

Mike Huckabee--Huck has done well with a standing platform (his Fox News show), radio spots, and a built in base of evangelicals from the last election. I'm not sure that alone is enough to push Huckabee over the top, though. He's too weak among the other demos in the GOP, and I'm not sure he'll have the dollars or the moxy to compete with Newt, Palin, or Bush (should he enter the race).

Haley Barbour--to me, Barbour is the dark horse in the race. A conservative from Mississippi, he's held leadership posts in the party, he's an acting Governor, and seems to represent Republicanism. He has a Southern Base who should favor him over many of the candidates listed here. If the primaries fracture, Barbour could win some primaries with, say, 18%, and gain momentum, as other candidates drop out. I still think he's not going to win, but he could very well gain himself consideration as a VP candidate.

Ron Paul--The Libertarian darling, Paul continues to have a loyal following. Certainly, those worried about "socialism" have a home in Paul's camp. At 78, though, he'll be an old candidate, and with the exception of Reagan, and perhaps William Henry Harrison, non-incumbent candidates older than their mid-60's have struggled. I wouldn't count Paul out, but I wouldn't hold my breath either.

Mitch Daniels/John Thune/Other--Some other Senators, Governors, and perhaps Congressmen may dip their toes into the nomination fray. But most will probably be looking to build support or organize for future campaigns. It will be a stretch for any of these guys to jump to the top of the list in 2012.

So that's the Pundit's take. Let's see how the next few months play out...