Anyway, former Governor Jeb Bush’s preemptive announcement pinches many potential candidates. His establishment base, having Florida as his anchor state and his record as governor certainly crowds (to varying degrees) New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Ohio Governor John Kasich, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who I think is underestimated in Washington, has a strong foothold among cultural conservatives and Evangelicals, which could make it very tough for former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum to run a viable race. I also think he saps some of Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s strength. Huckabee would be the favorite in many Bible Belt primaries if they were held today.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is almost certainly going to run – and he should. Scott Walker is in a unique spot. He is a governor with an interesting personal history and geographically, he is the only Midwesterner who really seems feasible. Plus, he is the most battle-tested Republican candidate in the field. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) also has a valid starting point. The Tea Party needs somebody rational and good on TV, and the growing Libertarian component of the Republican party is looking for its own candidate. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will each have a hard time finding their own niche from which to work.
Dr. Ben Carson, an African-American, and Carly Fiorina, a woman, would both add to the Republican line-up in 2016.
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