We really need to break this up into two categories. The Retreads and the Fresh Blood.
The Retreads are relevant because since 1968, every GOP candidate has either been a sitting president, someone who has run before or the son of a president. The GOP likes established, vetted candidates. Sadly, those are sadly lacking.
Jeb Bush would actually be the ideal candidate. A successful two-term governor of a major swing state, married to a Hispanic woman so he could appeal to that elusive voter base, actually doesn't come off like a crazy person when he talks.
His downside, though, is that his name is Bush, and given the absolute disaster his brother's presidency was, no one would go down that road a third time. Also has alienated the Nativist wing by saying Immigrants are kind of alright sometimes. 1-1
Mike Huckabee could be a strong candidate. He did very well in 2008 on a shoestring budget, he's appealing, likable and though he represents the religious wing of the party, doesn't come off like a crazy zealot most of the time. His downside, though, is that the Wall Street Wing is scared to death of him, and he had a bad habit of giving parole to anyone in the Arkansas prison system that said "Jesus' sincerely enough. A couple of those guys have gone on to rape and murder people. In 2008, my boss said he'd vote for Hillary if Huck got the nomination. I suspect that Wall Street would go all in behind the Democrat if he was the nominee.
Rick Santorum- Represents the religious wing, DOES come off like a nutty Zealot when he talks. The only reason why he lasted as long as he did was that the GOP base had to be dragged kicking and screaming to support Romney, and he was the last thing they could grasp on to.
Rick Perry- Governor of a major state with a decent economic record. Appeals to all the major constituencies. Downside- His 2012 campaign was a disaster, and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Fresh Blood -
Chris Christie- Governor of a major state, but not one the Democrats are likely to lose. Had a good reputation as a get things done kind of guy. However, Bridgegate and the fact that NJ is seriously in the red right now has taken the luster off this guy. Also, the ODS crowd is never going to forgive him for palling around with Obama after Hurricane Sandy.
Scott Walker- On paper, pretty solid. A midwest governor who has applied conservative talking points effectively. The downside, he's kind of bland in person. Also, is the country ready to elect a president who never earned a college degree in this day in age?
Mike Pence- Again, Midwest governor with a solid record. However, he lacks name recognition.
Piyush Jindal - I refuse to call him "Bobby". The guy's a weather vane, really trying to see which way the wind is blowing and usually getting it wrong. When he's term-limited out, he's done.
Marco Rubio - Probably ruined his chances with his flip-flopping on immigration.
Ted Cruz - ONly if the GOP wants to lose 45 states and completely give in to the crazies.
Rand Paul - I honestly don't see this guy winning a single state in the general election. But he could make some serious waves using the same nuts who show up and voted for his dad all those times.
Of that list here is my choices in order:
Cruz (Cruz scares you into thinking he would lose every state, but be willfully ignorant)
Paul (comments on the Civil Rights Act were misinterpreted, but they still will hurt him. Nevertheless, he has great ideas, comes off honest and many would be attracted to him)
Pence (love the guy),
Walker (he is doing amazing things, but the no college record is an issue),
Christie (more fiscally conservative then is given credit for. It is also commendable that he can get so many fiscal conservative things done in such a blue state)
Jindal (like the guy, just like the above better),
Huckabee (he is a fair tax man that excites me, but something about him doesn't jell with me),
Perry (His last campaign did him in for me, despite my love and respect for Texas) and Bush (I don't want another Bush, esp one more liberal then his brother)!
