2008 Republican Presidential Nominee

[Alcon]

George Allen - The standard "decent conservative."  Would do well, but fall to a moderate - pretty much another George W. Bush, at least electorally.

Haley Barbour - Negative approval ratings in his home state of Mississippi.  Not really a great candidate.

Sam Brownback - Too conservative, and Kansas isn't exactly a swing state.

Jeb Bush - Independents might have serious qualms electing another Bush so soon.  Possibly, but I'd wait for a while.  Hasn't been doing wonderfully in Florida lately.

Bill Frist - Boring, and the "cat killer" label may be ridiculous to some, but never underestimate the number of people who would be easily turned off if this was the first thing they hear.

Newt Gingrich - If only.

Rudy Guiliani - Lots of personal baggage, but popular.  Would turn 9/11 into a major campaign issue, which could turn off the electorate.  Too liberal to get the nomination.

Chuck Hagel - Could help in the midwest, but an awkward combination of maverickness and being from the not-so-swing state of Nebraska.  Unlikely.

John McCain - Past his prime, although if the GOP ever nominates (or ever had nominated him), he'd probably win substantially.

Bill Owens - The recent divorce and declining popularity seem to have moved him from potential favourite to longshot.

George Pataki - I do not really know much about the man, but after being forced out of the Governor's seat by Elliot Spitzer, I really doubt he'll do well.  If he runs, he better be thankful that ex-Governors are still referred to as "Governor."  "Mr. Pataki" would certainly hurt any campaign and place him as the "has-been" candidate, which is something he'll likely get anyway.

Colin Powell - Even if the Bush administration comes out very popular, candidates like this could turn off independents as being seen as just an extension of a controversial President.  The GOP may want to put up a candidate that heralds in a new age, not dredges up more of the past to the point of fatigue.  However, Powell wouldn't be a bad candidate electorally.

Condelezza Rice - It's surprising that a Rice candidacy wouldn't be seen as pandering to minorities and women, which it most clearly would be.  In fact, being a black woman is one of the few reasons Condi is mentioned.  Which is sad, because she is of admirable political skill.  Would probably lose the primary, but do very well in a general.

Mitt Romney - Another Governor I should know more about.

Rick Santorum - Even if he isn't too conservative, he's seen as that, and will have difficulties comming out unscathed from the match against Bob Casey.  A possibility, if he can "moderate down" his image, but otherwise he may win the primary, but would probably lose to most people in the general.