leading 2012 GOP presidential candidates as of early 2009?

[Kevin]

Favored Frontrunner-Governor Bobby Jindal(R-LA)
Underdog who could pull an upset-Former Governor and current Senator Arnold Schwarzenegger(R-CA)

[Kevin]

Favored Frontrunner-Governor Bobby Jindal(R-LA)
Underdog who could pull an upset-Former Governor and current Senator Arnold Schwarzenegger(R-CA)

You are aware that Schwarzenegger is constitutionally ineligible, correct?

Yes but I'm assuming they change the constituntion first.

[Kevin]

So it looks like several people agree with me that Jeb Bush could well be an early frontrunner for the 2012 GOP nomination if the Dems win in '08.  Here's a related question: Would Jeb's prospects be significantly different if it's Hillary Clinton who wins next year, as opposed to Obama or Edwards?  Because I'm wondering if even Republicans might be resistant to going with another Bush after just having had presidents Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton.  OTOH, if it's President Obama or President Edwards or President Richardson, maybe Jeb might have a better chance.

I'm assuming if Hillary wins in 08, and is a poor President by the time 2012 rolls around I think the Republican Party will be looking to someone outside the Bush family and maybe someone outside the box of Red State tradtional conservatives.

[Kevin]

I think Palin, Jindal, Owens, and Pence will be the frontrunners with Tom Clancy as the dark-horse candidate

I've always wondered why Tom Clancy never ran for public office I would think he would make a great Senator.

[Kevin]

Alos what about current Utah Governor Jon Huntsmen Jr? He is of a famous family name, He would only be in his early 50's in 2012 and he has been very good at his current position as Governor of Utah?

So what does everybody think?