Republicans - Which Candidate(s) Would You Choose In This Scenario?

[GLPman]

Here's the (very plausible) scenario:

It's a few months away from the primary season. Hillary Clinton has declared her intention of running, and she faces only one other candidate in the Democratic primaries. All polls show that she will quickly lock up the nomination without any trouble, and that she maintains a comfortable lead over every potential Republican challenger.

President Obama maintains an approval rating in the low 40s and the country's economic recovery is still anemic. The Republicans captured the Senate in 2014, holding 51 seats compared to the Democrats' 49 seats. Congress is still viewed extremely unfavorably and maintains poor approval ratings.

It is up to you to select the GOP candidate to face off against Hillary. Acknowledging this situation and the fact that Hillary will face little opposition until the GOP nominee is selected, which Republican candidates have the best chance of winning the election against Hillary? What's the best ticket?

The only caveat here is that you may only select candidates who, as of August 2014, have expressed interest in running OR there is speculation that they will run.

Here are my choices:

Chris Christie - Christie is one of the few potential candidates who has a personality just a grand as Hillary's personality - a trait that will certainly allow him to keep up with her in debates and on the campaign trail, whereas many other candidates would roll over for Hillary. Bridgegate could obviously be a problem, but Christie could certainly overcome it. As a Governor, he would be separated from the unpopular Congress, too. For a running mate, the best bet would probably be to select a qualified Female running mate. Ayotte or Martinez are both good choices. If Christie needs to please the GOP base, then Blackburn.

Jon Huntsman - An odd choice, I know, but he certainly has the ability to give Hillary a run for her money. Since she most recently served as SoS, Hillary will most certainly run on her record in that position. I suspect much of her campaign will be foreign policy focused, as well. While many other GOP candidates lack extensive foreign policy experience, Huntsman served as US Ambassador to China, and had previously served as US Ambassador to Singapore. Plus, he has a good record as Governor of Utah.

Rand Paul - In terms of ideology, Paul is certainly different from Christie and Huntsman. What Paul brings to the table, however, is that he does not represent that status quo. The Clintons are an established, well-known political dynasty, like the Bushes, which may turn away many voters. Paul represents something new, perhaps similar in a sense to the way Obama represented something new. Not sure who would be a good running mate for Paul.