Who would benefit the most from a Bush vs. Romney stand-off?

[Mister Mets]

Interesting question.

Rand Paul seems to offer the best ideological contrast (new ideas VS guys who have been out of office since 2006) especially if Romney positions himself to Jeb's right. His main problem is that it would be a race between three sons of prominent politicians.

Ted Cruz doesn't have that baggage, although he'll have problems with fundraising against the Texas-centered Bush machine.

Scott Walker's another Governor, but he might have the best combination of record and recent rhetoric. Unlike Paul and Cruz, he doesn't really have enemies in the party.

[Mister Mets]

Lean Huckabee, particularly if Cruz and Paul both run and Santorum does not.

Huck would be weird. The GOP final three would be former Governors whose terms ended in 2006.

Jeb seems to be positioning himself in Huckabee's sweet spot, socially conservative but with solutions to the working class and middle class. So it might not be enough of a contrast for the final three.