Republican Primary Timeline (2012)

[Progressive]

December 24, 2010 On Christmas Eve, after much speculation, Former  Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announces that he has filed papers to run for the GOP presidential nominee. Perhaps even more interestingly, former New Mexico Gov. Gary E. Johnson also files papers to run for the GOP nominee.

January 5,2011  Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty states that with a "new year, America deserves a new start," and he will run for the GOP nomination.

January 6, 2011 A 3-way poll comes out declaring that Mike Huckabee is so far the overall GOP favorite.

Huckabee 30%
Pawlenty  20%
Johnson   12%
Other       48%

January 21, 2011 After months of having an exploratory committee, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin decides NOT to run for the GOP nomination. On the same day, Former Gov. of Massachusetts Mitt Romney decides to NOT run either.


January 23,2011 North Carolina Senator Richard Burr announces that he will seek the GOP nomination in 2012.

January 26, 2011 Texas Rep. Ron Paul announces that he will NOT run for the GOP nomination in 2012. He endorses Gary Johnson of New Mexico.

February 1, 2011 Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn announces that she will indeed run for the GOP nomination in 2012.

February 5, 2011 A straw poll in Iowa is conducted. 2,000 Republicans have voted.

Huckabee 25%
Pawlenty            19%
Johnson             14%
Blackburn            8%
Burr                    5%
Other            Remaining %