Which Republican 2010 Candidates are Potential 2016 Contenders?

[pragmatic liberal]

Here on the Atlas forum, it's never too early to make ridiculously premature predictions about future elections!

This will probably be more appropriate after November, once we see which candidates actually win - but which Republican candidates for governor or senator strike people as solid potential 2016 presidential contenders?

(Yes, obviously, their 2016 chances would depend on Obama winning reelection; should he lose, the calendar may pass them by.)

Rick Snyder in Michigan would seem to be an obvious contender. Provided that the Michigan economy picks up over the next few years and provided that he can keep the social cons happy without alienating moderates, he could be a very solid 2016 nominee, as the governor of a large, Democratic-leaning swing state.

Bill Haslam in Tennessee is another good prospect. Susan Martinez in NM and Brian Sandoval in NV would seem like solid prospects too, although more likely as VP than president. Maybe Kelly Ayotte in NH Senate, though she still has to win what may be a close race, and her speaking style is somewhat weak. I'm skeptical about Nikki Haley, given the allegations against her, though they could well be seen as discredited and old news by 2016. And of course, Marco Rubio in FL, though he looks set to lose to Crist unless he really shakes the race up.

[pragmatic liberal]

Hickenlooper and Bernero might be appealing candidates (especially for VP) if they win. I don't think Sandoval would be a good candidate for either Prez or VP due to his position on abortion.

Well Hickenlooper and Bernero are Democrats and the thread was about Republicans. But yes, Hickenlooper could be a potential contender. Andrew Cuomo will obviously run unless his implodes ala Spitzer.