2012 Candidates NOT on Anyone's Radar

[JSojourner]

Governor Linda Lingle (HI)

She could be emboldened by Palin's rise to prominence.  She is a much more attractive choice for Republicans who are less than comfortable with the religious right.  But I suspect her rise, if there is to be one, would be similar to Palin's...in that she would be a running mate and not a top of the ticket person.

Smaller state governors have risen to significance before.  Howard Dean, Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee (though their state has the Southern thing going for it)...I am having a hard time thinking of others.  I don't consider Massachusetts a "small" state because of its EVs but if you did, I guess Dukakis and Romney would qualify.

[Torie]

Congressman Ryan of Wisconsin perhaps. Governor Huntsman maybe. Is any Republican in the Senate likely to break out and be someone impressive as a POTUS candidate?  Color me skeptical.

[paul718]

Congressman Ryan of Wisconsin perhaps. Governor Huntsman maybe. Is any Republican in the Senate likely to break out and be someone impressive as a POTUS candidate?  Color me skeptical.

I think Ryan will be there a few years down the road.  He turned down challenging Boehner a few weeks ago, so I doubt he has any immediate presidential ambition. 

The only Senators I can see making a run are Thune, Ensign, or DeMint.  Maybe not Thune, because he's set to eventually become Leader.