2012: The Year of Hope for the Party of Lincoln

The countdown on hannity.com says it all...Republicans are ready for change. Just 4 months into office, the American people have seen a lot from the 44th President. The closing of Gitmo, the lift of the ban on stem cell research, a new stimulus bill, car bailouts and failures, a new budget that forces the Government to borrow $0.50 on every $1, new emission standards, a Supreme Court Nominee, speech to the Muslim world, etc. No doubt, even greater socialistic-like policies await. Therefore, Republicans simply can't wait until the 2016 election to put a elephant in the White House. Universal Healthcare (as defined by this administration) will be all but a reality by that point in time. Republicans have to get back to the drawing board in order to solidify support around an individual that can lead the country. Someone who possesses the conservative qualities to appeal to the GOP base, who can still pick up moderate votes along the way. And so...with 1243 days till the 2012 Presidential Election, Yours Truly decided to put on the pundit helmet and throw out possible Republican hopefuls...

Rush Limbaugh...you must be kidding right? The critically acclaimed "Voice of the GOP" has taken a severe stance on the current administration and with nearly 15 million tuning in mon-fri to listen to his banter...he has quite a following. Slim chance the talk show host runs, however...after all Republicans need someone to turn to day in and day out for comfort. Rowe's Rating *

Sarah Palin...how could she not run? A shocking pick by John McCain as his Vice Presidential candidate in 08', the Alaska Govenor shows all the signs of running in 12'. She'll get re-elected in her home state for 10'. She's already gone through the mad criticism machine that is the left-wing media. She appeals to many in middle America. She'll have more years of experience as a govenor by 12'. However, she's not too popular with moderates and even many conservatives in the party do not care for her much. Bottom Line...Republicans are best to pass on Palin for the 12' nomination. She's a patriot...but many will never give her the 2nd shot she deserves. Rowe's Rating...**

Haley Barbour...Govenor of Mississippi. A Southernor who has done an unbelievable job restoring the ravaged coast of his state following Hurrican Katrina. No one will question his ability to handle a crisis. Because of term limits in his state...he can't run for govenor again...a fact that makes it more likely he'll run for President. He's got some baggage that NBC wouldn't have to dig to deep to find, however. Rowe's Rating...**

Bobby Jindal...Governor of Louisiana. For one, he's an Asian running a Southern State. Maybe that helps attract minorities in 12'? After Hurricane Katrina the state of Louisiana looked like the underworld. Homes destroyed, lives lost, cities in rubble...it was a mess. Jindal takes some credit for turning the state around. Not the most charasmatic, however. Rowe's Rating...**

Tim Pawlenty...Govenor of the Minnesota. He was just passed over by McCain for the 08' VP nominee. He can appeal to the broad base. He can win the Great Lake States (exception of Illinois). He's not too well known, however. He'll be a player for the 12' nomination...Rowe's Rating...***

Mark Sanford...Govenor of South Carolina. A Conservative from a Southern State who will not only bring smiles to the faces of Republicans, but to the faces of Libertarians as well. A Reformer, but again...not a lot of name recognition. He could win back some of the states lost in the 08' election however. Rowe's Rating...***

Mike Huckabee...Fmr. Governor of Arkansas, Southern Baptist Minister, and Host of Huckabee on Fox News. I was worried that after the election...Huckabee would fall off the map. The exact opposite has happened...he's weighed in heavily on the political scene keeping his followers and critics close. A man I felt should have grabbed the nomination in 08' is likely to run in 12'. He's got the values and experience to run this grand country. As the people in Iowa found out...he's a very likeable guy...it's just takes time for the magic to wear on. But, will he run (I hope....)?Rowe's Rating...****

Newt Gingrich...Fmr. Speaker of the House, Fox News Contributor, and Author. Of everyone I've mentioned...I think Newt's the strongest. He knows the political spectrum better than anyone I've ever seen. He's got the experience...and the facts and charisma to go with them. In 95' he was Time Magazine's Person of the Year...leading the Republican Revolution that took back the House after 40 years of Democratic domination. Can Newt Gingrich bring hope to the Party of Lincoln? Rowe's Rating *****

But, it's early, more faces will appear on the scene as the months and years fly by...