Who will compete in the 2012 GOP primaries just to fix a date for 2016 ?

[big bad fab]

Some may be candidate for the last time: Romney, Huckabee, Palin(), even Gingrich or Giuliani if you want.

Some may be candidate but maybe more for the VP spot: Pawlenty, Crist, even Barbour or Santorum if you want (!).

Some are already candidates for 2016 and won't take part in 2012 primaries: Jindal. Maybe Jeb Bush...
Keep Huntsman in mind of course.

But many will be candidate to set a date for 2016, not even to be on the ticket.

Who do you see in this position, even unlikely ? Who do you think will really concur to this aim ?

Eric Cantor
John Thune
Paul Ryan ?
even Charlie Crist may be put in this group ?

Discuss.

[paul718]

Concur?

Interesting topic.  I'd rule out Thune, Cantor, and Ryan.  Thune is waiting for the Senate leadership, Cantor is waiting for the House leadership, and Ryan has stated he simply doesn't want to be President just yet.  I really don't see Crist running so soon after being seated in the Senate. 

I have a strong feeling that 2012 will be a two-man race, with Romney beating out Pawlenty.  Pawlenty could be a VP pick, but would position himself has next-in-line, regardless.  Though, of course, he could have Jon Huntsman standing in his way come 2016.

[big bad fab]

Concur?

Oups. Gallicism... Fixed !