2016 GOP Primary

[Psychic Octopus]

Should Obama be re-elected, how do you see it playing out?

Personally, I think it is shaping up around two main contenders - Chris Christie and Marco Rubio. Either of them would be extremely strong nominees. Christie, to me, seems the natural choice of the Romneyites and Huntsman supporters; he can probably win them over easily, while bringing in independents. He isn't anathema to the base, either.

Rubio, on the other hand, I see being the clear favorite of the mainstream conservatives and remnants of the Tea Party wing. I think that he would be favorably viewed by the National Review and other outlets, giving him a boost.

The one problem with my scenario is the absence of an evangelical candidate. Indeed, there seems to be no evangelical candidate this cycle besides Perry and Bachmann, who have no shot at victory.

[FloridaRepublican]

I think Christie, Rubio, and Daniels will definitely run. Maybe McDonnell? I wonder if Paul Ryan has prospects. I'm not sure. Very vague right now.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Isn't Mike Oence running for IN Governor? That could be a good stepping stone.

[Stand With Israel. Crush Hamas]

Christie, Rubio, Jindal, and Pence are likely the frontrunners.

I think Mitch Daniels just genuinely doesn't want the spotlight.

[Psychic Octopus]

I always forget about Pence. He's definitely the "evangelical" choice should he decide to run in 2016, but perhaps he will decide against it in favor of campaigning for re-election. Otherwise, it's an election between three Catholics.

Daniels, sadly, won't be running for anything national. If he denied running in 2012, he certainly will in 2016.

Christie, Rubio, Jindal, and Pence are likely the frontrunners.

I think Mitch Daniels just genuinely doesn't want the spotlight.

I concur. Ryan would also be a favorite should he choose to mount a campaign.

[Negusa Nagast 🚀]

I wouldn't count Bob McDonnell out either.

[CLARENCE 2015!]

Everyone is forgetting Rubio has to run for reelection in 2016...I do NOT think he will run for POTUS

[Negusa Nagast 🚀]

Everyone is forgetting Rubio has to run for reelection in 2016...I do NOT think he will run for POTUS

Does Florida require resignation of the office when running for POTUS/VPOTUS?

[CLARENCE 2015!]

Everyone is forgetting Rubio has to run for reelection in 2016...I do NOT think he will run for POTUS

Does Florida require resignation of the office when running for POTUS/VPOTUS?

We have Resign to Run so I believe it applies.

[Pingvin]

I wouldn't count Bob McDonnell out either.

But his term would expire in 2013, so he have to run aganist Warner in 2014.

[FloridaRepublican]

I wouldn't count Bob McDonnell out either.

But his term would expire in 2013, so he have to run aganist Warner in 2014.

Who says he has to? And even so, who says he'll win?

[Pingvin]

Because he'll be 3 years out of business (Roemer doesn't counts) and many would forgot him.

[ShadowRocket]

Unless he gets himself into some sort of trouble before then, I think it's Christie's to lose.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Unless he gets himself into some sort of trouble before then, I think it's Christie's to lose.

Once the actual campaign starts, his opponents will easily point out his positions on social issues.

[RogueBeaver]

Christie will face a mix of Jindal/Ryan/Pence as his main opponent, depending on which of them runs. As for Rubio, he's probably not going to run if he hasn't even served a full Senate term yet. Definitely on the VP shortlist though.

[Stand With Israel. Crush Hamas]

Unless he gets himself into some sort of trouble before then, I think it's Christie's to lose.

Once the actual campaign starts, his opponents will easily point out his positions on social issues.

I'll never understand why he didn't run this time. He had the wind at his back, a weak field, and would have likely been able to run roughshod over the field just based on the excitement surrounding him. In 2016, there might be a much stronger field, and his opponents will have a much easier time digging up ammo on him.

And that's assuming that someone like Romney doesn't get elected and slam the door on his prospects.

[Yelnoc]

Unless he gets himself into some sort of trouble before then, I think it's Christie's to lose.

Once the actual campaign starts, his opponents will easily point out his positions on social issues.

I'll never understand why he didn't run this time. He had the wind at his back, a weak field, and would have likely been able to run roughshod over the field just based on the excitement surrounding him. In 2016, there might be a much stronger field, and his opponents will have a much easier time digging up ammo on him.

And that's assuming that someone like Romney doesn't get elected and slam the door on his prospects.

They say it takes a psychopath to want to be President.  Daniels is certainly no psychopath.

[RodPresident]

This race will have:
Chris Christie
Bobby Jindal
Bob McDonnell (if Obama is popular at Virginia, he won't run against Warner)
John Hoeven (although he's up for re-election, has a strong record and can do well in Iowa)
Mitch Daniels (he can enter as elder statesman and "smart man in the race")
Jim DeMint (he put a self-imposed term limit and can run as Tea Party guy, if he doesn't run, Nikki Haley may run)
I think that Thune will step out, because he probably will be Republican Leader of Senate. If he have nomination at back, Huckabee may run.