Pence might be the real 2016 wildcard.

[IceSpear]

If Snyder is the "backup Kasich", then Pence is the "backup Walker". If you want a somewhat moderate governor from the Midwest, much better to have Kasich than Snyder. If you want an archconservative governor from the Midwest, much better to have Walker than Pence. I don't see Pence having a niche unless Walker doesn't run, since everything he does, Walker does better. Walker successfully enacted a much more conservative agenda than Pence, won three times in a valuable state in the presidential election (as opposed to Indiana which would only go D in a landslide), and won by a bigger margin than Pence did all three times even though his state is much bluer.

However, if Walker doesn't run, then I could definitely see Pence as a strong contender.

[IceSpear]

I agree. Some people think Scott Walker fills this role, but getting threatened with a recall isn't a ringing endorsement, even if you end up winning the recall. The fact that he hasn't been able to move the needle at all - he performed more or less the same in his 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections - indicates that he's a very polarizing and divisive person and isn't going to perform well with independents and in swing states.

He won independents three times in a swing state, as opposed to Pence who likely lost them in a red state. And I doubt anyone cares how polarizing he is, as long as he can win. In fact, the other side completely despising him is actually a plus for the Republican primary voters.