Random GOP Senators Nobody is Talking About

[Lunar]

So, here is a list of GOP Senators under 68 years old, who aren't currently floating their names out there for 2012, who aren't undergoing some sort of personal scandal, who aren't hated moderates, who aren't running for governor in 2010, and who were born in the USA.

If any of these people ran, we'd all be pretty surprised, let's not pretend otherwise.... however, which of these would be the least surprising if they ran AND made a substantive impact in the primary? 

Barrasso - 57
Wicker - 58
Cornyn - 57
McConnell - 67 (he is married to a non-whiteforeigner though)
Corker - 56
Graham - 54
Risch - 67
Crapo - 58 (a Mormon with a last name that sounds like Mexican for "crap?")
Chambliss - 65
Isakson - 64
Burr - 53
Gregg - 62
Johanns - 59
Kyl - 67
Sessions 62 (if only)

[FloridaRepublican]

So, here is a list of GOP Senators under 68 years old, who aren't currently floating their names out there for 2012, who aren't undergoing some sort of personal scandal, who aren't hated moderates, who aren't running for governor in 2010, and who were born in the USA.

If any of these people ran, we'd all be pretty surprised, let's not pretend otherwise.... however, which of these would be the least surprising if they ran AND made a substantive impact in the primary? 

Barrasso - 57
Wicker - 58
Cornyn - 57
McConnell - 67 (he is married to a non-whiteforeigner though)
Corker - 56
Graham - 54
Risch - 67
Crapo - 58 (a Mormon with a last name that sounds like Mexican for "crap?")
Chambliss - 65
Isakson - 64
Burr - 53
Gregg - 62
Johanns - 59
Kyl - 67
Sessions 62 (if only)

Sessions and Crapo, probably Chambliss or Isakson

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Judd Gregg has succeeded in a big way in New England without being branded a moderate. He seems like he could appeal to (what's left of) the Northeastern GOP & make a splash by doing well out there.

[Mr. Morden]

Gregg might be a possibility for VP, but I'd be really surprised if he ran for president.  Perhaps the most likely presidential candidate of the people you listed is Cornyn.

And don't forget about *former* senators.  While I'd be really really surprised if he ran, Frist has a better chance at running than most of the current senators you listed.  Also, while he's not going to run for president, I would not rule out Don Nickles as an extreme darkhorse VP choice in 2012.  If the GOP does badly in the 2010 midterms, then the pool of possible VP choices for the GOP in 2012 will be extremely shallow.

[JSojourner]

don't forget about *former* senators. 

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

[DownWithTheLeft]

Looking at that list I think Johnanns may make the best candidate as an extremely popular former governor, cabinet member, and now senator.  An impressive track record to build upon.

Another name that jumps out at me is Cornyn is the Republicans have success in 2010 as a great leader with possibly Corker or Kyl as true darkhorses

[pogo stick]

Looking at that list I think Johnanns may make the best candidate as an extremely popular former governor, cabinet member, and now senator.  An impressive track record to build upon.

Another name that jumps out at me is Cornyn is the Republicans have success in 2010 as a great leader with possibly Corker or Kyl as true darkhorses

He's oging down in 2012!

Hank Williams JR For senator! Say No to Porky Corky!

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I can't see Graham running for President in 2012, but I could see him accepting a VP slot if asked.  Not that I expect him to be asked.  Of course, it was even more surprising that Palin was asked in 2008, so logic doesn't always apply to these sorts of decisions.

[The Mikado]

McConnell - 67 (he is married to a non-whiteforeigner though)

Somehow I doubt that the Republican Party has a problem with Bush-era Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.

[Person Man]

Barasso is stalking my e-mail account.

[Vepres]

I agree with JSojourner, Frist is a possibility (I personally would like to see him run). He could win the nomination in my opinion and he seems like a reasonable guy (at least now). Graham, Cornyn, and Gregg could have a large impact if they ran, though I doubt any will.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Graham ... could have a large impact...

Doubtful, especially for 2012.  Graham has been close enough to the center that the wing nuts don't care for him while he hasn't been enough of a RINO or a media darling to be all that attractive to swing voters.  He might be useful in the VP slot if a candidate such as Romney wants to cover certain chinks in his base support without using a wingnut who would scare off swing voters.

[Lunar]

McConnell - 67 (he is married to a non-whiteforeigner though)

Somehow I doubt that the Republican Party has a problem with Bush-era Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.

Actually, I think the optics of it would be fairly relevant, and would alter the emphasis of the family-photo ads.  But I only wrote that as a joke... McConnell and Lunar's partners are both Asian, so Mitch and I "get it" or something