2016 Republican Rundown: Week 1: DE/PA/NJ

[Erc]

With all the usual smattering of threads on "Will (this guy) run in 2016?" or "What about so-and-so?", I thought it might be useful to take a more systematic approach, running through the possible candidates on a state by state basis.  I did a similar series of threads.  The results weren't all that great---a lot of our 'frontrunners' chose not to run (Palin, Huckabee) or were on the outs by primary season (Crist, Ensign), and a few real contenders were left out of the process entirely (Santorum, Gingrich).  I'll try to be a bit more inclusive this time around to avoid the latter failing.

In each thread, I'll list a number of potential candidates from a number of statess and give a brief bio of each. Vote on whether you think there's any quasi-realistic chance they might mount a campaign for the nomination in 2012, and discuss them in the thread below.

Generally, my criteria for inclusion will be:
--Is constitutionally eligible to become President.
--Will be under the age of 75 on January 20, 2017 [born after January 20, 1942]
--Is an elected Governor or Senator.
or
--Was an elected Governor or Senator at some point since January 1, 2010 and left office gracefully.
or
--Was "seriously discussed" as a VP choice for Mitt Romney in 2012.
or
--Editor's Choice.

Unlike last time, I won't be including a candidate from every state---some states simply don't have the bench.  If you feel I left someone obvious out, feel free to cast a vote in the "Someone Else" category and discuss them in the thread below.

Delaware

There aren't any Republicans left from Delaware (unless one counts Christine O'Donnell).  Mike Castle would be too old even if he hadn't lost to her.

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Corbett
b. June 17, 1949 [67 at inauguration]
Attorney General of Pennsylvania: 1995 - 1997, 2005 - 2011
Governor of Pennsylvania: 2011 -
*Up for Re-Election in 2014*

Sen. Pat Toomey
b. November 17, 1961 [55 at inauguration]
US Representative (PA-15): 1999 - 2005
US Senator (PA): 2011 -

Fmr. Sen. Rick Santorum
b. May 10, 1958 [58 at inauguration]
US Representative (PA-18): 1991 - 1995
US Senator (PA): 1995 - 2007

New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie
b. September 6, 1962 [54 at inauguration]
US Attorney, New Jersey: 2002 - 2008
Governor of New Jersey: 2010 -
*Up for Re-Election in 2013*

EDIT: Clearly, poll question should read 2016, not 2012.

[Senator Cris]

Santorum and Christie.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Santorum and Christie.

[NewYorkExpress]

Christie, Corbett and Santorum.

[Pessimistic Antineutrino]

Santorum (obviously), Christie, and Toomey. Corbett has a very good chance of going under next fall. Santorum is definitely running again whether anybody wants it or not. Christie is basically the front runner at this point. Toomey, like many other 2010 freshmen, (Rubio, Ayotte, Walker) has at the very least been considered as a possible candidate.

[California8429]

Christie, Corbett and Santorum.

This guy is going to be destroyed in re-election if he stays in. Santorum waited 6 years after he was destroyed to return.