I think with the "Moral Majority" that would really diminish his sway in the primaries. We don't really have an preemptive nominee coming out of the gates, but really in 1996, we didn't either. I would really not like to have someone like Jeb placed forward. The American people, I don't think, would want a political dynasty with the Bushs any more than with the Kennedy's. Although Jeb seems very appealing, I don't think he should be our nominee. I would like to see a Western/Midwestern Governor as our standard bearer. Hopefully, someone from a larger/swing state with cross-party appeal and lots of charisma. Although 2008 would be too early, GOP Nominee in WA Dino Rossi will be an up and comer if he mananges to squeak out a win...he will have to prove himself as the chief executive of a very blue state.
Most of the governors of these states are Democrats or are either tagged as unpopular (Guinn, Taft, or Perry)or are untested Republicans (Huntsman). States that should be good solid locks and producers of Republican governors have Democrats (NM, Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin).
I personally like Senator Gordon Smith, Senator Bill Frist, Gov. Mitt Romney, Former Congressman J.C. Watts, Governor Sanford, Former Governor Mike Leavitt, Former Governor Keating, Senator John Ensign, Gov. Bill Owens and former Governor Marc Racicot. All of these would make a fine president...I think Santorum will have a really tough reelection battle as PA seems to be trending more and more D. The Senators have the Senator issue with a long list of votes to scrutinize/attack. Congressmen generally never move on to be President (much like John Kasich-R OH) as much as like both of those men. I am concerned Leavitt and Romney being LDS will drag down their national appeal. Racicot, although chair of the Bush-Cheney campaign seems to have dropped out of the lime light, but depending on if he gets a cabinet position...maybe....
Condi has never run for office before...Powell would be a turnoff for some of his actions as of late (his chance to run/win was in 1996 against a tainted Clinton). Sanford is unmarried and is generally untested still having just recently won election in 2002....
Any thoughts...