Very good point, Victoria. I think Hilly has a decent shot at winning, and would have to be considered a favorite against a traditional GOP nominee. She would cream Dubya if she faced him, for example, and guys like Hunter, Thompson, and the rest of the pack would probably suffer Dole 1996 type losses.
The only successful GOP nominee is one who can win over independents, and turn a few blue states red to offset the likely GOP loss of Ohio in 2008. All else being equal except Ohio, and the Dems win.
Right on!