I predict if the dems win congress the GOP nominee will be Guliani, Romney or a sitting/former gov....it wont be a member of the Senate or House.
Even if the GOP keeps its majorities, they should never nominate a member of Congress. Governors are the best way to go.
Exactly, if the GOP wants to win it will be a:
1. Governor of a medium to large state.
2. ex-Governor of a medium to large state.
3. 1 and 2 usually end the list but for a number of reason including the population of the area he was executvie of Rudy. [NYC would fall 12th on the list of states by population just above Va, I believe.]
US Senators who are today older than the oldest president ever elected, Reagan, is unlikely to get the nomination in 2008. Reagan took office at age 69 and about 300 days. Two months ago McCain turned 70.
I would also scratch from the list northeastern GOP governors who are too moderate. That leaves me with a list that looks something like:
Romney [from the northeast but not too moderate]
Thompson [ex-govenor of Wisconsin]
Jeb Bush [I know he says he is not running.]
Owens [But CO is getting down towards a small state]
Pawlenty
I really think a GOP govenor from the midwest would be nice. Too bad Taft was such a disaster.