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There's a particular problem with the Republican governors at the moment; a high number of them are relatively new to the job. There are exceptions, but this does reduce the field significantly.

What's worse is that a Western governor would be ideal (to try and fight back against the recent losses in the West) - that is not a growth stock for Republicans at the moment.

Regards, Ivan

You are quite correct about the number of Republican governors being new to the job. Additionally, Republicans have been losing state houses.

With 3 of the last 4 governors elected as president being from the south, and the fourth forging a strong southern base, another Southern governor could wrangle the nomination and win the White House.

There is a great polarization among the various Republican candidates. It's troubling, but it may also prove beneficial. With no heir apparent for the Republican nomination as their would be with most outgoing two-term administrations, all the various voices will be heard. If healthy debate ensues, the Republican Party will clearly define itself and pick a candidate that best represents this new definition of the party.

Look for some old familiar players to get much more active in the coming months. Just yesterday the Reverend Jerry Falwell spoke of taking a more active role in the upcoming elections. Pat Buchanan might also come home to roost amid the turmoil and add his voice. Additionally, California Governor Schwarzenegger wants to take the national party in a much different direction. While not a candidate himself, Schwarzenegger feels he has considerable political capital to spend.

I personally do not expect the next Republican candidate for president will come from the primary elections, but a good old-fashioned bare-knuckles cigar-chomping convention.

All the posts surrounding Rudy indicates this is going to be a great fight with all issues on the table and the heart and soul of the party at stake. The Republican Party needs this. The performance of the current president and Republican Congress of this decade has not lived up to their own party platform on many crucial planks. Either the sort of candidates put forth by the Republican Party will change course, or the party platform will change course.