Good point, Kabar. ALthough the Speaker’s job does not require quite as much travel- unless you are San Fran Nan.
I think Ryan would step up to the plate, if that was the best choice. But would it be? He’s one of the few in the House that actually is good with economics. Maybe he feels that if the balance of power shifts, he could do more good there? Get legislative issues sorted and then there’s plenty of time for a young man to run for Pres.
Seems to me so much hangs on the outcome of midterms that it is really hard for anyone to think too far ahead of election day. [except perpetual candidates like Romney.]
Some R’s have started the obligatory visits to early primary states, which seems especially premature this year. We’ve got a real leadership crisis in Congress. Going to a stinkin’ bbq in Iowa isn’t helping. Have to credit Palin, she’s focusing on the most important target- getting good candidates in Gov’s mansions and Congress. If the composition on the hill does not materially change, it really does not matter what happens in ‘12. Governors are important any time, but with the current Federal overreach, it will take the Governors acting en bloc.
Unfortunately, that is not the way it works. If you have a window of oppportunity, you take it because you may never get that chance again. If the economy continues to tank and Obama's approval ratings do likewise, then the GOP candidate will have a once in a lifetime chance to win.
Seems to me so much hangs on the outcome of midterms that it is really hard for anyone to think too far ahead of election day. [except perpetual candidates like Romney.]
Regardless of the outcome, the midterms are just the first step. If the Dems retain control over Congress, the Reps will have to double their efforts for 2012. And even if they gain control over the House [I believe the Senate is not possible], the GOP will just be fighting a rear guard action until 2012. Obama will use the Reps as the scapegoat for whatever is wrong and claim credit for whatever goes right.
Have to credit Palin, she’s focusing on the most important target- getting good candidates in Gov’s mansions and Congress.
McCain was a monumental blunder on her part. And she failed to back people like Buck and Devore. On balance her endorsements have been good, but she may regret some of them later on, especially McCain when he starts backing amnesty and cap and trade.
Governors are important any time, but with the current Federal overreach, it will take the Governors acting en bloc.
Governors will become especially important re the redistricting following the 2010 census.