"We so screwed the GOP and America. Let's do it again."
Posted on 09/12/2010 7:32:06 PM PDT by rabscuttle385
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates seem to be playing a game of chicken, with contenders waiting for someone to move first, observers said.
Some 2012 GOP hopefuls this year seem more reticent about promoting themselves before the midterms in November while others are keeping mum for more strategic reasons, Politico reported Sunday.
GOP 2008 presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, former Republican National Committee chief and current Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels are among those who are jockeying behind the scenes, leaving Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty virtually alone on the traditional, early path toward the nomination fight, pundits said.
"There is no heir apparent and no obvious front-runner, so nobody is out there setting the pace," said John Weaver, a top McCain strategist in 2000 and early in the Arizona senator's 2008 bid.
Analysts offer three main reasons why Republicans aren't committing: The white-hot focus on the 2010 midterms; the pitfalls of starting too early; and a fear of failure in Iowa.
Unlike 2006, when Republicans were already searching for a successor to term-limited President George W. Bush and fortifying themselves for congressional losses, GOP officials are now zeroed in on the November elections and the prospect of retaking Congress, Politico said.
"Given the opportunity for midterm gains it would be unseemly to be out there ignoring this election and working on your own presidential aspirations," said former New Hampshire GOP Chairman Steve Duprey, a top McCain supporter and donor.
They should all lay low. It will drive the libs crazy.
If Haley Barbour would say the word, I would jump on his bandwagon tomorrow.
I like Haley Barbour, BUT......that sharp Mississippi twang really turns a lot of people off.
(That said, by a guy with a sharp Texas twang.)
BTW, I know Steve Duprey and he’s a nice fellow but his supporting McCain does not surprise me. And he is okay with taking the life of innocent unborns. Need I say more?
The “mccain team” should STFU and go away, they don’t exactly have the best track record and reputation in town in getting people elected. Did Megan take it over?
Hey, I’m about as un-southern as you can get and it doesn’t bother me one little bit.
Ever notice how many “surveys” we see about who we would vote for if Bush was running against Obama? I’ve never seen one about a McCain/Obama rematch. The McCain crowd needs to go away. They had their 15 minutes.
The article is wrong. There are clear frontrunners. Follow the money. Romney has raised the most. Then Palin. Then Pawlenty.
Agreed. If McLame tries to run again or backs someone it will be the kiss of death... I think McCain endorsing someone for President in 2012 will be like Obama endorsing a Senate or Congressional canidate in 2010
Well, McQueeg we all know who are not front runners. That narrow the field down somewhat Mr. RINO.
McLame has advisors? How embarrassing for their mamas.
"We so screwed the GOP and America. Let's do it again."
MEGA DITTOS To That!Haley didn’t”bellyache”about Katrina!He(and his constituents)got together and put Mississippi back together!!
The Dems will put the Boss Hog caricature on so fast it will make his head swim.
John McCain is one of the biggest RINO’S we have.HOW THE HELL HE EVER GOT RE-ELECTED IS BEYOND ME. PEOPLE BETTER WATCH HIM LIKE A HAWK. {HILLARY IN A SUIT} HE IS ONE OF SOROS PUPPETS.
Blind fools, she’s probably yakking with McCain right this minute!
Hayworth shot himself in the foot is why, and in uncertain times people sometimes have a bias towards the devil they know.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.