Of all the candidates mentioned, some seriously some not so, Pence would be my choice. I do not want a RINO, period. Few on the national stage don’t fall into that hole. On the other hand, looking at electability, I’d definitely give him the nod over De Mint and Palin. Pence has the advantage of no baggage which is a big plus going into the pre primary season.
Of those mentioned in my post, whom would you classify as a RINO ? My RINO's are the Crist, Castle, Specter types.
I don't even put Romney in that category, although he may come closest. Not Rudy. Maybe Christie, whom I didn't even mention since he's shown no interest. (Jindahl too shows no interest, btw.) Rubio has not been mentioned, but he's too fresh to try for the top spot. I fear Rubio may be dragged onto the ticket, however, whether he wants it or not. I love him....in about 8 years.
Thinkng more about RINO’s; Huckabee ? Probably still. His populism leans RINOish. Newt; at one time has shown RINO tendencies, and maybe still. May have seen the light, but still bathes in beltway idealogy, so pubs wouldn’t nominate him.