The GOP needs two strong conservative candidates declared and before the public prior to Iowa, with an agreement between the two that the loser drops out to unify the base. I know, as long as I'm dreaming I'd like a pony too, but the idea would be to have a unified, base-friendly candidate to take on the Christies and Jeb Bushes of the world. I don't see any other way to field a conservative candidate at a time when the Republic will need one more than ever.
This last election cycle, I voted for conservatives only and if the GOP wants my vote they will need to earn it by nominating a candidate acceptable to the base.
The one Republican who makes me take notice and say ‘wow’ is Scott Walker. I never seen anything like what he did in WI. He not only is clever and tough and has guts but he has a look like he could be a competitive POTUS candidate (he is no Christie).
But if he has any common sense he will stay away from the national Republican party, They are a mess.