"The only way any of these gentlemen can win in the general is if the Democrat vote splits and I don't see that happening. They're marching in lock step to stop the war and advance their liberal agenda."
====
That's the scary part.
So what conservative Republican candidate can rise to beat the Dem candidate? Some viable conservative needs to toss his hat in the ring soon. It's really too bad about Allen, but he can't stage a comeback. Hillary is raising money like crazy.
Newt was able to energize the country and unite Republicans in 1994, but I don't think it would work now.
I don't think the who matters as much as the philosophy and ability. He has to be a rock solid no nonsense Republican conservative of unquestionable character with a proven track record and he must travel lightly, ie, with a minimum amount of baggage. A military background would be a huge plus. He may be a governor, a senator or a congressman. Doesn't matter. And doesn't really matter how well known he is NOW as long as he's fully qualified and marketable. Once we zero in on the candidate who can pull together the coalition and is capable enough to slay the beast, the money and support will roll in. And the moment he picks up steam in the primary campaign, he gains immediate nationwide and worldwide name recognition. The media and the grassroots will see to that.
Newt's NOT going to run.