ROMNEY (64) – lawyer – Bain Capital – Massachusetts Governor [2003-07] 4 years public office, plus additional 6+ years running; 1994 U.S. Senator [MA] bid – lost; U.S. Presidential bids [2008, 2012]; author
SANTORUM (53) – lawyer [Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. – D.C. and Pittsburgh offices since ’07] – Fox News Contributor - 16 years public office, U.S. House of Representatives, Pennsylvania [1991-95] - U. S. Senator [1995-07] lost bid for 3rd term by largest margin in PA GOP history]; author
BACHMANN (55) – lawyer – Minnesota State Senate [2003-07]; U.S. House of Representatives [MN] [2007- _____] 8 years public office ; political activist; foster parent; 2011 autobiography
GINGRICH (68) – U.S. House of Representatives [GA] - 20 years [Speaker 1995-99] Resigned from U.S. House of Rep after win - Fox News Contributor – adviser - speaker – author
PAUL (76) - U.S. House of Representatives [TX] - 20 years + 6-8 odd years running - Libertarian presidential bid [1988] – GOP presidential bids [2008-2012] -- U.S. Air Force flight surgeon [1963-65/Natl G. 1965-68] – OBGYN; author
PERRY (61) - Texas Governor [2000 - ______] – 26 years public office: TX Lt. Gov [1999-’00]; TX Agriculture Commissioner [1991-99]; TX House of Rep [1985-91] ; Cotton Farmer [8 years]; Captain, U.S. Air Force pilot [1972- 77]; author
According to your own post, so is Mitt Romney. He's never held any elected or appointed office in Washington D.C. So what? Looking at your list, Perry has the longest "career politician" resume. This guy hasn't been in the private sector in decade.s