Free Republic

Here are the facts of Election 2012, as it stands now: Two major Republican candidates are engaged in the serious travel, staff hiring, contact building and general planning that are required to make a credible run for President. That pair is Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who ran in 2008 and is — and will be for the foreseeable future — the party's front runner, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who was considered for the 2008 veep slot by John McCain. Romney has the stronger hand but some real problems. He retains almost all the strengths he brought to...