Although no major candidate has declared their intention to run for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, there are plenty of possible contenders to speculate over.  Numerous Republican heavy hitters and outsiders have expressed some interest in possibility challenging Barack Obama in 2012.  Here are some of the potential candidates.

First, we have Sarah Palin.  She is the leader of the pack because other likely candidates appear to be waiting to see if she will throw her hat in the ring or not.  The former Alaska Governor seems to know that others are waiting and she enjoys it.  Palin has huge star power, a strong fan base, and an ability to fundraise like no other.  But, she hasn’t spent much time courting the all-important Iowa vote, her likability rating in polls have been tanking, and she makes boatloads of money which she would have to give up if she were to be president.  She also scheduled a speaking engagement on the day of the first scheduled primary debate.  I am convinced that she may never officially announce one way or another leaving the Republican Party in complete confusion and chaos right up to the Republican convention.

Next up is Newt Gingrich.  The former Speaker of the House announced last month that he will begin raising money to test whether he should try to run for the GOP presidential nomination.  He also set up a website for the potential run.   Gingrich was suspended from his gig at Fox News because they clearly expect him to run.  Gingrich, who continues to be indecisive about entering the presidential race, is giving signs that he is serious this time.  Talking about his past affairs and disconnecting himself from various side projects in order to be compliant with campaign law suggest he really might do it.

Rep. Michele Bachmann may be the most surprising “maybe candidate”.  But, she is increasingly giving signs that she is considering a run.  The Tea Party darling has made recent trips to early primary states and has more travels scheduled.  Sources close to the Minnesota Congresswoman also suggest that she is feeling pretty confident after visiting the states and talking to potential voters.  Bachmann said she would make her decision in spring or early summer and that she would use prayer to help guide her in the decision.  She also has huge fundraising abilities and if Palin didn’t enter, Bachmann could garner would-be Palin voters because they have similar styles.

Mike Huckabee is also a name mentioned as a likely candidate.  Recently, Huckabee has been everywhere to promote his book.  Whether his press run also means he will attempt a presidential bid is not clear.  He has said it is “stupid” to enter the race too early.  The former Arkansas governor has suggested that he will run, but more speculation points to a non-existent campaign.  Huckabee is still insisting that people take the campaign very seriously, and is bragging about being an early season front-runner. “Virtually every poll in America has me leading,” Huckabee claims.

There are more possible candidates.  Check out our other parts to this growing series.

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About the author

Erin Chavez
Erin Whitney-Chavez has been writing professionally since 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University and received a Master of Arts in mental-health counseling from Argosy University. Erin Whitney-Chavez is a licensed mental health counselor and has worked in the mental-health field for more than 10 years.

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