10 Republicans to Watch in 2010

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Scarborough would be a great candidate. He is a fiscal/foreign policy conservative and has been consistent in those principles, even when it has been difficult (Bush years). He wrote a book about reckless GOP spending called Rome Wasn't Burnt in a Day.
His new book, The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America's Promise details his policy positions. Joe has immense influence with the key decision-makers as evidenced by the unrivaled guests on his show. At the same time, he is still the political outsider who doesn't owe favors to every political constituency and can stay true to his principles.
Scarborough's belief in restraint in our foreign policy, domestic policy, and use of divisive rhetoric is just what the country needs.

joejharvey of TX 5:16PM January 17, 2010

If this is the best the Republicans can put forward, then its not going to be a good year for them.
But this isn't all, its a fraction of the Republicans that will matter and considering the source, this is a wish list that ignores the facts on the ground.

Jim of NC 8:30PM January 11, 2010

Why is Morning Joe on the list? He's not running for anything in 2010? Your list says 2010, and its just plain wrong.
Crist-Rubio in FL is the most compelling story in the country. Another commenter makes a good point: Whats up with Jed? Jed is the best (R) candidate in the country, but obviously his name is a problem. I'm betting he gets involved in something noteworthy.
Clearly Newt has a lot up his sleave. You can't mention the Republican party without mentioning Newt. Newt is the obviously presidential candidate who probably can't win and likely won't run. But he's got the brains and clearly has proven he can get things done.
I agree that Huck is a non-issue in 2010. Unless you happen to like his show.
Will John Beiner become speaker of the House?
What will Mitt do to keep himself in the spotlight and alive for 2012?
How about a Jeb Bush / Lynn Cheney ticket for 2012? Nah....

Dennis of FL 8:49AM January 08, 2010

Mike Huckabee has been winning just about every single 2012 poll since August. Surely, though it is a bit premature, he might be one to watch in 2012. You have some good names here, but I very much doubt Meg Whitman and Bob McDonnell. As a gubernatorial candidate and a newly minted Governor respectively, I humbly submit that neither is really in a position to run seriously. Also, you may want to take out most of the Congresspeople and Senators. Obama is the first senator to win the Presidency in a long, long time. Historically, the people prefer someone with executive experience. That said:
Mike Huckabee
Mitt Romney
Sarah Palin (though she may not)
Haley Barbour
Mitch Daniels
Bobby Jindal
Gary Johnson
Jeb Bush (not likely)
There's a list of governors and former Governors with a bit of time under their belts. Check them out.

Chadballer of ID 6:27AM January 08, 2010

You should actually explain the history of Royko calling Jerry Brown Gov. Moonbeam. And the later retraction. If anyone is silly, you might be you.

sue of TX 11:08PM January 07, 2010

Above all Paul has the integrity to principles that speaks truth to unsettled independents and disenchanted conservatives the traditional GOP is ignoring. The party can't just think 'business as usual' will get any attention, as 'business as usual' in the GOP has meant selling out on core principles. Wake up.
Ron Paul's alternative Republican convention last year set the tone of internal revolution in the party that's changing everything in the party.
All said, Ron Paul is the only fiscal conservative of all the GOP. He's the real deal, not some gimmick.

Ted of UT 11:01PM January 07, 2010

I agree with you, DraftJoe. Joe is a "get the government out of my wallet and out of my bedroom" kind of conservative, with common sense and forward thinking ideas. He's the guy to take the GOP onward and upward.

Mouse Wife of GA 10:30PM January 07, 2010

Also, Haley Barbour has great lobbying credentials. He's made his money defending the American people against the liars in the press and the medical lobby who claim that cigarettes cause "lung cancer." A true patriot. A great Republican.

The Sconz of WI 3:53PM January 07, 2010

running for president in 2012, the better. That is your only insurance that Sarah Palin actually has to debate somebody in public and on the record, and does not waltz into a nomination on Moose and hockey schtick.

Muser of NM 3:31PM January 07, 2010

Joe is a strong conservative with the right tone to rebuild the party. He understands that conservatism is rooted in the ideas of a restrained foreign policy, a sustainable budget, the promotion of entrepreneurship, and conserving our resources. Conservatives should consider Joe’s combination of politics and tone the path forward.
Check out www.draftjoe2012.com for more information about Joe and help us encourage him to re-enter the political arena.

Draft Joe Scarborough 2012 of TX 11:43AM January 07, 2010