Could Palin Be The GOP Front Runner in 2012?

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By Gilbert Mercier, NEWS JUNKIE POST

Yesterday, the media pundits and all the Washington insiders were wondering what the surprise resignation of Sarah Palin could mean for her political future. Is it going to give her populist “maverick” image a boost or put an abrupt end to her political career?

Judging from what her former running mate, John McCain, had to say to day it could actually help her out and make her the candidate to beat in the GOP primary. McCain said the he was expecting Palin to play a “big role” within the GOP.

Let’s speculate a bit here and see which Republicans will run against Palin in 2012, assuming that she will run.

A McCain candidacy is very unlikely. The age factor has become a major hurdle, and the loss against Obama doesn’t make him an exiting contender for Republicans in 2012. He is more likely to play the role of king maker in the background.

Mark Sandford had a good shot at it, but the torrid sex scandal makes it almost impossible for him to carry the torch.

Former Governor Mitt Rommey will likely give it another try in 2012. He is liked in the pro-business part of the GOP, and he is also a gifted fund raiser. His main hurdle remains, just like in 2008, the lack of support he will get from the Evangelical voters due to his affiliation with the Mormon church.

The Governor of Mississippi, Harley Barbour, is also getting some traction as a possible contender. He was just named Chairman of the Republican Governors Association. This role will help him get a wider national recognition.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is viewed as a GOP ” rising star”. He is well liked by conservative Republicans, however he suffers from a complete lack of media charisma.

The colorful former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee is likely to give it another try. He has now his own cable show, and the enthusiastic support of the Evangelical base. But again, so does Sarah Palin.

A wild card could be the ultimate GOP power broker, Newt Gingrich. The former House Speaker is charismatic and is admired within the GOP. The draw back will be a fairly large amount of “skeletons” in his political closet.

Sadly enough for the Republicans, populist & lowest common denominator Sarah Palin could be the candidate to beat in the GOP primary. For some odd reasons, her message resonates with a lot of GOP voters. She also just started a PAC, to raise money for a potential campaign. I would think this is a clue, and that we can expect her to run.

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