I think the financial meltdown helped Romney's future viability more than anything else. As far as his stance on guns and abortion while Gov of Mass. I'm guessing those were necessary concessions a Republican has to make in a place like Massachucetts. Certainly cause for concern, but forgiveable if he reasserts a commitment to gun ownership.
Here are the top GOP potentials for 2012 (and my 2 cents)
Bobby Jindal--Gov of Louisiana
Pros-Solid conservative. Young, smart, good on the stump. He handled the Katrina mess left by Cathleen Blanco pretty well.
Cons-First generation of Indian heritage. A brown-man is a hard sell in middle America.
My take? He will run, could win the nomination and is a top 3 for VP if he doesn't.
Mitt Romney--See above
Pros-Best choice for economic skills
Cons-Comes off as too slick, and a waffler
My take? He will run, will probably win the nomination and is a top 2 for VP if he doesn't.
Sarah Palin--Former Gov of Alaska
Pros-Average people LOVE her, skilled populist, attractive
Cons-She quit her post when things got tough, personal life controvery, weak on policy
My take? She will run. Outside chance to get nomination. Possible repeat VP choice
Ron Paul--Congressman from Texas
Pros-He keeps hammering away at both sides about the Constitution
Cons-He keeps hammering away at both sides about the Constitution and he has some screwy ideas about national security
My take? He might run to keep the GOP honest but doesn't stand a chance--in America we don't elect congressmen to the Presidency
Mike Huckabee--Former Gov of Arkansas and TV personality
Pros-Solid conservative, likeable, former Gov of Arkansas and TV personality
Cons-He looks like Gomer Pyle and he's a TV personality
My take? Won't run. He's got it made at Fox and far more influential on TV.
Duncan Hunter--Congressman from California
Pros-Stalwart conservative, vigorously pro-gun/life/military
Cons-He runs and comes in last. Not centrist enough to be viable.
My take? He'll probably run again, and again, we don't elect congressmen.
David Petraeus--General, US Army and Commander of U.S. Central Command
Pros-The architect of the "surge" is highly regarded by both sides of the aisle and respected widely by the troops he commands.
Cons-Without public office experience could be perceived as one-dimensional
My take? A serious dark-horse possibility and top 3 VP choice IF he runs
Tim Pawlenty--Governor of Minnesota
Pros-Likeable and well regarded in GOP circles and Minn is an important Midwest state
Con's-Caught up in some controversy over the Coleman/Frankel Senate race.
My take? He's already announced he's not running for re-election which means he's gearing up for 2012. Serious contender but won't win Nomination and only outside chance for VP
Kay Bailey Hutchison--The Senior Senator from Texas
Pros-Cagey old battle axe from a big state
Cons-She's a horrendous bizatch and all that time in the Senate means she's got skelletons
Jeb Bush--Former Gov of Florida
Pros-Name recognition, good on the stump, did a superb job as gov
Cons-He's GW's brother
My take? Not sure if he'll run but outside chance to win or be VP if he does.
Fred Thompson--Actor, former Senator from Tennessee, radio personality
Pros-Solid conservative, good on the stump
Cons-Too old, ran a lousy campaign because he's a lazy candidate
My take? Like Huckabee, he's got it made on the radio. Fred won't run.
Tom Tancredo--Congressman from Colorado
See Duncan Hunter
There are other possibilities but we'll have to wait until next summer.
Ted Nugent: I know he speaks to our hearts on a lot of issues but lets be serious. Ted doesn't stand a Tundra's chance in a hillclimb...Ted for Secretary of the Interior (maybe we can get him sponshured)