Rather than spend time wondering who might be running for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, here’s a look at what potential candidates might campaign on as they look to persuade conservative primary voters. In alphabetical order, here are likely policy focuses for 16 possible GOP candidates.
Jeb Bush
Bush is an ardent supporter of Common Core standards and school choice. After his time as governor of Florida, Bush founded the Foundation for Excellence in Education, which advocates for educational reforms such as digital learning, high academic standards and rewarding effective teachers.
Ben Carson
Carson rose to fame in 2013 after speaking about healthcare, among other things, at the National Prayer Breakfast. As a retired neurosurgeon, Carson could campaign on health reform from a doctor’s perspective. Attacks against Obamacare are sure to be the main message of a Carson campaign.
Chris Christie
More than anyone else in the race, Christie might be defined more by his attitude than his policies. That attitude comes out hardest against unions. As governor of New Jersey, Christie has not been afraid to attack teachers unions, backing his rhetoric with reform of the tenure system. Christie also managed to pass public pension benefits reform.
Ted Cruz
Sen. Cruz attacked Obamacare during the government shutdown. Then he attacked illegal immigration after President Obama announced an executive order that grants temporary legal status. Cruz would probably stay focused on opposing immigration on the campaign trail.
Carly Fiorina
Fiorina is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and would likely focus on government policies that hurt businesses. Regulations and red tape are sure to be punching bags in her campaign events. Alternatively, as the only woman on this list, she may carve a niche on women’s issues instead.
Lindsey Graham
Sen. Graham, who served in the Air Force, is well known for his hawkish views on international relations. His own Senate website says he “is widely viewed as one of the strongest proponents of a robust national defense.” Look for Graham to campaign on international issues such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Russia and whatever else comes up.
Mike Huckabee
Huckabee has already come out against listening to Beyonce, so expect him to focus on social issues. An ordained Southern Baptist minister and former governor of Arkansas, Huckabee will likely trumpet his positions on religion, gay marriage and abortion. Family issues and religion in school may also come up.
Bobby Jindal
The energy industry has strong roots in Jindal’s home state. He could campaign in support of the energy industry’s ability to create jobs and spur the economy in Louisiana while he has been governor. Watch for Jindal to support the Keystone XL pipeline, offshore drilling, and maybe even eliminating the EPA. He also has a strong background in health policy.
George Pataki
As governor of New York from 1995-2006, Pataki was heralded for his positions on the environment — by liberals. Pataki was praised by Bloomberg Businessweek for his efforts to cut emissions. He is now a lawyer on environmental matters. If he runs, Pataki may try to make the conservative case for the environment.
Rand Paul
Sen. Paul’s popularity surged in March 2013 after a 13-hour filibuster against Obama’s drone policies. He outspokenly opposes the NSA’s surveillance program and voted against a reform bill because it didn’t go far enough. Paul is considered a leader on civil liberties, so expect him to campaign on it as part of his broader limited government message. He has also done more than any other candidate to reach out to black voters.
Mike Pence
Since his unique plan for Medicaid expansion in Indiana didn’t work out, Pence may focus on foreign policy, particularly Israel. While in the U.S. House, he served on the subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia. Even as a governor, Pence has not shied away from making hawkish comments against Obama’s Islamic State policies.
Rick Perry
The lame duck governor of Texas is well known for his support of federalism and limiting the size of the federal government. Expect Perry’s message to focus on cutting government and giving federal power back to the states. Perry has tried to straddle the immigration issue, taking a moderate line in some respects while criticizing Obama for federal failure to police the border effectively.
Mitt Romney
Although he was criticized brutally for his comments at the time, Romney was proven right about foreign policy (especially Russia), Obamacare and the economy in 2012. He was even vindicated when Detroit declared bankruptcy in 2013. His business experience gives him a credible background to discuss policies for job creation and economic growth.
Marco Rubio
Sen. Rubio is known for his foreign policy views, but his new book, American Dreams, shows a shift to anti-poverty reforms. Rubio advocates an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and block-granting welfare programs to state control. Rubio will find himself with plenty of reformicon friends in conservative think tanks.
Rick Santorum
There’s no reason to expect the former senator’s 2016 campaign will be much different from 2012. Since 2013, Santorum has been the CEO of EchoLight Studios, a film company that produces Christian films. Santorum will focus on gay marriage, religion, abortion and family issues again.
Scott Walker
Expect Gov. Walker to focus on fiscal responsibility. Walker has experience turning multi-billion dollar deficits into surpluses and cutting taxes in Wisconsin. His anti-union policies made him famous and boosted his credentials, but fiscal responsibility proposals will resonate more with conservatives in a presidential primary campaign.
