Bobby Jindal
Having just managed one of the smoothest hurricane evacuations in history this past summer, this articulate and solidly conservative rookie Louisiana governor is fast becoming one of the top names mentioned to help lead the GOP realignment. Jindal, a devout Catholic and the first Indian-American elected to Congress, was widely mentioned as a potential running mate to John McCain earlier this year. His plea for smaller, cleaner government in Louisiana has been the cornerstone of his success so far.
Recommended Stories
Sarah Palin
She may have been the subject of criticism on the campaign trail, but for more than two months, Palin lit up the Republican conservative base, something not even Republican presidential John McCain was able to do. The Alaska governor is dynamic and ambitious and is clearly jockeying for a top role in the GOP. Palin further fueled speculation about her status for 2012 with a series of interviews after the election and a major role at this week’s meeting of the Republican Governors Association in Miami.
Mitt Romney
The former popular governor of Massachusetts and successful businessman was McCain’s most formidable opponent before dropping out of the presidential race and is considered a top contender for the 2012 nomination. Romney moved rightward during the Republican primaries, but is mostly admired for his centrist appeal and his reputation as an able administrator. He is credited with salvaging the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002 and bringing near-universal health care to Massachusetts.
Eric Cantor
Virginia representative Cantor, a member of the House Republican Study Committee, a conservative faction, will be the new minority whip in January — the number two leadership spot. Young and ambitious, Cantor is expected to push hard for his fellow Republicans to use the issue of wasteful spending to hold the Democratic majority at bay. Cantor, like Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, are looking to re-brand their party as the proponents of fiscal restraint as compared with the excesses expected from the expanded Democratic majority.
Jim DeMint
South Carolina’s DeMint has played an influential role in the Senate by championing top conservative GOP priorities such as offshore drilling, opposing pork barrel spending and battling the recent $700 billion government bailout of Wall Street. DeMint has been willing to go toe to toe with the entire Senate, including his own leadership, to push this agenda. Where DeMint has broader influence on his party and the political process may be as one of the strongest backers of free markets and free trade.
