The Horse Race

(Cartoon by Mike Luckovich and published 2/9/14 in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.  Click on image to enlarge.
I never thought I'd be linking to Jonah Goldberg, but his column in Tuesday's L.A. Times does provide some insight into who just might be the contenders for the 2016 GOP nomination.

Republicans want an outsider, which is why the senators aiming for the nomination — Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio — spend much of their time denouncing the city they work in. The governors — Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Chris Christie of New Jersey, Mike Huckabee, formerly of Arkansas — have it easier, but they certainly never miss an opportunity to express their disappointment in Washington. Wisconsin Rep. Paul D. Ryan, Romney's running mate in 2012, is the one candidate who could claim next-in-line status without setting off a riot, but he's unlikely to run. Jeb Bush is beloved by the party establishment, but nothing short of a name change would appease the tea partiers. [Links provided in the original.]

One of the first things I noticed about this list was the absence of Chris Christie, and I admit to being surprised at the omission.  I guess even Jonah was appalled by the alleged thuggery of the New Jersey governor.  Still, it's early in the process and I think he's got time for a "rehabilitation."  The American electorate has a short memory.

What  surprised me a little was the inclusion of two Hispanics, Cruz and Rubio.  It may very well be that the Republicans (at least some of them) really are ready to consider an immigration reform bill.  At the very least, Republicans might realize that they have to do something to attract Hispanic voters.

What is clear from his column is that he believes that the Tea Party will continue to shape the Republican Party.  If he is correct, it's going to be a long, contentious ride into the convention in 2016. 

I recommend investing in popcorn stock.