The others.

Am I leaving folks out of this analysis who could head a Republican ticket? Of course I am. There are scores of current and former GOP Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Generals, and cabinet officers who could run for president. Governor Nikki Haley, former Secretary of State Condi Rice, former Governor Jon Huntsman, former Governor Mitch Daniels, former Senator Jim DeMint, and Congressman Peter King see their names regularly floated in the press as possible contenders. Three years is an eternity in politics and events could thrust someone onto the radar that is well below it now. Whatever happens, it is going to be quite a GOP race next time around.

Robert C. O'Brien is the California managing partner in a national law firm. He served as a U.S. Representative to the U.N. and advised Republican presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney on foreign policy matters. Robert’s website is www.robertcobrien.com. Follow him on Twitter @robertcobrien.

Image: Flickr/Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.