At Least 17 Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election Field

This article in the US News and World Report has an interesting list of potential candidates, but one selection gets me to ask: "Are you serious"? That pick is Nikki Haley, current candidate for Governor of SC. Being a resident of SC, I have to laugh at this. Nikki seems a likable conservative candidate, but has little executive experience, much like our current President. Sarah Palin has more executive experience than both combined and has been pilloried by the MSM for her lack thereof.

We can't make the mistake again of electing someone totally devoid of the needed seasoning and background for the toughest executive job in the world.

It is about time that we place less emphasis on "charisma" and more on the qualities that are needed to lead this nation. Once in a great while we have someone with both, but none have emerged since Ronald Reagan, a man with "charisma" and executive experience both in and out of politics.

Excerpt: The top tier of candidates includes many in the news like Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney, but some newbies have scratched their way into the category like budget-slashing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Long shots include some who've already made trips to Iowa, like former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

"A starting place. That's all anybody has," said Barbour, dismissing talk of front-runners this far out of the election.

Here's the latest list of those who want President Obama's job.

The A-Team Nine

- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the front-runner, largely because he was the runner-up to Sen. John McCain in 2008.

- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who has recently made a name for herself by endorsing winning Tea Party candidates.

- Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a social conservative in his second term.

- Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a fiscal conservative in his second term.

- Mike Huckabee, a Fox host and former 2008 presidential candidate.

- Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

- South Dakota Sen. John Thune, a conservative and darling of the party for defeating former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004.

- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whose budget cutting in his first year has impressed many in GOP ranks who want him to apply his touch to Washington.

- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, already running and showing his conservative side.

At Least 17 Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election Field