Handicapping the 2016 presidential race

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The 2016 presidential election may seem far away, but the process has already begun, as several candidates have positioned themselves to run.

In 2010, at least 17 people were being discussed as possible 2012 GOP presidential candidates. In 2015, some of those same names have resurfaced. So as not to bore you, I’ll discuss only those candidates who I would consider front-runners for the Republican nomination.

First, there’s Jeb Bush. He has the name and the money, and is gaining momentum. He’s from the crucial battleground state of Florida. It’s no secret that the Bush family has money and will receive public endorsements. Jeb will definitely be the first Republican to raise $100 million, and we all know how critically important money is in a presidential race. His candidacy will most likely stall New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s potential run by siphoning off money and supporters in the battle to become the Republican “establishment” candidate.

Then there’s Gov. Scott Walker, who is riding a Wisconsin winning streak on his brash style of politics. He has a take-no-prisoners approach to unions and has stood toe to toe in a fight against their powerful lobbies. Walker has been on the move, and will visit Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina within a month. Look for him to position himself in the middle ground between Bush’s moderation and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s right-wing rigidness.

Sen. Marco Rubio’s name has been thrown around for years in the discussion of the future of the Republican Party. He is a young candidate with fresh ideas, and he’s also from Florida. Rubio seems to be the most sophisticated candidate on national security, which in my opinion should be the most crucial campaign issue.

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