Why even bother with a scorecard when this is your line-up?

Working our way through 2011, we've obviously started edging up on the beginnings of the 2012 Presidential election season, and thus far, all I have seen the Republicans present as potential candidates is a veritable "who's who of in God's name why?"

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (pictured at left) became the first to take any kind of formal action, launching an exploratory committee, but let's look at the other possible challengers:

Ron Paul/Newt Gingrich: As for the Texas congressman, I doubt very much he will consider another Presidential run. He established his indie/libertarian cult following in his 1988 campaign, and elevated it to near-rock star status in 2008 (yeah, he didn't win, but he probably played a bigger part in his son nabbing a U.S. Senate seat than anyone will grant), but all the added momentum will not result in any kind of increased numbers for Paul in the primaries, despite his victory in the CPAC straw poll recently. I see Paul settling into more of a statement-making role with his seniority in the current congressional majority.

As for Gingrich (pictured below right), this has to be the second biggest gimmick candidacy of 2012, right behind Donald Trump's maybe/maybe not act as of present, and my own 2012 ElectMyAss.com candidacy. Gingrich just wants to shore

---

Read More