Reply #18: That's a great question.

[Renew Deal]

I'm not certain about anyone but...

Romney is the next "in line" considering how the republicans operate.
Huckabee is always dangerous with his smooth talking, southern roots, and positive press from Fox. There are groups of republicans that HATE him and I think that's tough to overcome.
Gingrich is way too unpopular and a slimeball. I don't think republicans even like him.
Palin is dangerous if she can get enough people to buy her line. I think most people know she is a loser and will not be nominated. She has spread a good amount of money around in the attempt to buy endorsements.
If republicans want a semi-serious player and a different face, Pawlenty is a good choice. He doesn't have the big negatives of the others and has won in a liberal state.
Mitch Daniels? Who?
Haley Barbour? Should do well with the cross burners. Is an institutional republican. I don't think he has enough juice and is not well suited to the grueling campaign. He also can be criticized for Katrina response.
Bachmann? Not going to happen. Not enough crazies out there.
Ron Paul will make waves, but still doesn't have that much support. Palin and Bachmann can cut into his support as well. Not going anywhere, but is entertaining in the debates.
Santorum is just not going to win. I don't know what it is, but I don't think he can win in this field.
Herman Cain? Never going to happen.
John Bolton can make waves, but I think he's too rough even for republicans. Would southerners want him in charge of hurricane response? I don't think so.

There are others. But I think these are the players. So where does this leave us? Probably Romney vs. Palin. Romney wins if the republicans are serious about winning. Palin wins if the crazies are running the show. Pawlenty wins if the race gets too negative between the others.