GOP lineup

I don't want to do the silly pre-2012 analysis about who will and who will not run for the GOP in 2012. But it is interesting to consider which GOP names are strongest after this election cycle. I think we all agree that Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin are future candidates. But some of my other favorites are:

1. Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi. This guy has had a very successful governorship, and his comments on keeping your eye on the present and 2010 are very telling, I think.

2. Tim Pawlenty. Yes, he was a big player this past year, mostly because his name was bandied as a possible VP choice. He is also a voice that wants to spread conservatism beyond "the base." What he calls "Sam's Club Republicanism," he said on Hugh Hewitt's show, was essentially a different term for "Reagan Democrats."

3. Eric Cantor. He's the most interesting congressman to watch on the GOP House leadership.