It is never too early to think ahead about the Presidential Election of 2016, and as pundits start debating and arguing about potential candidacies for President, it turns out that several states could witness a battle for the nomination among their own office holders, as witness the following:
New York–Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand–all Democrats
Florida—Former Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Rick Scott, and Senator Marco Rubio–all Republicans.
Virginia—Governor Bob McDonnell, Republican, and Senator Mark Warner, Democrat.
Massachusetts—Governor Deval Patrick and Senator Elizabeth Warren–both Democrats.
New Jersey—Governor Chris Christie, Republican, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Democrat,
Wisconsin—Governor Scott Walker and Congressman Paul Ryan–both Republicans.
Texas—Governor Rick Perry and Senator Ted Cruz–both Republicans, and Julian Castro Mayor of San Antonio, Democrat
The question is whether if Hillary Clinton ran for President, would Governor Cuomo or Senator Gillibrand challenge her? But also, if Governor Cuomo ran for President, in the absence of Clinton, would Senator Gillibrand also contend?
Also, if former Governor Jeb Bush ran, would Governor Scott or Senator Rubio do the same? Or it could be put another way–would Jeb Bush run if Senator Rubio announced for President, since he has already taken the first step toward running by visiting Iowa, the first caucus state in 2016?
Also, if either Governor Patrick or Senator Warren ran, would the other run?
Also, if either Governor Perry or Senator Cruz ran, would the other enter the race?
And if either Governor Walker or Congressman Ryan announced, would the other run?
The Virginia, New Jersey and Texas cases, with office holders of both parties possible nominees, is more likely to occur, although the odds of Cory Booker or Julian Castro running in New Jersey and Texas likely will be based on Booker defeating Chris Christie in next year’s gubernatorial race, and Castro running for statewide office and winning, such as for Governor or Senator in 2014.
The Virginia rivalry between Republican Governor Bob McDonnell and Democratic former Governor and now Senator Mark Warner is a more likely reality.
There certainly are a lot of possibilities emerging, with the political “junkies” having a feast of speculation!