Potential Republican Candidates - Page Two

Here is a list of some of those who were mentioned in 2008-2011 but ruled out a bid for the White House. 

 Not Running


  • Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (NY) (ruled out Oct. 11, 2011) - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Giuliani Partners LLC, which he founded in January 2002.  Partner at Bracewell & Giuliani (announced March 2005; formerly Bracewell & Patterson).  Candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2007-08.  Withdrew from U.S. Senate race in May 2000 citing prostate cancer.  Elected Mayor of the City of New York in Nov. 1993, re-elected in 1997.  Ran for Mayor of New York City in 1989, losing by the narrowest margin in the City's history.  Appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, 1983.  Appointed Associate Attorney General, 1981.  Practiced law at Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler, 1977-81.  Served two years in Washington as Associate Deputy Attorney General and chief of staff to the Deputy Attorney General.  Joined the U.S. Attorney's office in 1970; served as Chief of the Narcotics Unit and rose to executive U.S. Attorney.  Graduate of Manhattan College, 1965 and New York University Law School, 1968.  Born May 28, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY.
  • Giuliani seemed an unlikely candidate following his poor showing in the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, but there were sporadic reports indicating he might run.  The New York Post, citing sources, reported on Jan. 7, 2011 that Guiliani was "rounding up his top political advisers for a possible 2012 presidential run."  A Jan. 24 interview on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" kept the door open.  As of May 24 he was still "seriously considering" a run.  An August 19 report on Real Clear Politics quoted Giuliani advisor Jake Menges stating that the former mayor was "seriously looking at" a campaign and "actively thinking about it."  In late September Menges visited New Hampshire and met with a number of key Republicans, reportedly to gauge interest.
  • Independent Site: Rudy Giuliani 2012 Facebook page
  • Gov. Chris Christie (ruled out on Oct. 4, 2011) Elected governor in Nov. 2009.  United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, 2002-08.  Defeated in 1995 bid for New Jersey General Assembly seat.  Elected to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1994.  Attorney at Dughi, Hewit & Palatucci.  J.D. from Seton Hall University Law School, 1987; B.A. in political science from University of Delaware, 1984.  Born September 6, 1962.
     A Tea Party favorite, Christie was hailed as a "conservative rock star."  He repeatedly and unequivocally ruled out a presidential run (see for example April 27, 2010 remarks) but was the subject of persisent efforts to lure him into the race.  On May 31, 2011 a group of Iowans led by Bruce Rastetter made a trip to New Jersey and met with Christie.  On June 15 a group of South Carolina legislators seeking to draft Christie, including Rep. Kris Crawford, held a news conference at the State House in Columbia.  A new round of buzz  around a possible Christie campaign developed in late September (+) after Gov. Rick Perry ran into trouble with uneven debate performances.  Christie gave serious consideration to the entreaties.
    Independent Site: DraftChristie2012.

  • Former Gov. Sarah Palin (ruled out on Oct. 5, 2011) - Chairs Sarah PAC, which she formed in Jan. 2009.  Resigned as Governor July 2009.  Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008.  Elected Governor of Alaska in 2006.  Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 2003-04.  Unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in 2002.  Elected Mayor of Wasilla in 1996 and re-elected in 1999 (served two three-year terms through 2002).  Elected to the Wasilla City Council in 1992 and 1995.  TV sportscaster in Anchorage.  Bachelor's degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho, 1987 after attending several other colleges.  Born February 11, 1964 in Sandpoint, ID.
  • Although she denounced the "lamestream" media, Palin was the media darling of the pre-campaign period.  Her "Going Rogue" book tour in Nov.-Dec. 2009 received extensive coverage. (+)  At the grassroots level many Palin websites sprang up.  She was central figure in at least eight magazine covers in 2009 and 18 in 2010 compared to just one or two for any other potential candidates.  Palin's "One Nation" tour which started in May 2011 and included an Iowa stop in August rekindled speculation.  However most observers were skeptical she would run.
    Official: Sarah PAC | Facebook | FOX News: "Real American Stories" | TLC: "Sarah Palin's Alaska" | Sarah Palin Legal Defense Fund | WSB.  Independent Sites: 2012 Draft Sarah Committee | more.  More: C-SPAN.

  • Amb. John Bolton (ruled out on Sept. 6, 2011) - Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; of counsel at Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 2005-06.  Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, 2001-05.  Senior vice president at AEI, 1997-2001.  Attorney, Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus, 1993-99.  Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs at the Department of State, 1989-93.  Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, 1985-89.  Attorney at Covington & Burling, 1983-85.  General counsel and then an Assistant Administrator at U.S. AID, 1981-83.  Attorney at Covington & Burling, 1974-81.  J.D. from Yale University Law School, 1974; B.A. from Yale University, 1970.
    Official: American Enterprise Institute.  Independent Site: John Bolton for President Facebook page.  More: C-SPAN.

  • Former Gov. George Pataki (Pataki seemed to rule out a run in an April 20, 2011 appearance on the Sean Hannity show.  However by May he had pulled back a bit on that.  Pataki was scheduled to speak at a Republican Party of Iowa picnic on August 27, and it seemed that he would announce his candidacy there; the WSJ even found a prototype campaign website.  However, on August 26 Pataki cancelled the appearance: statement) - Honorary chairman of No American Debt, launched April 20, 2011.  Chairman of Revere America, formed in April 2010 through Feb. 2011.  Founder and chairman of the Pataki-Cahill Group, a consulting firm, and counsel at Chadbourne and Parke, LLP.   Elected Governor of New York in Nov. 1994, defeating Mario Cuomo; re-elected 1998 and 2002; did not seek re-election in 2006, and served through Jan. 1, 2007.  (Following the Nov. 2004 elections, Pataki held the distinction of being the longest serving governor in the United States).  Elected to the State Senate in 1992.  Elected to the State Assembly four times.  Elected Mayor of Peekskill in 1981, re-elected 1983.  Graduate of Yale University, 1967 and Columbia Law School, 1970.  Born June 24, 1945 on the family farm in Peekskill, NY.
    Official: No American Debt  | The Pataki-Cahill Group | Chadbourne & Parke LLP | (Revere America). More: C-SPAN. 

  • Gov. Mitch Daniels (ruled out on May 22, 2011) - Elected Governor of Indiana in 2004 and re-elected in 2008.  Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, 2001-03.  Executive at Eli Lilly and Company from 1990-2000, serving as vice president of corporate affairs, president of North American pharmaceutical operations, and senior vice president of corporate strategy and policy.  CEO of the Hudson Institute, 1987-90; also partner at Baker & Daniels.  Deputy assistant for intergovernmental affairs then political director to President Ronald Reagan, 1985-87.  Executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, 1983-84.  Chief of staff to Sen. Richard Lugar.  Aide to Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar, 1971-75.  J.D. from Georgetown University, 1979; undergraduate degree from Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton, 1971.  Born April 7, 1949 in Monogahela, PA.
    Official: Governor's Office | Mitch for Governor Campaign Committee (2008) | Aiming Higher PAC.  Independent Sites: Americans for Mitch | Switch 2 Mitch | Students for Mitch Daniels.  More: C-SPAN.
  • Donald Trump (ruled out on May 16, 2011) - Chairman and CEO of the Trump Organization, which he founded in 1971.  Author of more than a dozen books.  Host and executive producer of the NBC reality show "The Apprentice."  Considered seeking the Reform Party presidential nomination in 2000.  Started his business career in an office he shared with his father, Fred, in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and worked there for five years.  B.S. from University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 1968, after attending Fordham University.  Born June 14, 1946 in Queens, NY.  
    Official:     Trump Organization.  Independent Sites: Should Trump Run? | Draft Trump 2012

  • Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (ruled out on May 14, 2011) - Host of "Huckabee" on the FOX News Channel, and "The Huckabee Report" on the Citadel Media Network; chairman of Huck PAC.  Candidate for the 2008 Republican nomination for president, obtaining almost 4.3 million votes.  Elected Governor of Arkansas in 1998 and 2002, after becoming Governor on July 15, 1996, following the resignation of Gov. Jim Guy Tucker.  Term limited and not eligible to seek re-election in 2006; finished term on Jan. 9, 2007.  Chairman of the National Governors Association, July 2005-6.  Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, 1993-96.  President of Cambridge Communications in Texarkana, 1992-96.  President of KBSC-TV, a 24 hour UHF channel in Texarkana, 1987-92.  President of the Arkansas State Baptist Convention, 1989-91.  Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, 1980-86.  Graduate of Ouachita Baptist University at Arkadelphia, 1977 and attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.  Born August 24, 1955 in Hope, AR.
    Official: Mike Huckabee.com | The Huckabee Report | Huckabee (FOXNews) | Huck PAC.  Independent Sites: Huck's Army | Mike Huckabee President 2012 | Huckabee Fan Club.  More: C-SPAN.

  • Gov. Haley Barbour (ruled out on April 25, 2011) - Elected Governor of Mississippi in 2003 and re-elected in 2007; chairman of the Republican Governors Association from June 2009 through 2010.  Co-founder (1991), chair and CEO of Barbour Griffith & Rogers, a Washington, DC lobbying firm.  Chair of the Republican National Committee for two terms, 1993-97.  Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs, 1985-86.  Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, 1982.  Southern coordinator on Gov. John Connally (TX)'s 1980 campaign.  Southeast coordinator on President Ford's 1976 campaign.  Executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party, 1973-76.  Attorney, 1973-85. Worked on the 1972 Republican campaign in Mississippi.  Ran the 1970 Census in Missississippi.  J.D. from University of Mississippi Law School, 1973; attended University of Mississippi but did not earn a degree, instead working as a field organizer on Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign.  Born October 22, 1947 in Yazoo City, MS.
    Official: Governor's Office | Haley's PAC | Leading Authorities.  Independent Site: Draft Haley for Vice President (2008).  More: C-SPAN.

  • Sen. John Thune (ruled out on Feb. 22, 2011) - Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, defeating Majority Leader Tom Daschle; faced no opponent in 2010 re-election bid. Narrowly lost U.S. Senate race in 2002.  Elected to Congress in 1996 and re-elected in 1998 and 2000.  Executive director of the South Dakota Municipal League, 1993-96.  State Railroad Director, 1991-93.  Executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party, 1989-91.  Served in the Small Business Administration.  Staffer for U.S. Sen. Jim Abdnor.  M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota, 1984; B.S. from Biola University (in California), 1983.  Born January 7, 1961 in Pierre, SD.
    Official: Senate Office | Friends of John Thune (2010 Re-elect) | Heartland Values PAC.  More: C-SPAN.

  • Rep. Mike Pence (ruled out on Jan. 27, 2011) - Elected to Congress in 2000 and subsequently; represents IN-6.  Chairman of the House Republican Conference, Nov. 2008-Nov. 2010; unsuccessful candidate for Minority Leader in Nov. 2006; chairman of the Republican Study Committee, 2005-06.  Radio broadcaster starting in 1992.  President of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, a conservative think tank, 1991. Unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1988 and 1990.  J.D. from Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, 1986; undergraduate degree from Hanover College (IN), 1981.  Born June 7, 1959 in Columbus, IN.
    Official: House Office | Mike Pence Committee (2010 Re-elect) | Win Back America PAC.  Independent Site: America's President Committee | SC Drafts Pence.  More: C-SPAN.

  • -Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) unequivocally ruled out a bid in an Aug. 22, 2011 statement.  An August 17 Weekly Standard  blog posting (Stephen F. Hayes.  "GOP Bigs Push Paul Ryan to Run" >) had prompted a boomlet of speculation.
  • -Sen. Jim DeMint (SC), a Tea Party favorite, played a major role in promoting conservative Senate candidates in the 2010 mid-term elections, but showed a decided disinterest in running for president. 
  • Senate Office | Senate Conservatives Fund. Independent Site: Draft Jim DeMint.

  • -A February 6, 2011 article in the Birmingham News (AL) floated the name of former Gov. Bob Riley (AL) and created a day or two of buzz.  Charles J. Dean and Kim Chandler.  "GOP insiders reported urging former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley to run for White House."  The Birmingham News, Feb. 6, 2011. >

  • -Sen. Marco Rubio (FL)'s successful 2010 campaign attracted national attention and support and generated talk of a 2012 presidential campaign before he was even sworn in, but he has brushed off the notion.
  • Independent Site: Draft Marco Rubio.

  • -Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA) had been mentioned as a potential candidate, but most observers ruled him out following his flawed response to President Obama's Feb. 2009 address to a joint session of Congress.  Jindal has re-emerged on the national stage following the BP oil disaster and he also has a book out: Leadership and Crisis (Regnery, Nov. 15, 2010). 
  • Governor's Office | 2011 Re-election
  • -Former Gov. Jeb Bush (FL) is seen as a strong Republican leader—for example he was featured in a cover story on the Feb. 21, 2011 issue of National Review—but has shown no inclination to run. Foundation for Excellence in Education.  Independent Site: Jeb Bush 2012 Facebook page

  • -Sen. Scott Brown (MA) generated a bit of buzz following his upset win in Jan. 2010; he ruled out a 2012 run in an April 23, 2010 appearance on NBC's "Today" show. 
  • 2012 re-elect

  • -Gen. David Petraeus was a subject of presidential speculation since 2007, but said no, repeatedly, to the idea of running for president.  See for example his Aug. 15, 2010 appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."  Independent Site: Americans for Petraeus 2012 Facebook page

  • -Former Vice President Dick Cheney was subject of a Draft Cheney 2012 effort around the time of CPAC 2010.

  • -Gov. Mark Sanford (SC) had some support until the scandal over his affair broke in June 2009; see June 24 press conference.

  • -Sen. John Ensign (NV) had been seen as looking at a possible run until the story of his extramarital affair broke in mid-June 2009.

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