2012 United States presidential election

United States presidential election, 2012

November 6, 2012

Projected electoral college map for the 2012, 2016, and 2020 elections.

The United States presidential election of 2012 is the next presidential election to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 and will be the 57th quadrennial United States presidential election, in which the popularly elected presidential electors will select the President and the Vice President of the United States. Democratic President Barack Obama will be eligible to run for his second and final term during this election.

The 2012 presidential election will coincide with the United States Senate elections where 33 races will be occurring as well as the United States House of Representatives elections to elect the members for the 113th Congress. The election will also encompass eleven gubernatorial races as well as many state legislature races.

Electoral College changes

The 2010 Census will ultimately decide how the electoral map will be laid out for the 2012 election, but population projections based upon Census updates give an estimate of how the Electoral College vote apportionment will change. The Census occurs every ten years and is the basis for electoral vote reapportionment based on relative state population changes. According to a study based on the 2007 population estimates, the likely changes are as follows.

Likely gainers

• Texas - 4 more votes
• Arizona - 2 more votes
• Florida - 1 more vote
• Georgia - 1 more vote
• Nevada - 1 more vote
• North Carolina - 1 more vote
• Oregon - 1 more vote
• South Carolina - 1 more vote
• Utah - 1 more vote

Likely losers

• Ohio - 2 fewer votes
• California - 1 fewer vote
• Illinois - 1 fewer vote
• Iowa - 1 fewer vote
• Louisiana - 1 fewer vote
• Massachusetts - 1 fewer vote
• Michigan - 1 fewer vote
• Minnesota - 1 fewer vote
• Missouri - 1 fewer vote
• New Jersey - 1 fewer vote
• New York - 1 fewer vote
• Pennsylvania - 1 fewer vote

States in blue represent states won by the Democratic Party in the 2008 presidential election, while names in red represent states won by the Republican Party. Based on the 2008 results, this would give the Democratic Party a net loss of seven electoral votes, for a national total of 358, and the Republican Party a net gain of seven electoral votes, for a national total of 180.

Potential congressional enlargement

If the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 had passed, the Electoral College may be expanded by the addition of a new elector. The act would have replaced the congressional delegate from the District of Columbia (at present Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat) with a voting representative in the House for the 112th Congress. However, this would affect the Electoral College; adding a new congressional district in the state of Utah, for which a representative would be elected in 2010 to serve in the 112th Congress starting in 2011.

As the number of electors in the Electoral College is the number of United States senators (100) plus the number of voting members of the United States House of Representatives (435) plus a provision of a minimum number of electors for the District of Columbia pursuant to the Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution (3), the addition of two voting House members, one of whom would already be represented in the Electoral College by provision of the Twenty-third Amendment, would likely increase the number of electors to 539, according to blogger and statistician Nate Silver.

Election changes

Republican Party Ohio plan

The Republican Party decided in 2008 that they would implement an Ohio plan that would divide the primary states in their nominating process into three tiers: early states, small states, and large states. It would allow the early states to retain their status and tradition of being states that vote first. By the end of February 2012, nineteen small states (in terms of the Electoral College) would be allowed to vote. In March, the last states, the largest ones, would then have their primaries.

Presidential conventions

Several cities have expressed interest or intent to bid for the 2012 conventions. Indianapolis, Atlanta, and San Antonio have considered bidding for the 2012 Republican National Convention while Columbus and Dallas have shown interest in bidding for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Considering previous national conventions, it is likely that parties will avoid their conventions coinciding with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, which will run from July 27 to August 12. There has been a trend in recent cycles toward holding the conventions later in the summer.

Potential candidates

The following are individuals who are, or have been, the subject of speculation in prominent media sources as being possible presidential contenders in the 2012 election. The speculation may stem from noted media analysts and commentators, or from actions or comments made by the individuals themselves—which suggest the possibility of a presidential run—as reported in reliable media sources.

Potential Democratic Party candidates

As of July 2009, no person has announced his or her intention to run for the Democratic Party nomination.

President Barack Obama of Illinois

Barack Obama, born August 4, 1961, was inaugurated as President of the United States on January 20, 2009. Before becoming president, he served as a United States Senator from Illinois from 2005 to 2008. He is eligible to run for a second term in 2012.

Potential Republican Party candidates

Further information: Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012

As of July 2009, no person has announced his or her intention to run for the Republican Party nomination.

Expressed interest

The following are 9 potential candidates who have either formally expressed interest into the 2012 election, or informally expressed interest for a future run for president, which is defined by anyone who has visited Iowa and/or New Hampshire, or is planning to campaign in those states or around the country. In addition, anyone who has created their very own PAC, or Political Action Committee, is possibly planning on a future nationwide campaign. A PAC is a group of hired staffers who raise money and help to gain support across the country. Somebody here may have denied interest for the moment, but never ruled out running and claimed that it is too early to decide.

Formally expressed interest
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia		Newt Gingrich, born June 17, 1943, represented Georgia's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1979 until 1999. He served as House Minority Whip between 1989 and 1995, and as Speaker of the House between 1995 and 1999. He was considered a potential candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2008 presidential election, saying in June 2006 that he would run if no frontrunner emerged, but in September 2007 announced he would not run. Between October 2008 and April 2009, the possibility of a Gingrich candidacy was mentioned in columns by Marc Ambinder, Robert Novak, and Robert Schlesinger. In March 2009, Gingrich said that he would "look seriously" at the prospect of a 2012 presidential run. If nominated and elected, he would be 69 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 73 at the completion of his first term. Only Ronald Reagan has been older when first inaugurated.
Former Governor Gary E. Johnson of New Mexico		Gary E. Johnson, born January 1, 1953, served as Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. In April 2009, Bill Kauffman wrote an article in The American Conservative in which Johnson reportedly told Kauffman that "he may take a shot at the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 as an antiwar, anti-Fed, pro-personal liberties, slash-government-spending candidate—in other words, a Ron Paul libertarian."
Former Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska		Sarah Palin, born February 11, 1964, served as Governor of Alaska from December 2006 until her resignation in July 2009. She was the Republican Party's vice presidential nominee in 2008. In October 2008, aides to John McCain claimed that Palin was "going rogue", prompting pollster Peter D. Hart to say that Palin was "no longer playing for 2008, she's playing 2012." Following the vice presidential debate, The Washington Post said that "for a party that may well be looking to redefine itself in 2012, Palin stands out" from the potential Republican field. In an interview with The Times following McCain's loss in the 2008 election, Palin said "if there is an open door [to run for president] in Twelve — or 4 years later — and if it’s something that’s going to be good for my family, my state, my nation, an opportunity for me, then I’ll plough on through it." In July 2009, Palin announced that she would resign as Governor before the end of that month. Paul Volpe of The Washington Post wrote that her decision would allow her to "build a national political team and travel the country in support of an expected 2012 presidential bid," while political analyst Larry Sabato argued that the announcement "eliminates her from serious consideration for the presidency in 2012."

Informally expressed interest (as defined above)
Former Governor George Pataki of New York		George Pataki, born June 24, 1945, served as Governor of New York from 1995 to 2006. Pataki is also reported to have been approached by National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn with regard to running in the 2010 United States Senate special election in New York. He was considered a potential 2008 presidential candidate, but declined to run. In April 2009, he traveled to Iowa to deliver a speech criticising President Obama, causing ABC News and The Politico to consider him a potential candidate.
Former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts		Mitt Romney, March 12, 1947, served as Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. He was a candidate in the 2008 Republican primaries, and placed third in delegates. He was considered a potential vice presidential nominee, and was first mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate immediately after suspending his 2008 campaign. Romney has been arguably the most ambitious politician following the 2008 election. In fact many news outlets have mentioned him as a potential candidate since the election ended, with reference to his hiring staff through his Free and Strong America Political Action Committee and his reiteration of his pro-life views. He also plans to publish an "ideas book describing challenges in America" in early 2010.
Former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee		Fred Thompson, born August 19, 1941, served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1994 to 2003. He ran in the 2008 Republican primaries, but did not win any delegates. Thompson has become clearly ambitious. In an August 2008 column for The Weekly Standard, Stephen F. Hayes identified to Thompson's forming a Political Action Committee, raising money, and writing a book as signs he may be considering another presidential campaign. In addition, following the 2008 election Thompson began hosting his own radio talk show. If nominated and elected, he would be 71 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 75 at the completion of his first term. He would thus be older than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Ronald Reagan, who was just short of 70).

Verbally expressed an interest, but made no definite plans of running.
Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi		Haley Barbour, born October 22, 1947, has served as the Governor of Mississippi since 2004, prior to which he served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1993 to 1997. Barbour was first mentioned as a potential candidate in November 2008, in an article in The Politico in which he was quoted as saying "one of the worst things that can happen to the Republican Party in our effort to rebuild is for a bunch of people to start running for president." In May 2009, The Washington Post reported that Barbour would travel to Iowa in late June, and in June reported that the New Hampshire Republican State Committee had sent out an invitation to an "evening with Haley Barbour". An unnamed "GOP operative" was quoted as saying "When you start going to Iowa and New Hampshire, the writing's on the wall." In June 2009, Barbour said that he would "probably never" make a decision on running for president. Barbour visited Iowa again on June 25, 2009, sidestepping discussion about his presidential bid until after the 2010 elections. “If after that, it seems like a reasonable thing, I will consider it... I have no intention to run for president. But I’ve been around long enough to ‘say never say never’”.
Former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas		Mike Huckabee, born August 24, 1955, served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He ran in the 2008 Republican primaries, placing second in delegates. After ending his campaign in March 2008, he was mentioned as a potential vice presidential nominee. Huckabee has came out as one of the most ambitious politicians following the election. When asked about a possible presidential campaign in November 2008, Huckabee said "I'm not ruling anything out for the future, but I'm not making any specific plans." In December 2008, Huckabee said "I'm pretty sure I'll be out there. Whether it's for myself or somebody else I may decide will be a better standard bearer, that remains to be seen." As of June 2009, Huckabee has visited Iowa three times since his victory in the 2008 Iowa caucuses. When asked about his organization in Iowa and a potential 2012 run in an interview with Radio Iowa, Huckabee said that there was "nothing formal yet." In addition, Huckabee has launched his own television show on Fox News, launched his own radio show, and even published his own book. He has done all these things in early 2009.
Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota		Tim Pawlenty, born November 27, 1960, has served as Governor of Minnesota since 2003, and has announced that he will not seek re-election to that office in 2010. Pawlenty was briefly considered a potential presidential candidate in 2008, but after winning re-election as Governor in 2006 ruled out running. Pawlenty was a co-chair of John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008, and was considered a potential vice presidential nominee. Pawlenty has been considered a potential 2012 candidate both based on his actions during the 2008 election season and following his decision not to seek re-election. In June 2009, U.S. News & World Report reported that Pawlenty would travel the country to build support for a presidential run, before deciding in 2011 whether "there is enough of a base on which to build his campaign." In July 2009, it was announce that Pawlenty would be the vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association, and will form a PAC. Washington Post anaylist Chris Cillizza says this step moves Pawlenty up to the almost certain to run category along with Romney.

Either denied interest or haven't issued any statement

Currently there are 19 people who have been speculated as possible candidates for running in 2012. The speculation is largely from journalists and pundits who are commenting from prominent newspapers, magazines, and U.S. cable news networks. These candidates denied interest by refusing to decide at the moment or he/she haven't ruled out anything.

Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas		Sam Brownback, born September 12, 1956, has served as a United States Senator from Kansas since 1996, prior to which he represented Kansas's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1996. He ran for president in 2008, but withdrew from the race before the beginning of the primaries. He has announced that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2010, and is expected to run for Governor of Kansas in the 2010 election. In a June 2009 feature in The Washington Post, former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom C. Korologos wrote that Brownback is one of the Republican Party's "many qualified messengers" for 2012.
Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina		Richard Burr, born November 30, 1955, has served as a United States Senator from North Carolina since 2005, prior to which he represented North Carolina's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2005. In May 2009, Paul Bedard of the U.S. News & World Report included Burr as one of several potential dark horse candidates chosen by polling "Republican leaders."
Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida		Jeb Bush, born February 11, 1953, served as Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. He is a member of the Bush family: the brother of former President George W. Bush and the son of former President George H. W. Bush. Bush was initially mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate prior to his brother's leaving office, and George W. Bush was, in May 2006, quoted as saying "I would like to see Jeb run at some point in time, but I have no idea if that's his intention or not." In January 2009, his father said "I'd like to see him be president some day," while in May 2009 former Vice President Dick Cheney said that he would "probably support him for president." In June 2009, John Aloysius Farrell of the U.S. News & World Report commented that recent "self-destructions" by other potential candidates made a Bush run "not impossible."
House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia		Eric Cantor, born June 6, 1963, has represented Virginia's 7th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2001, and serves as House Minority Whip in the 111th Congress. He was considered a potential vice presidential nominee in 2008, and was vetted by the McCain campaign. In February 2009, Time published an article characterising Cantor as a "2012 wannabe" and "the Newt Gingrich of his generation". In July 2009, Mary Ann Akers of The Washington Post reported that Cantor had been receiving speech coaching and wrote that "It's not exactly a secret that Cantor, who has been playing a more visible role lately, has ambitions for higher office."
Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee		Bob Corker, born August 24, 1952 has served as a United States Senator from Tennessee since 2007, prior to which he served as mayor of Chattanooga from 2001 to 2005. In June 2009, Domenico Montanaro of MSNBC named Corker a "2012 possibility" and noted that he was "clearly ambitious and has made sure to get his office’s press releases in national reporters’ e-mail inboxes."
Senator John Cornyn of Texas		John Cornyn, born February 2, 1952, has served as a United States Senator from Texas since 2002, and also serves as Chairman of the National Republican Committee in the 111th Congress. In a June 2009 feature in The Washington Post, Lisa Schiffren wrote that Cornyn was "principled but needs an issue to be identified with", while former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom C. Korologos wrote that Cornyn was one of the Republican Party's "many qualified messengers."
Governor Charlie Crist of Florida	File:Gov charlie crist head.jpg	Charlie Crist, born July 24, 1956, has served as Governor of Florida since 2007. He was considered a potential Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008. Crist was mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate both during and in the immediate aftermath of the 2008 election, including during the National Governors Association's annual winter meeting. In May 2009, Crist announced that he would not run for re-election as Governor, and would instead run in Florida's open-seat U.S. Senate race.
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York		Rudy Giuliani, born May 28, 1944, served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He was a candidate in the 2008 Republican primaries, but withdrew from the race in January 2008, having won no delegates. He was mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate in October 2008 by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which cited his campaigning for John McCain and the fact that his website continued to ask for donations as reasons. In November 2008, Giuliani did not rule out running for president in 2012 or for Governor of New York in 2010. He commented "no one knows whether you'll do something again until you come to the point of: 'Is it possible to do it again? Would you have a chance of winning?'" In June 2009, Giuliani said he was "thinking about" running for Governor of New York. Fred Barnes, Executive Editor of the Weekly Standard, told Fox News that if "Rudy Giuliani runs in New York and is elected governor. That would sure line him up for another race" for the White House in 2012. In July 2009, Matt Lewis of AOL's Politics Daily wrote that, following Obama's comments regarding the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Giuliani's strength in New England and on law and order issues could make Republican voters "more willing to overlook Rudy's flaws." If nominated and elected, he would be 68 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 72 at the completion of his first term. Only Ronald Reagan has been older when first inaugurated.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas		Kay Bailey Hutchison, born July 22, 1943, has served as a United States Senator from Texas since 1993. She has established an exploratory committee to run for Governor of Texas against the Republican incumbent Rick Perry in the 2010 gubernatorial election. In March 2009, Reihan Salam of The Atlantic wrote that "Hutchison might be positioning herself for a presidential run by challenging current Texas Governor Rick Perry. The danger is that her moderately pro-choice position - she favors a number of abortion restrictions, including parental notification laws, but she is also in favor of Roe v. Wade - will undermine her candidacy." If nominated and elected, she would be 69 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 73 at the completion of her first term. Only Ronald Reagan has been older when first inaugurated.
Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana	File:LouisianaGovernor.jpg	Bobby Jindal, born June 10, 1971, has served as Governor of Louisiana since January 2008, prior to which he represented Louisiana's 1st district in the United States House of Representatives from 2005 to 2008. In the 2008 presidential election he was mentioned as a possible Republican vice presidential nominee. If nominated and elected in 2012, Jindal would become the first Asian-American elected to the presidency. Jindal delivered the official Republican response to President Obama's speech to a joint session of congress, which was poorly received by the media. Louisiana holds its gubernatorial elections in the years prior to presidential elections, meaning that Jindal is able to run for re-election in 2011. At a news conference in December 2008, Jindal was asked whether he planned to run for president in 2012, to which he replied "no", but did not rule out changing his mind. If nominated and elected, he would be 41 on Inauguration Day 2013. He would thus be more than a year younger than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Theodore Roosevelt, who was 42 when inaugurated after the assassination of his predecessor) and more than two years younger than any President has been when first inaugurated after being elected (a record held by John F Kennedy, who was 43).
Former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho		Dirk Kempthorne, born October 29, 1951, most recently served as United States Secretary of the Interior, prior to which he served as the Governor of Idaho and a United States Senator. In January 2009, Marc Ambinder wrote a column published on The Atlantic's website, quoting Business and Industry Political Action Committee CEO Greg Casey as saying that Kempthorne is "an immensely capable guy."
Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona		Jon Kyl, born April 5, 1942, has servd as a United States Senator from Arizona since 1995 and the Senate Minority Whip since 2007, prior to which he represented Arizona's 4th congressional district from 1987 to 1995. When asked in January 2009 whether he planned to support Sarah Palin in the 2012 Republican primaries, 2008 nominee John McCain said it would be "improper" to commit because "I don’t know who’s running, for one thing, because, for example, my friend Jon Kyl, my colleague from Arizona." When asked whether Kyl planned to run, McCain said "Now, wait a minute. Jon would be astonished to hear that I said that." If nominated and elected, he would be 70 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 74 at the completion of his first term. He would thus be older than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Ronald Reagan, who was just short of 70).
Senator John McCain of Arizona		John McCain, born August 29, 1936 has served as a United States Senator from Arizona since 1987, prior to which he represented Arizona's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 presidential election. In June 2009, Paul Bedard of the U.S. News & World Report wrote that "we hear from Sen. John McCain's posse that he is not considering a 2012 rerun of his failed 2008 presidential campaign ... Word came this week that he is mulling over another try, but a key insider says, "Ridiculous."" If nominated and elected, he would be 76 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 80 at the completion of his first term. He would thus be more than 6 years older than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Ronald Reagan, who was just short of 70) and more than 2 years older than any President has been at any inauguration (Reagan was just short of 74 at his second inauguration).
Representative Ron Paul of Texas		Ron Paul, born August 20, 1935, has represented Texas's 14th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 1997, prior to which he represented the 22nd district from 1976 to 1977 and from 1979 to 1985. He ran for President as a Republican in the 2008 primaries, in which he placed third in delegates. Paul also ran for president in United States presidential election, 1988 as the nominee of the Libertarian Party. In a November 2008 online column for Reason, Paul's grandson-in-law Jesse Benton was quoted as saying that Paul "hasn’t closed out the idea of another run" and that "by the middle of 2009, the decision needs to be made." He also said that Paul would be "very likely to be running as a Republican again." In March 2009, when asked whether he planned to run in 2012, Paul replied "I don't think so, I'm not planning on that. It's a long way off. I hardly can visualize what the country is going to be like then." If nominated and elected, he would be 77 on Inauguration Day 2013, and 81 at the completion of his first term. He would thus be more than 7 years older than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Ronald Reagan, who was just short of 70) and more than 3 years older than any President has been at any inauguration (Reagan was just short of 74 at his second inauguration).
Governor Rick Perry of Texas		Rick Perry, born March 4, 1950, has served as Governor of Texas since 2000. In January 2009, Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist mentioned Perry as a potential 2012 candidate. Following Perry's public opposition to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Shaila Dewan of The New York Times wrote that he was "a potential candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012."
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of California		Condoleezza Rice, born November 14, 1954, served as the United States Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009, prior to which she served as National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005. She was considered a potential vice presidential nominee in the 2008 presidential election, but denied interest in running. In a June 2009 feature in The Washington Post, former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom C. Korologos wrote that Rice is one of the Republican Party's "many qualified messengers" for 2012.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania		Tom Ridge, born August 26, 1945, served as the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2005 and Governor of Pennsylvania from 1996 to 2001, prior to which he represented Pennsylvania's 21st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives between 1983 and 1995. He was considered a potential vice presidential nominee in the 2008 presidential election. In an interview aired on C-SPAN in June 2009, Ridge said a 2012 presidential run was "unlikely", but that he "learned a long time ago never to say never."
Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin		Paul Ryan, born January 29, 1970, has represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1999. In April 2009, Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote, "Ryan scoffed when asked about the possibility of testing the presidential waters in 2012," and quoted Ryan as saying "It ain't gonna happen. My ambitions don't go there anyway." In a June 2009 feature in The Washington Post, former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom C. Korologos listed Ryan, among others, as a "qualified messenger" for the 2012 election. Also in June 2009, Domenico Montanaro of MSNBC described Ryan as "one of the party’s rising stars -- he’s young, affable and articulate." If nominated and elected, he would be just over 42 on Inauguration Day 2013. He would thus be younger than any President has been when first inaugurated (a record held by Theodore Roosevelt, who was aged 42 years and 10 months when inaugurated after the assassination of his predecessor) and more than a year younger than any President has been when first inaugurated after being elected (a record held by John F Kennedy, who was 43).
Senator John Thune of South Dakota		John Thune, born January 7, 1961, has served as a United States Senator from South Dakota since 2005. He was mentioned as a potential vice presidential nominee in 2008. He has been mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate by numerous sources, since May 2007.

Ruled out running

The following is defined by somebody who has flat out ruled out running or said that he/she would never even consider running for president. However, somebody who simply denied interest because it's too early to decide should not be in this list. Somebody who has completely ruled out or said they would never consider it don't have the "doors open" to change their mind. For example, Bobby Jindal denied interest in running because he wants to run for re-election. He could have ruled it out but didn't, signaling that the doors are open to change his mind and decide last minute not run for re-election and instead run for president.

Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota		Michele Bachmann, born April 6, 1956, has represented Minnesota's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2007. When appearing on C-SPAN's Washington Journal in March 2009, Bachmann was asked if she planned on running for president or other executive office, to which she replied "I have no intention of running for higher office."
Former Vice President Dick Cheney of Wyoming		Dick Cheney, born January 30, 1941, served as Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, prior to which he served as United States Secretary of Defense (1989–1993), House Minority Whip (1989), a U.S. Representative (1979–1989), and the White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977). Since leaving office Cheney has frequently criticized the Obama administration. His actions in 2009 led Steve Benen of Washington Monthly (in May) and Peter Roff of U.S. News & World Report (in June) to speculate that Cheney was considering a run. Although Cheney had said in 2005 when asked about a presidential run "not only no, but hell no". He has also used the Shermanesque response in response to any question about running for president.
Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana		Mitch Daniels, born April 7, 1949, has served as Governor of Indiana since 2005, prior to which served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget between 2001 and 2003. Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post described Daniels's 2008 gubernatorial campaign as "the best gubernatorial campaign of 2008", noting that his campaign was "a testament to ... why he is already being touted in some circles as a 2012 presidential candidate for the GOP." Between December 2008 and June 2009, the possibility of a Daniels candidacy was mentioned by Michael Barone, William Kristol, and Byron York. Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute, Daniels ended speculation that he will run by saying "I've only ever run for or held one office. It's the last one I'm going to hold."
Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina		Jim DeMint, born September 2, 1951, has served as a United States Senator from South Carolina since 2005, prior to which he represented South Carolina's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005. In November 2008, the Charleston City Paper referred to a report by The Bulletin which speculated on a potential 2012 presidential run by DeMint. When asked by Sean Hannity in June 2009 whether he would "ever consider" running for president, DeMint said he would not.
Representative Mike Pence of Indiana		Mike Pence, born June 7, 1959, has represented Indiana's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2001, and serves as the Chairman of the House Republican Conference in the 111th Congress. Pence's fiscal conservatism and opposition to the policies of the Obama administration have been given as reasons voters may support him in 2012. In June 2009, Domenico Montanaro of MSNBC wrote that Pence has "made the cable rounds, but it remains to be seen if average voters could pick him out of a lineup." In July 2009, Congressional Quarterly reported that Pence had scheduled "a trip to Iowa starting July 25.". Pence, however, told The Des Moines Register, "I have no plans to run for president. I'm entirely focused on the people of eastern Indiana and electing as many Republicans to the U.S. House as we can," Pence told The Des Moines Register in a phone interview Thursday. "The future will take care of itself."
General David Petraeus of New Hampshire		David Petraeus, born November 7, 1952, has been commander of United States Central Command since October 2008, prior to which he served as Commanding General of the Multinational Force - Iraq. He has been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate since late 2007 by publications such as The New York Sun, The American Prospect, The New York Times, Forbes, and Mother Jones, which compared him to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. When asked whether he had any interest in running on Fox News Sunday in December 2007, he replied "I have great respect for those who do choose to serve our country in that way. I've chosen to serve our country in uniform. And I think that General [William Tecumseh] Sherman had it right when he gave what is now commonly referred to as a Shermanesque response when asked a similar question."

Former potential candidates

The following are politicians who were once considered potential candidates, but whose circumstances have changed so as to make a presidential campaign highly improbable or impossible. Such circumstances may include death, illness, or direct involvement in a major scandal. Joining of the Obama Administration is also such a circumstance, as one who is appointed to President Obama's cabinet cannot run against his re-election campaign.

Senator John Ensign of Nevada		John Ensign, born March 25, 1958, has served as a United States Senator from Nevada since 2001, prior to which he represented Nevada's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. In the 110th Congress, he served as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and in the 111th Congress he served as Republican Policy Committee Chairman. In April 2009, the National Journal reported that Ensign would speak at an American Future Fund event in Iowa on June 1, describing it as "a move that will stoke speculation about his political future." He later added two extra events in Iowa in June. However, in June 2009, Ensign admitted to having had an extramarital affair with a member of his campaign staff. He resigned his position as Republican Policy Committee Chairman.
Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. of Utah		Jon Huntsman, Jr., born March 26, 1960 in Palo Alto, California, has been serving as Governor of Utah since 2005, prior to which he served as United States Ambassador to Singapore in 1992 and 1993. He was considered a potential 2012 candidate following the 2008 presidential election, but was nominated by President Obama to be United States Ambassador to China on May 16, 2009.
Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina	File:Governor Mark Sanford Jobs and Growth Tour.jpg	Mark Sanford, born May 28, 1960, has served as Governor of South Carolina since 2003, prior to which he represented South Carolina's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. He was considered a potential vice presidential nominee in 2008. Sanford had been considered a potential 2012 candidate due to his opposition to the Obama administration and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. When asked about a potential run in February 2009, Sanford said that he had no plans and did not consider it likely, but also said that he had "learned never to guarantee tomorrow when you don't know tomorrow." From June 18–24, 2009, Sanford's whereabouts were unknown. On June 24 it was revealed that he had been in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The same day, Sanford called a press conference and confessed to an extramarital affair, and announced that he would resign as Chair of the Republican Governors Association. Prior to the revelation of the affair, an unnamed "former Reagan and Bush adviser" was quoted as saying that Sanford had "disqualified himself" from the 2012 race.

Potential independent candidates

Attorney Ralph Nader of Connecticut		Ralph Nader, born February 27, 1934, is an attorney, author, lecturer, activist and perennial candidate for President. He ran as the nominee of the Green Party in 1996 and 2000, and as an independent in 2004 and 2008. In November 2008, Nader said that he would "maybe" run for president in 2012.
Former Governor Jesse Ventura of Minnesota		Jesse Ventura, born July 15, 1951, served as Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. In April 2008, Ventura published a book entitled Don't Start the Revolution without Me, in which he outlined a hypothetical independent 2008 presidential campaign, but denied any plans to run. In September 2008, Ventura appeared at Ron Paul's Rally for the Republic event, saying "If I see it over the next two to three years, if I see it start to rise up and if this country shows me that it's worth it for me, then maybe in 2012… I will be watching. If I see it, in 2012, we'll give them a race they'll never forget."

Potential Libertarian Party candidates

Entrepreneur Wayne Allyn Root of Nevada

File:Wayne root 1 final.jpg

Wayne Allyn Root, born July 20, 1961, is an entrepreneur, television producer, author and sports handicapper. After unsuccessfully running for the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination in 2008, he was the party's vice presidential nominee. In an October 2008 interview with The New York Times, Root said that he planned to run for president in 2012, 2016 and 2020, adding "In 2012 I expect to duplicate Ross Perot’s [1992] number of 19 million [votes]."

See also

• Nationwide opinion polling for the United States presidential election, 2012
• Statewide opinion polling for the United States presidential election, 2012