Romney In Prime Position For 2012 Run

Perhaps this is stating the obvious, but the former Massachusetts governor is looking more and more like the heir apparent for the 2012 nomination. And this was before Sanford’s Argentinian adventure.

As I see it, here’s why…

1. Unlike Palin, Mitt is staying above the fray and not getting involved in the 24 hour, media circus.
2. He was undoubtedly the strongest 2008 GOP candidate when it came to the economy and nobody in the field will be able to take that mantle from him in 2012.
3. While Romney’s Mormonism may have been an issue in 2008, base Republicans will probably ignore it if he can offer a compelling enough vision for the country.
4. Yes, it’s superficial, but Mitt looks the part of the President, and that’s important in such a media saturated society. In short, he’s a guy people would want to look at for 4 years, and McCain didn’t have that.
5. Because he’s not overexposed and potential voters seem to like him more than they did in 2008. In fact, his favorability ratings have jumped by 10 points in the last 16 months.
6. Romney isn’t Huckabee…meaning Huckabee is too religious and can’t appeal to moderates.

And it’s not just me.

Marc Ambinder shares similar sentiments…

He’s not frantic about the invisible primary. Obviously, Romney has a base of staff, donors and supporters, and he doesn’t need to panic about grabbing strategists and consultants who might defect from other potential candidates. He keeps in touch with key supporters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and the other early states, but his travel schedule is not burdened by a need to concentrate his time and resources on rebuilding lists, raising money and rebuilding his reputation.

All of this adds up to Mitt being an imposing figure in the coming years. And yes, Palin will be a force to be reckoned with, but I think any realistic Republican knows that she’s still not ready for prime time.

Here’s the question: Who can seriously challenge this guy?

(Photo: AP via Daylife)