Some pundits are saying such a crowded field of potential Republican presidential candidates benefits the GOP by giving its voters the opportunity to pick the best, most versatile candidate. Detractors to this view say such a crowded races ends in all the candidates at least a little muddy before the main even in November 2012.
The only thing we can say for sure is, Iowans will have a lot to Caucus about. This may also be one of the most fractious group of candidates fielded by one of the two major political parties in modern American politics. If history is any indicator, Republicans tend to rely on more socially conservative candidates when they have no presidential incumbent.
Nixon in '68 didn't necessarily pander to the conservative base, but his involvement twenty years prior with the House Un-American Activities Committee as a congressman won the support of many in that camp. Reagan somehow out-churched Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush made sure Republican voters knew his hard line stance on social issues during his 2000 campaign.
I'll break down the list of potential Republican candidates by an admittedly inaccurate conservative scale. I'll start with who voters will likely perceive as most conservative and work my way to perceived most moderate. It's important to recognize not only how the candidates feel about these issues, but how often they bring up and mention certain issues.
Ultra Conservative
Sarah Palin: Strongly opposes any form of abortion and any form of sexual education that does not rely on abstinence. She makes a point to squeeze this topic into interviews and overtly reaches out to the most conservative elements in a constituency. As Alaska's governor, Palin attempted to use her executive power to ban certain books in a Wasilla library (unfortunately I can't find the list of these books). Palin is dismissive of any recognized civil unions, marriages, benefits, adoption rights, etc. for same-sex couples. As Governor, she vetoed a bill providing state health insurance benefits to same-sex couples. The only issue keeping Palin from stealing the title of Most Conservative is her vehement support for women's rights, including the Equal Pay for Equal Work act, Obama signed just days after taking his office.
Tim Pawlenty: See Above. Pawlenty is similar, if not the same, virtually all issues with Palin. The only different may be the political tact Pawlenty uses when addressing, or avoiding, these issues in speeches and debates. He supports a constitutional ban for same-sex marriages. In 2004, Governor Pawlenty introduce a bill attempting to reestablish the death penalty in Minnesota.
Mike Pence: U.S. Representative Mike Pence from Indiana has made a career out of being a social conservative. Like Pawlenty and Palin, he would abolish abortions and rights for same-sex couples.
Haley Barbour: Barbour's comments about Mississippi Citizens Councils in December 2010 did not help his categorization here. Barbour is conservative on the issues, but after years working as a lobbyist in Washington, he has a decent idea of how bills are passed. He probably understands the concept of "choose your battles" as it applies to the political environment.
Michelle Bachman: The Tea Party's spokesperson, she has placed herself as the thorn in the side of the Democratic Caucus. Throughout the remainder of her term as Representative she will continue to push the envelope on fiscal issues and carry the torch for this movement.
Just a Shade Less Conservative
New Gingrich: If you read Newt's profile on the issues, he looks just as conservative as those listed above. However, Newt hardly ever talks about those issues unless provoked. Newt would much rather talk about fiscal and tax policies. He is often called a "wonk," and probably takes it as a compliment. Newt's publicized personal life and extramarital affairs also affect his perceived conservatism.
Mike Huckabee: He likes to remind folks he was a preacher when the time is conducive. He consistently brings up issues of abortion and same-sex couples' rights. However, Huckabee doesn't often mention raising taxes while Arkansas governor, or saying it is the government's responsibility to assure all citizens have health care.
Mitch Daniels: Like his fellow Hoosier, Mike Pence, Daniels is socially conservative. However, he is better about addressing the issues. Let's face it, in 2012 most voters will focus on jobs and the economy. Daniels seems to address the issues with more ease than some of the candidates listed as more conservative here.
Middle Ground
Mitt Romney: Already viewed with skepticism by most evangelical protestant voters for his affiliation with the Latter Day Saints, Mitt has a long way to go with this crowd. He is perceived as a shrewd businessman and an effective executive by most. His support of state-sponsored healthcare in Massachusetts may be his undoing. He has also wavered in the past on his stance with abortion. He is a front runner and in current head-to-head polls pitting Republican candidates against Obama, he fairs far better than other Republican candidates. Making it to July of 2012 may be the biggest challenge.
Jon Huntsman: Huntsman's focus is where is should be for an executive- businesses and jobs. As Utah's Governor, Huntsman spent little time worrying or talking about anything else. He will be further portrayed as a moderate just by virtue of his appointment to Chinese Ambassador by President Obama.
Ron Paul: Pure individual's rights and open markets. Perhaps more appropriately labeled a Libertarian and in that regard a Republican by Name Only. Still, he garners excited support wherever he goes and is good for at least a handful of zingers in any debate where his participation is allowed.
Donald Trump: A lot of people still laugh when his name is mentioned in these settings. Suddenly Trump is stumping on the "birther" issue and is assuring us all he is in fact pro-life. Previously Trump has said women should have the right to choose on this issue.
