MISCHIEVOUS SPECULATION – AT 9:08 A.M. ET:  Remember Sid Stone, who did commercials for Texaco some decades ago?  His catch line was, "You say you're not satisfied.  You say you want more for your money.  Tell you what I'm gonna do."

I thought of that when reading this morning's Politico piece on the possibility of more GOP presidential candidates:

What if Rick Perry isn’t the last one in?

The Texas governor’s late entry in the presidential race might have been expected to close out the GOP’s 2012 field. But, in some conservative circles at least, there’s evidence it’s had the opposite effect.

Karl Rove, the architect of George W. Bush’s political run, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Monday night that he believes the field is still open—and named New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan as two who may take a second look.

The Weekly Standard reported Tuesday morning that Ryan is indeed “strongly considering a run” and is currently on vacation with his family discussing a prospective bid.

“We’ve got a good field. I don’t think it is the end, though, of the field,” said Rove. “I think we are likely to see several other candidates think seriously about getting in. And frankly, they have time to do so. November 22 is the first deadline to file papers to get on the ballot. That’s the last day somebody could get in without starting to lose a place in some of the early primaries and caucuses. I suspect we are likely to see in early September and late August.”

A candidate who joined the race at such a relatively late date would face daunting prospects, with time running short to launch an organization and some bundlers who had been on the sidelines moving toward Perry, whose supporters argue is the one who can best unite a party fractured into Tea Party and establishment camps. But in a volatile year, some top Republicans believe it’s possible that another heavyweight candidate—such as Sarah Palin, Christie, Ryan or even Rudy Giuliani—could still join in.

COMMENT:  I don't see anyone on that list who would be stronger than the cast already out there.  Sarah Palin, as much as I like her, is old news by now, and wouldn't stand a chance with Rick Perry in the race.  They appeal to the same constituency, and Perry didn't resign his governorship.  Chris Christie continues to beg off, and, frankly, he's so abrasive that I think his New Jersey manner wouldn't play well beyond Bayonne.  Good governor, not ready for the majors.  Paul Ryan is a terrific congressman, but his getting in might be a way of being considered for vice president.  He's incredible on budget matters, but doesn't hit strongly beyond that sector.  Rudy?  Ah, Rudy.  One of the best mayors in New York City's history, but that was years ago.  If he wanted in, he should have jumped a year ago and reintroduced himself to the American people.  I see him as Rick Perry's attorney general.  The two are longtime allies.

Oh, by the way, any of them would make a much better president than the incumbent.  We have a den of riches.

August 17, 2011