With senate elections approaching in 2014, it is easy to get lost in the political rhetoric of who is running for what office. However, a small group of politicians have emerged that have begun to pave their way for 2016 elections, wasting no time.
Without a doubt, the idea of who will lead what party in the 2016 presidential race is premature with 3 years still left for President Obama. However, Hillary Rodham Clinton is already being viewed as the Democratic incumbent. And, the Republican party seems to be debuting new candidates such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Kentucky senator Rand Paul.
As the Obama era nears its end, campaigns to succeed him have already begun. Candidates have begun to court donors, and build organizations.
Jim Messina, Obama’s 2012 campaign manager, is nearing an agreement to join the Super Pac Priorities USA, which is becoming the pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC for 2016. John Podesta, White House chief of staff during Bill Clinton’s administration, will also play a significant role in the PAC..
Both moves are significant in the fact that even if the President stays neutral during the nominations, two key people from his campaign will be working pro-Clinton, leaving no room for Vice President Joe Biden.
“Absent Hillary, it’s a pretty open field. Joe Biden has a lot of support, but he’s not in the kind of lock-it-up position,” said former congressman, Barney Frank.
Hillary had been quiet in the political world in 2013, but the spring release of her memoir about her State Department years include a national book tour; this allows her to have discussions preceding a presidential campaign. Without Clinton in the running, the Democratic race for a candidate could be a free for all.
For the Republican side, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been boosting his national profile by appealing strongly to women and minorities, and easily winning a second term. However, one thing that may bring Christie’s honest, and blunt reputation down is the recent BridgeGate scandal over the closing of the Washington Bridge that has made national headlines.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s ambitions are unclear. Bush has been grabbing attention from donors, and party leaders as the brother and son of presidents. Rubio is expected not to challenge Bush if he were to run for presidency.
Rubio beat Former Governor Charlie Crist and became Florida’s junior senator. He passed comprehensive immigration reform in the senate, and has a strong stand within the latino community. However, his standing among conservatives has fallen.
Key politicians in 2014 and 2015 will begin to make strategic moves, and prepare themselves for 2016 elections.
