The Potential Republican Nominees for President

NPR's Ken Rudin has an interesting rundown on the Republican field as it stands now. Some interesting notes from the column:

- Guiliani appears to be gaining endorsements from unlikely places (ie., Pat Robertson) because many have calculated that he is the only candidate that has a shot at Hillary in the general election.

- Romney is polling strong in the key primary states, Iowa and New Hampshire, but still lags significantly behind the other candidates in national polls.

- McCain is still old and hurting for money, but has somehow performed well at the debates.

- Thompson picked up a key endorsement from the National Right to Life Committee, but is still way behind in Iowa and New Hampshire. His refusal to actually campaign is almost certainly taking its toll.

- On Paul - "many of his supporters, who have little faith in the two major parties, see him less as an ideological soul mate and more as someone who hears their frustration. Paul is not challenging the leaders in any state polls, but his backers suggest that he could surprise in New Hampshire."