Republican Candidates Power Rankings 7/17/11...

Quick hit version this week:

1) Mitt Romney-Romney and his deep pockets stay at the top. His fundraising report revealed he has more money than all of the other GOP candidates, and three times the amount Michelle Bachmann has. He continues to maintain a fairly low profile, which is smart. There will be time for the rough stuff later on.  (Last week: #1)

2) Michelle Bachmann-Holding her own but perhaps showing a few signs of incoming fire. Tim Pawlenty said Bachmann Congressional record is "non-existent" and her husband is drawing attention for his Christian Counseling Clinic which has offended many on the left. Still enjoying great poll numbers she's positioned to do well in Iowa , but after that? Who knows? People talk about Obama being a Radical. Mrs. Bachmann may know how he feels, eh?  (Last week: #2)

3) Herman Cain-His positive ratings continue as Cain gained attention this week for his comments against the building of an Islamic Mosque in Tennessee. Fears of creeping Sharia Law have Cain firmly positioned against the pro-mosque supporters. "I am willing to take a harder look at people that might be terrorists. That’s what I’m saying.”  He added: “I know that there is a peaceful group of Muslims in this country. Americans have the right to ban Mosques in their communities."  (Last week: #3)

4) Sarah Palin- Her new movie, "The Undefeated" opened in several cities this past week or so to unsurprising reviews. Those who see Palin as a breath of fresh air on the political scene and a potential major player in the upcoming election, loved it. Those who think she's utterly unqualified and a media whore hated it. Says she'll announce her intention by the end of the Summer or so... (Last week: #6)

5) Rick Perry- Widely expected to announce his candidacy in the next few weeks, Perry would add a well thought of Conservative to the GOP field. We'll look at him more closely once he announces his intentions. There is a certain amount of buzz connected to his running.  (Last week: #4)

6) Tim Pawlenty- Poor ratings in the polls, donations rather under-whelming, T-Paw released a video last week about his faith and how its effected his life and would effect his manner of governing. I think he'll do better once the debates pick up in frequency, but it may be too late by then. Hard to find a reason to get excited about his campaign just yet. Called Bachmann out on her "non existent" Congressional record.  (Last week: #5)

 7) Rick Santorum- Signed the Marriage Vow Pledge, (along with Michelle Bachmann) and seems to be sharing a boat with Pawlenty at this time. Both are struggling to get attention and money. I predict one of these two men will have pulled out of the race by the end of the year. Performs poorly in the most recent Real Clear Politics Poll, where is consistently comes in near the bottom of the pack. Not a good sign.  (Last week: #7)

8) Ron Paul- Announced he was retiring from Congress to focus on the Presidential race. Nothing I've seen lately suggests that Paul has the type of engine that could generate enough steam for him to climb very high in the debate. Which is a shame, because Paul brings some ideas that are unique to this campaign.  (Last week: #10)

9) John Huntsman- I think this is just a test run for him. Near the bottom in both polls, fundraising and name recognition. Perhaps a training exercise for 2016?  (Last week: #9)

10) Newt Gingrich-A million bucks in debt already, terrible unfavorables, (only Palin can match him) it looks very likely the former Speaker of the House may be looking for a new contract at Fox News sooner rather than later. An amazing disappointment of a campaign. Stunning.  (Last week: #8)

Overall Rankings: (The lower the score, the better...)


1. Romney - 3
2. Bachmann - 6
3. Cain - 10
4. Pawlenty - 14
5. Palin - 15
6. Perry - 16
7. Santorum - 22 

8. Huntsman - 24
9. Paul - 27 

10. Gingrich - 28

Sources: 

http://www.gallup.com/poll/election.aspx

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_primary-1588.html