GOP Eyes Newest Stars for 2012 VP Bid

The 2010 election is barely behind us, but people are already talking about the GOP's prospects in 2012. An early favorite for the 2012 ticket is Marco Rubio of Florida, who delivered his party's first post-election weekly address, reports Politico. "People like Marco Rubio and Nikki Haley have regional and demographic appeal," notes one political consultant. "Before they've even been sworn into office, they're going to be speculated about."

Also generating their share of speculation are politicians from big, electoral-vote rich sates, Politico notes. Sen.-elect Rob Portman and Gov.-elect john Kasich, both of Ohio, and Pa. Gov.-elect Tom Corbett will be closely watched. Another rising star: New Mexico's Susana Martinez, the first female Hispanic governor. "They would be fools not to look at her," one pollster says.

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