John Thune

Thune is probably repenting getting out early as the field doesn't look that formidable and Obama is not as strong as all the media whores were saying just a few months ago.

Not a chance.

Thune is a boy scout in comparison to most politicians. He is level headed and has leadership ability. He appears to me to be one of the most viable candidates for the Republican party. Along with Jindahl I think either one has the chance of unseating Obama.

Thune has strong moral standards, conservative economic leanings, and the ability to present his take on issues while displaying respect for both sides. I can't find a candidate that seems to be a better fit for what our country needs in its leader.

John Thune holds the dubious distinction of being elected with the help of a guy who was also advertising his services as a male escort.

I would vote for him in a heartbeat! He is ethical and honest, unlike most of Washington DC. Our system is broken and I think John is the man for the job of making it work. He doesn't have the name recognition that other candidates have, but that may work in his favor.

Senator Thune could be just what the doc ordered for the GOP in 2012. First of all, his war chest is already over 6 million dollars- not a bad start. Secondly, his fundraising list is reportedly more than 100,000 strong. Most importantly, he is young, charismatic, and "common sense conservative" according to people like Senator Jim DeMint. He will play well in the south, the midwest, and the southwest. The real question remains however, has the GOP learned its lesson?

He is a great candidate and a fresh face on the national level. I hope that he makes a serious effort in Iowa.

Of all the candidates on this list, John Thune likely has the best shot at winning the nomination. He has the conservative resume to win over the base and has solid communication skills, which will help him with the broader electorate. He also has broad appeal within the party, which is something that the major candidates don't have. Romney has big problems with the evangelicals, Huckabee won't win over the fiscal conservatives, and Palin doesn't score well with moderates. Thune does have a base in all wings, which will help during the primary.

Senator John Thune would enter the Republican primary with the least political baggage of any other potential candidate that is listed. He has consistently delivered a strong conservative voting record in the Senate, but most importantly has avoided scandal and has not pursued a path of providing negative or extreme-sounding soundbites to the opposition. He has an undeniable ability to appeal to voters evidenced in his successful House and Senate campaigns, the latter resulting in a toppling of the then-current Senate majority leader Tom Dashcle. A feat that had only been previously accomplished 50 years prior. His rhetoric is rousing, but not inflammatory. There is no liberal that could convince an independent that John Thune is a mindless right-wing extremist, because Senator Thune conducts and carries himself in a completely non-provocative posture. His record and initiatives on veterans affairs, national defense, taxes, health care and ethanol will allow Sen. Thune to appeal ... Read more

A hero to most conservatives for the single monumental feat of replacing Tom Daschle  the Senate.  Senators make lousy presidential candidates, though and Thune, while his respect from the right is unquestionable, appears too young and too narrow to be seen by any knowledgeable observer to be in line.