Nobody who expects to be elected president of the United States has a chance of winning without a long campaign - and lots of money.
President Barack Obama will be seeking a second term, of course. An "in" president usually has a better chance than an "out" candidate, unless the "in" becomes very unpopular because of things he does or doesn't do, or because of circumstances in the nation or the world that are beyond his control.
At any rate, there is at least some certainty about who the Democrat candidate will be.
But the field is "wide open" for Republican challengers.
What GOP candidates can be expected to run? The prospects - so far - are either not very exciting or somewhat unknown.
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is making presidential noises - again. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is ever hopeful. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is "very much considering" running for president again. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty - who? - is being mentioned, as is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin may throw her hat in the ring, too.
All right, who else is "itching" to run? Whom do you want to be president? Who would have a chance to win - and should? Winning candidates and campaigns don't develop overnight.
Or will we inaugurate Obama again in January 2013?