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The '''Presidential Election 2012''' is on Tuesday, November 6, when the [[United States]] picks a new president. Candidates are expected to file formal papers indicating their interest in early 2011; many have been quietly lining up support throughout 2010.  The key early primaries are Iowa (caucuses), South Carolina, Nevada (caucuses) and New Hampshire.<ref>http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/events.phtml?s=c</ref>

The '''Presidential Election 2012''' is on Tuesday, November 6, when the [[United States]] picks a new president. Candidates are expected to file formal papers indicating their interest in early 2011; many have been quietly lining up support throughout 2010.  The key early primaries are Iowa (caucuses), South Carolina, Nevada (caucuses) and New Hampshire.<ref>http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/events.phtml?s=c</ref>

Well-funded candidates increasingly use other "[[stalking horse]]" candidates to try to prevent their opponent from gaining a majority, as McCain backers used [[Fred Thompson]] in 2008 to prevent [[Mitt Romney]] from winning while McCain stumbled.  Thompson obtained undeserved endorsements from national pro-life groups as well as heavy promotion on the [[Fox News Channel]], despite virtually admitting that he would not become president.  Thompson withdrew after serving his purpose of attracting [[pro-life]]rs and other [[conservative]]s away from rivals of McCain, and then Thompson immediately endorsed McCain.  Stalking horses for Newt Gingrich in 2012 are expected to be Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee.

The '''Presidential Election 2012''' features "[[stalking horse]]" candidates in the primary, as McCain backers used [[Fred Thompson]] in 2008 to prevent [[Mitt Romney]] from winning.  Thompson obtained undeserved endorsements from national pro-life groups as well as heavy promotion on the [[Fox News Channel]], despite virtually admitting that he would not become president.  Thompson withdrew after serving his purpose of siphoning off [[pro-life]]rs and other [[conservative]]s away from rivals of McCain, and then Thompson immediately endorsed McCain.  Stalking horses for Newt Gingrich in 2012 are expected to be Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee.

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== Ranking of Potential Republican Candidates by Likelihood of Winning Nomination ==

== Ranking of Potential Republican Candidates by Likelihood of Winning Nomination ==