2012

CABAZON - Tom DeLay was a supporter of Mike Huckabee in the Republican primaries, and likes his chances for the party's nomination in 2012 if John McCain loses in November, despite disagreeing with the former Arkansas Gov. on a number of issues.

"I've known Huckabee for 30 years," DeLay told PolitickerCA.com. "I know what kind of man he is, how strong he is. I didn't agree with him on global warming, but I can overlook that knowing what a great man he is."

Waiting in the wings? John McCain and Mitt Romney: Getty Images PhotoA National Journal survey of Republican insiders shows that former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Belmont) is by far and away the frontrunner for the 2012 presidential nomination should U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) lose in November.

55 percent of those polled said Romney is the most likely to win the 2012 nomination -- more votes than everyone else combined. "Nobody" placed second at 15 percent, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 8 percent. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were tied at 6 percent, and 2008 vice presidential nominee and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin scored 3 percent.

One Romney-leaning insider cited a built-in advantage for having run in 2008.

NEWPORT-- Even though he was in the state with the first-in-the nation primary, Gov. Jim Douglas (R-VT.) dismissed any idea that he might run for president in 2012.

"I'd be in divorce court pretty fast," Douglas told PolitickerNH.com. "I don't plan to be running, I'm happy to be doing what I'm doing now."

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown is looking to hire a surrogate to increase her name recognition on the Westside of the mountains. The Spokane lawmaker’s name has been floated for governor for many years, but she lacks the roots in Western Washington that any candidate for governor needs to win.