Democrats have their faces of the future with some young candidates and some fresh new leaders. With Senator John McCain as its nominee, Republicans have started to look toward a new generation of leaders for the party. In part, this is a reflection of the struggle the party has following the devastating election losses in 2006. In part, it is a recognition that America is in a state of political transformation. In part, it is based on Senator McCain’s pledge to only serve one term. If any more impetus was needed, there is the search for a Vice President for the not so youthful John McCain.
In all respects, the focus has shifted to Republican governors. Certainly, there has been some real attention paid to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. His successful tenure as the Chairman of the Republican Governors Association did not go unnoticed. Around Washington, D.C. his record setting fundraising during a less than favorable political environment has been the topic of much conversation. His continued popularity with bipartisan support among Georgia voters and many Georgia leaders has set him apart from the politically polarizing leadership in Washington, D.C. And, his reassuring style has set the tone for many other up-and-coming leaders who take the helm of states around the country. Yet, notwithstanding these pretty powerful assets, he is rarely identified as the next generation leader for Republicans. It is the age thing. At age sixty one, he is one step beyond the next generation.
The same is true for Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. No one seriously disputes his good work for Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. More importantly, he has made more progress in moving Mississippi into the 21st century than anyone could have expected. Between his service as the former Republican National Committee Chairman and his tenure as the Governor of Mississippi, he has been a national Republican leader. Yet, at sixty, he is not the next generation. At sixty three, Alabama Governor Bob Riley is the same. And there is Idaho Governor Butch Otter (age 65), Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (age 59) and Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman (age 59). All are good. All are one step beyond that next generation.
There are some young guns, however. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford (born in 1960) is a good example. He remains popular in his home state and has proven himself to be a reliable conservative and a well-spoken conservative leader. But the south has not cornered the market on Republican governors.
Forty-four year old Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is pretty impressive. She is the youngest governor in Alaska history. She is a conservative, pro-life, pro-gun, mother of four budget-cutter. Her popularity in Alaska exceeds virtually any other governor in America. Only distance separates her from a prominent place on the national Republican political scene. Fifty four year old Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle shares a similar fate - great credentials / long distance.
Of course, no list of the next generation of Republican power brokers would be complete without Florida Governor Charlie Crist. His endorsement of Senator John McCain on the eve of the Florida Republican primary was pivotal. His populist approach to solving some of Florida’s most troubling problems has been impressive. Floridians continue to support him at record levels. At fifty-one, he is in the generation that many expect to bridge the leadership of yesterday with the leadership of tomorrow.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is on the cusp at 60. As a naturalized citizen (Austrian born), he is ineligible to serve as the President of the United States. And, his compromises in order to govern California have left many party activists and social conservatives doubtful of his ability to lead the National Republican Party. But his celebrity and charisma make him a significant influence for as long as he wants to stay in the game.
Newly-elected Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is probably one step too short of playing at that level. He proved a lot in two terms in the United States House of Representatives. He proved even more by winning the Louisiana governorship in 2007 as a Republican without a runoff. Yet, at thirty six, he has some more to go.