Jindal, Palin still on GOP leaders short list for 2012

Washington, Mar.1 (ANI): Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her Indian-origin Louisiana counterpart Piyush Bobby' Jindal are still seen as potential leaders for the Republican Party when its bids for the US presidency in 2012.

According to the Washington Times, while both have not really set the GOP house on fire with their leadership skills, experts and consultants have identified them as the party's future because the list of suitable candidates available is short.

Craig Shirley, a prominent Republican consultant and author of two books on Ronald Reagan, says of Jindal that: "Still, he's on the short list of possible GOP leaders, mainly because the list is so short."

Jindal has been the subject of assessment since he delivered the GOP's response to Barack Obama's address to a joint session of the US Congress.

"Unfortunately, Governor Jindal showed he is not ready for prime time," longtime conservative activist Richard Viguerie said.

"Presently, it is clear that other than some high-profile talk-show hosts, conservatives have no nationally known, articulate leader or spokesman," he added.

"Emerging Republican leaders for 2010 and 2012 have something in common," said GOP campaign strategist Patrick Davis.

"They are not from Washington. Look to governors like Jindal, Perry, Barbour, Palin, [Minnesota's Tim] Pawlenty. They are connected to reality and the struggles of ordinary citizens. Washington still doesn't get it," Davis said.

Davis agrees that Jindal's response to Obama's address was below average.

"It was not Jindal's finest moment. He is smart, and this wasn't the Jindal we know. He looked to be too scripted and almost robotic. He is capable of so much more," he said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has predicted that 20 to 30 "significant players" within the Republican Party will emerge as 2012 draws closer.(ANI)