2016 Presidential Candidates: 5 Possible Republican Presidential Candidates

A presidential election loss is always hard for a party, and there is always blame to be dished out. In 2008, blame was laid on a myriad of things including the financial collapse, Bush's legacy, and Sarah Palin as John McCain's vice presidential pick. This cycle it seems blame is so far being placed on changing demographics in Democrats favor. Whatever the cause of Republican presidential failure this election, here are five possible candidates for the Republican nomination in 2016:

1. Paul Ryan: 

Might as well get the obvious one out of the way first. Congressman Paul Ryan is much liked by the GOP base, and has gotten the chance to become a household name thanks to being Mitt Romney's vice presidential pick. He chairs the House Budget Committee, and can use this position and his new-found celebrity to stay in the limelight.

2. Chris Christie 

The governor of New Jersey will be running in 2016, make no mistake about it. Chris Christie's tour of New Jersey's Hurricane Sandy damage with Obama was him hitching his image to a winning horse, with an eye towards seeming post-partisan for those moderate voters. He's a Republican governor of a Democratic state aiding what he will tout as his bipartisan credentials. Plus, his tough and bombastic talk will make him a force in primary debates.

3. Marco Rubio

Florida Senator Marco Rubio will certainly be goaded into running by the GOP establishment if he doesn't already want to run himself. Rubio is exactly what the GOP thinks it needs to fix its demographic problem: a young, Latino senator from a very powerful swing state.

4. Jeb Bush

While the name Bush may have meant trouble to the Republican Party in 2008 a lot can happen in eight years. He was governor of the oh-so-important-state for Republicans — Florida. He has lamented not running in 2012, plus he certainly has the connections to make a strong run for the White House. The question is whether Jeb can actually stand pat on the sidelines or whether he makes a run to become the third Bush to be Commander-in-Chief.

5. Condoleezza Rice

During her speech at the Republican National Convention this year, Rice mentioned in a personal anecdote that her parents made her believe she could be President of the United States, and it's doubtful that was thrown in on a whim. She certainly has experience and name recognition, but one factor that could work against her is the fact that she has never held elected office.