LOADED WITH TOP PROSPECTS:

GOP looking for new 'face': Governors plot party comeback (Ralph Z. Hallow, November 12, 2008, Washington Times)

Joining Mrs. Palin at the three-day Republican Governors Association annual conference are Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, all on Sen. John McCain's running-mate list and potential national-level leaders for a party reeling from years of losses.

Mr. Jindal, the nation's first Indian-American governor, draws crowds of admirers at appearances outside his state. His supporters extend to rank-and-file Republicans and party officials who admire his sunny personality, business acumen and political sense.

Mr. Barbour is equally popular in his state, having come through Hurricane Katrina as a shining example of a can-do governor in what turned out to be self-help state. As Republican national chairman during the Clinton presidency, he was a bridge builder between the Senate and House GOP leadership when both chambers were controlled by Republicans.

Most GOP officials agree no one in recent memory performed better as the public face of the GOP during his leadership of the Republican National Committee.

Good guy. Good governor. Too cracker.

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 12, 2008 10:34 AM