Karl Rove: Palin, Christie Might Join 2012 GOP Field

Former presidential adviser Karl Rove says several other candidates might soon enter the already crowded 2012 GOP presidential field, with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at the top of his list. Rove also told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Monday not to read too much into Rep. Michele Bachman’s Iowa Straw Poll win.

 

“It was a big boost for Michele Bachmann to win the straw poll — let’s not read too much into it though ,” Rove said. “There’s really, I mean, there are 17,000 people who turned out — Iowa has [more than] 3 million people — so, a lot of people didn’t show up at the straw poll. But nonetheless, it’s a good boost for her.”

 

Rove said that Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s entering the race when he did stole some of the Minnesota congresswoman’s thunder.

 

“Perry . . . has gotten in I think in a very adroit fashion here — he leaked it, he dominated the news leading into the straw poll the day before he made it clear he was going to get in.” Rove said. “So, he dominated the pre-coverage announced on the same day that gave him a part in every story.

 

“You know, Michele Bachmann led, but the second paragraph in most stories was Rick Perry getting in — and then Mitt Romney had a good performance in the debate and maintained his lead as the front-runner —  so, we’ve got a good field,” he said. “I don’t think it is the end though of the field. I think we are likely to see several other candidates think seriously about getting in — and frankly, they have time to do so.”
 

Hannity asked Rove who he sees entering the Republican fray. Rove first mentioned Palin, who has said she would make a decision in either August or September, then he pointed to Christie, and even House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan as a possibility.

“I think she is going to look seriously at it — I don’t know if any of these are going to actually get in,” Rove said. “Palin has got a pretty active schedule in early September. I think Chris Christie and Paul Ryan are going to look at it again. And I wouldn't be surprised to, if all three of them gave serious consideration.”