2016 GOP Candidates: 12 From Outside the Traditional World of Politics

Possible GOP candidates considered for a 2016 presidential campaign might include people known for their unique views or past experiences different from conventional candidates.

Here are 12 figures outside the traditional world of politics who could run in 2016:

1. John R. Bolton served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006. He has remained a public figure and foreign policy expert as a Fox News commentator and a senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute.

2. Herman Cain promoted his success in business as a way to run in the GOP primaries in 2012. He was a successful entrepreneur, reviving the Godfather’s Pizza franchise.

3. Allen West served the U.S. Army for 22 years, including stints in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan. He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010, but redistricting caused him to change to a new district and he lost in a tight race with Democrat Patrick Murphy.

4. Michele Bachmann was controversial as a champion for conservative causes as a U.S. congresswoman from 2006 until she left Congress in 2014. She made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2012.

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5. Mitch Daniels served two terms as governor of Indiana from 2005 to 2013. He turned the $800 million deficit he inherited into a $370 million annual surplus as governor. He now serves on Purdue University's board of trustees, and his name has been mentioned as a possible GOP candidate in 2016.

6. Susana Martinez became the first Hispanic woman elected governor in 2010. She promoted a business-friendly environment in New Mexico to create jobs and reduced the state’s tax burden.

7. John Kasich led the U.S. Congress through successful welfare reform and helped balance the federal budget in the 1990s. As governor of Ohio, he has significantly improved the state’s economy. He was also a TV personality with his own show on the Fox News channel.

8. Nikki Haley, the daughter of immigrants from India, has been governor of South Carolina since 2011. Her conservative policies include encouraging new businesses to the state for increased job growth.

9. Ben Carson established himself as a premier neurosurgeon and later wrote several best-selling books. His motivating speeches have brought up his name as a possible presidential candidate in 2016.

10. Mike Huckabee is also a TV personality with his own Fox show. Following his service as governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, he ran unsuccessfully for president in 2008, finishing second to John McCain in the GOP primaries.

11. Donald Trump is one of the most unique GOP candidates outside the traditional world of politics for a possible 2016 presidential run. A success at building real estate enterprises, he is outspoken on issues and politicians that he likes and doesn’t like.

12. Rand Paul is considered traditional as a U.S. senator from Kentucky, but has gained popularity among libertarians for his support of constitutional liberties and free market economics. Paul advocates term limits, a balanced budget, and an audit of the Federal Reserve.

Vote Now: Which Potential GOP Candidate Would You Support in 2016?

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