Former General Electric Chairman Jack Welch envisions just three real contenders for the GOP presidential nomination: Jon Huntsman, Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney. "Each of them has their pluses and minuses," Welch told CNBC. "Only time will tell over the next six months of grueling campaigning" who will emerge as the better leader.
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| Jack Welch: Economic vision is the key ingredient for a winning candidate. (Getty Images Photo) |
Welch’s trio is a set of former governors:
- Huntsman is the former governor or Utah who also was President Barack Obama’s ambassador to China. The Pew Center named Utah the Best Managed State in America when he was governor. His platform includes creating jobs and streamlining the tax code.
- Former Massachusetts Gov. Romney touts his business experience and vows to cut taxes, reduce government bureaucracy, and create jobs.
- Former Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty says he intends to boost the U.S. economy by 5 percent annually. His economic plan includes generous tax cuts for individuals and corporations and slashing government spending.
If Gov. Rick Perry of Texas enters the race, Welch says he also would count him as a viable candidate.
An economic vision is the top need for a candidate, Welch said, adding: "Show the country why the vision is worth it, and equally important, what's in it for everybody to do it."