Associated Press
With former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announcing their candidacy Thursday, here’s a look at the Republican presidential field: Who’s in, who’s almost in, and who’s still waiting for the right moment.
Who is in the race?:
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Who’s almost there?:
Bobby Jindal
The governor of Louisiana took his latest step toward running for president on Wednesday, when his chief political adviser said Jindal will make a “major announcement” on the 2016 race on June 24 in New Orleans. “Economic collapse is much closer to the door than people realize, our culture is decaying at a rapid rate and our standing in a dangerous world is at an all-time low,” Jindal said in May.
Who’s wainting for their moment?:
Chris Christie
He says he hasn’t decided whether he’s running yet, but the New Jersey governor looks an awful lot like a candidate, making frequent trips to early-voting states, delivering a series of policy speeches and raising money for a political action committee and super PAC created by his backers.
John Kasich
The former congressman and current Ohio governor is hinting to donors and voters he’s likely to get into the race. His political organization, New Day for America, announced Monday his plans to travel to Iowa later this month.
Donald Trump
The real estate mogul and reality television star has launched a presidential exploratory committee and is still debating on whether to get into the race. Never short of self-confidence, he said last month he’d be a force to reckon with in the GOP debates. “Selfishly, the networks would put me on because I get great ratings,” Trump said.
Scott Walker
The Wisconsin governor says he will announce his decision after signing the state budget, which is expected to pass the Republican-controlled state Legislature in late June. Walker has already created a nonprofit group, Our American Revival, to help promote his expected candidacy, and a super PAC led by his close advisers is also up and running.