The Associated Press
With the midterm elections complete, the next election begins. Here are five things to know about the already underway 2016 presidential campaign.
1. HILLARY UNDER ATTACK
She wasn’t on the ballot, but Republicans have already started picking on Hillary Rodham Clinton, the would-be Democratic favorite in 2016. The Republican National Committee has a team of people working against her, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul described Democrats’ midterm struggles as “an epic failure of the Clintons.”
2. MIDWESTERN GOVERNORS
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker leads a slate of ambitious Republican governors who won second terms Tuesday. None of the group, which also includes Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, has ruled out a 2016 presidential run.
3. BIG NIGHT FOR CHRISTIE
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie helped Republican governors expand their 29-21 advantage. Christie, chairman of the Republican Governors Association and possible 2016 contender, helped his party pick up Democratic-held seats in Maryland, Massachusetts, Arkansas and Illinois, while losing at least one Republican seat in Pennsylvania.
4. BUSH RISING
Former Florida Jeb Bush is considered a possible 2016 Republican frontrunner, but he left the talking Tuesday night to his son. Bush did not speak publicly while appearing in Austin, Texas, where his eldest son George P. Bush was elected Texas land commissioner.
5. UGLY EXITS
Exit polls found that none of the potential 2016 contenders is considered solid White House material by a majority of voters. Clinton had the highest score, with 4 in 10 reporting she would make a good president. Among the top GOP contenders tested, none topped 30 percent.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
