GOP presidential field growing

Campaign 2016 LogoBy The Iowa Statesman

 

Businessman and likely Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has scheduled an announcement “as to whether or not he will run” for president for 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Trump Tower in New York City. All indications — including recent staff hires — point to his announcing he will, in fact, be running.

Earlier today, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham announced his campaign, and last week, former New York Gov. George Pataki and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum threw their hats into the ring, as well. That brings the total number of announced Republican candidates to 10:
• Former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson of Mississippi,
• U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas,
• U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky,
• U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida,
• Dr. Ben Carson of Virginia,
• Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina of California,
• Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee,• Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania,
• Former New York Gov. George Pataki, and
• U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is expected to announce his candidacy on Thursday. Other anticipated candidates include former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Others who have expressed recent interest in running include former Maryland Gov. Bob Erlich, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, and U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York.