The nominee for President from the Republican Party in 2012 appears to be dependent more on how the remainder of current President Barack Obama's term plays out than on what any particular Republican candidate's qualifications may be.

As it stands now, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney are the early leaders for the nomination.

Others likely to either be candidates or being mentioned include; Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, U.S. Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, U.S. Representative Ron Paul of California and former governor of Florida,and Jeb Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President Geore H.W. Bush.

With the country struggling to overcome an economic crisis that has greatly affected the housing industry, the banking industry and led to stagnant unemployment levels, Republicans will certainly try to focus on the nation's domestic issues as their main thrust in hopes of convincing voters that the current Democratic administration's policies are not what will turn the country around. Other key issues will be immigration, banking reform, taxes and the ongoing 'War on Terror.'

With more than two years remaining in President Obama's term, a lifetime in U.S. political terms, certainly the landscape will change numerous times. The Republican's front-runners will no doubt change many times as well, unless a strong candidate emerges and manages to galvanize their followers. At this time however, it appears the party is too divided as to it's agenda to name a definite leader.