Filling the Sanford 2012 Void

Many Republicans, including myself and Connscript, had very high hopes for Mark Sanford as a 2012 presidential contender. His extensive history of principled fiscal conservatism is truly exceptional in the Republican Party, making him the perfect vessel for a much-needed party makeover. It’s one of many reasons that his recent scandal was startling and disappointing.

With Sanford effectively sidelined, one must wonder whether there is anyone else out there with the principles and the record to be what Sanford could have been in 2012. Presumably, someone who could carry the message of fiscal conservatism as well as Sanford was capable of doing could tap into that groundswell of support Sanford was starting to attract before his career went down in flames.

So who could that candidate be? I pose that as an open question, but I do have a suggestion. And he comes from the same state as Sanford: Senator Jim DeMint.

While DeMint is often blunt, and gets himself in the news even today for risky comments about Obama’s healthcare plan, he has many attractive qualities.

He is a bona fide fiscal conservative who has been outspoken on this issue since his election to the Senate in 2004, taking strong public stands against the bailouts and reckless spending of both the Bush and Obama administrations. Indeed, the National Journal ranked him as the most conservative U.S. Senator in 2008. While this might not be good for his general election prospects, Republican primaries tend to focus on establishing authentic conservatism and this rating would go a long way in attracting primary votes.

Additionally, DeMint has extensive experience as a U.S. Representative, and he is almost certain to be reelected in 2010 to a second term in the Senate. DeMint also has foreign policy credentials, serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

I want to be clear about this: I am not saying that DeMint is an ideal candidate to take on Barack Obama and win in the 2012 elections. Judging by his record of exceptional conservatism and controversial statements, DeMint would be a terrible general election candidate. Also, a South Carolinian is not what the GOP needs at a time when it is being criticized as a regional party. What I am saying is that, at the present time, there is no clear and authentic voice for fiscal conservatism sure to be engaged in the 2012 Republican primaries, now that Mark Sanford is out of the running. The GOP needs to have that voice on the campaign trail and in the debates, communicating a message of true fiscal conservatism and holding his rivals’ feet to the fire. As far as I can see, Jim DeMint is one of the most qualified Republicans to do this.