Their problem: Rallying behind a leader who can deliver them to the promised land.
Virtually every potential Republican candidate will make their case to conservatives this week at the Conservative Political Action Conference, a massive gathering on the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland. The conference, which kicks into full gear Thursday, will feature high profile appearances from Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Marco Rubio and other potential 2016 presidential contenders.
With the end of the Obama era in sight, grass roots activists are bullish.
“I think the way most of us are approaching this is, there is going to be a Republican president. It is just a question of who it is going to be,” said Daniel Ruoss, chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.
Crucial moment for GOP
The gathering comes at a crucial moment for Republicans. Walker, the Wisconsin governor, is rocketing to the top of some polls but must show he can maintain the momentum after some recent stumbles. Bush could demonstrate his level of commitment to conservatives wary of him. Rubio and others will vie for an opportunity to break into the top tier.
READ: Walker leads in early Iowa poll
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Walker said his speech on Thursday will show he is both a new voice and a tested leader.
“People in American want a fresh face, they want big, bold ideas from outside Washington and they want someone who has got a proven track record,” he told Greta Van Susteren on Fox News on Tuesday.
Other candidates hope to spring a surprise, including Rubio, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Carly Fiorina. Perhaps CPAC will be the place where Chris Christie gets his wobbling pre-campaign back on track, or where former Texas Gov. Perry turns it around after his disastrous 2012 primary run.
“I do think is somebody going to step up to the plate and insert themselves in the conversation, which has almost become a Walker-Bush conversation,” said Ryun.
The immediate impact of those efforts could register as soon as Saturday afternoon in the annual CPAC Straw Poll. Though it’s more of a popularity contest than a true reflection of presidential viability, it does offer a quick snapshot of the sentiment of the conservative movement.
Rand Paul is tipped to make it a hat trick of straw poll wins by flexing his organizational skills. But the last Republican to win the straw poll and reach the White House was George W. Bush in 2000 — so it’s hardly a reliable predictor of the next president.
