Republicans should worry when Dick Cheney says all is well with the GOP

June 29, 6:26 PMPolitical Buzz ExaminerRyan Witt

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Dick Cheney has no concern over recent GOP scandals.  AP Photographer/Susan Walsh

In spite of my earlier article regarding a lack of leadership for republicans, evidently the GOP should have nothing to fear as former Vice President Dick Cheney has assured them everything is alright with the party.  In spite of the recent scandals involving Governor Mark Sanford and Senator John Ensign Cheney assures everyone that the GOP is still strong with many potential leaders.

What is curious about Cheney's assertion is the two people he named in defense of his claim that all is well with the republicans Cheney pointed to Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah.

Ryan is young up and coming representative who is making a name for himself based on cutting government cost.  The problem for Ryan is twofold.  First he lacks any real executive experience.  Senators have found a way to overcome this hurdle but to jump from the House to the presidency is a rare feat indeed.  Ryan also seems to be avoiding taking a public position on many issues.  While you can get away with this as the representative of a relatively small state once exposed to the national spotlight people begin to question your lack of ability to take a stance.  See Sarah Palin for details.

Huntsman has more potential as he has executive experience and will gain foreign policy experience as the new ambassador to China.  Still, the track record of Mormon governors in republican primaries is not a bright one so one must wonder if Huntsman can overcome the Mormon hurdle that in some ways tripped up Mitt Romney.  In addition, if any of his republican rivals are able to paint Huntsman as an key actor in the Obama administration's "apologize to the world" foreign policy that would spell doom for Huntsman in the republican primaries.

I have no doubt that eventually the GOP will find competent leaders to once again challenge the hold democrats currently have on power.  I would simply advice republican that Cheney may be the last man you want to consult when it comes to picking your future leaders.  The sooner that Cheney that pushed off the headlines in favor of more moderate leaders the better off the GOP will be.