2012 Republican presidential possibilities (9 images)

Conservative radio talk show host Herman Cain's background is in business, not politics, making him a favorite of the Tea Party. He announced his candidacy on May 21 to an enthusiastic crowd in Atlanta. Here, Cain speaks at the Americans for Prosperity Foundation fourth annual "Defending the American Dream" summit in Washington on August 27, 2010. UPI/Alexis C. Glenn

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich announced his candidacy in May via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and has been the subject of scrutiny ever since. After calling Congressman Paul Ryan's budget plan "radical," his financial disclosure statement revealed debts to American Express in excess of $15,000 and between $250,000 and $500,000 to Tiffany's jewelry store.

Her background, her policies and her every action is followed so meticulously by the press and her fawning supporters that almost nothing needs to be said about Palin. She's flirted with a run since the 2008 elections, even while starring in her own reality show and joining Fox News as a contributor. Though she told Fox she has a "fire in her belly" to try for the presidency, she said her interest is protecting her family from further media scrutiny.

Former Massachusetts governor and 2008 presidential also-ran Mitt Romney has the money, having formerly been the CEO of Bain & Company, and the experience, turning a $3 billion budget deficit into a $700 million surplus complete with tax cuts and expanded health care coverage. Though he hasn't officially declared his candidacy, it's fairly clear that's the reason he raised $10.25 million in a single day's phone campaign.