Dems in 2016

It's all about Hillary in 2016 for the Dems, if she runs you can probably write off numbers 2-10 on my list.  Anyways, here's 10 Dems to watch in 2016:

1 - Hillary Clinton - her resume is top notch.  She was a very popular U.S. Senator for New York.  She has gotten rave reviews for her work as Secretary of State.  Her husband is an incredibly popular former President.  She has a history of working across party lines.  Her favorability numbers are at an all time high. The only question really is whether she wants it or not, she'll be 69 in 2016, 73 in 2020, she may feel it's time to relax and enjoy herself.  The chance to go down in history as the first female President will be mighty alluring though. 

2 - Joe Biden - strong resume, 2 term Vice President under Barack Obama, 35 years as U.S. Senator out of Delaware, strong personal story, you have to think he'll be running.  I like Joe Biden a lot, he's always been a strong progressive voice.  He will be 74 in 2016 though, he may not want to go through that grind.

3 - Andrew Cuomo - current Governor of New York, his poll numbers are high (even among Republicans), he's also a former HUD secretary, so his resume is pretty strong.  He's more moderate than liberal which would play well in a general election.  I'd guess his run will be dependent upon whether Hillary runs or not.

4 - Deval Patrick - he really was the star of this years Democratic National Convention.  He's also a popular 2 term Governor of Massachusetts so he's got the requisite executive experience.  I'm guessing he waits for Hillary to decide first too. 

5 - Martin O'Malley - he's the current Governor of Maryland and former Mayor of Baltimore, so he's got extensive executive level experience.  He was a very visible surrogate/proponent for Barack Obama during the 2012 campaign, you can only suspect that he was trying to get his name out there.

6 - Cory Booker - Mayor of Newark, New Jersey.  A Presidential run may be a bit of stretch for him at this point but there are rumblings as he's done a nice job as Mayor, he's also very bright and articulate.  I'm guessing Senate or Governor will be the next step for him not President, but keep an eye on him going forward.

7 - Brian Schweitzer - current Democratic Governor of very red state Montana.  He's already hinted at a run. He's very down to earth and likeable, he's also very articulate, he does a nice job of getting his message across.  If you're looking for a Washington outsider who appeals across party lines, he may be your man.

8 - Mark Warner - current U.S. Senator out of Virginia, former Governor of Virginia, he's fairly popular in a battleground state.  He's considered a centrist which also always plays well in Presidential elections. 

9 - Elizabeth Warren - it may be too soon for her but they said that about Barack Obama too.  She's got very high favorable ratings already.  If Hillary doesn't run there would also be room for a female candidate.  I'm guessing she doesn't run, I wouldn't be surprised to see her on some VP lists though. 

10 - Antonio Villaraigosa - I'm guessing a latino may decide to jump in.  If so, how about the Mayor of the 2nd largest city in the U.S.?  Villaraigosa has done a nice job as Mayor of Los Angeles, he was also very visible during the 2012 campaign.  He may be a bit green at this point but it's not beyond the realm of possibilities either.  I'm guessing a VP slot would be more likely.  

Others:   Beau Biden, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Howard Dean