If Hillary Clinton doesn’t run for presidency, six other Democrats show promise

WASHINGTON – In Washington, in Iowa, in New Hampshire, really in any place that’s already talking about the 2016 campaign for president, just about everyone expects Hillary Rodham Clinton to run for president. But is it possible that Clinton might not give a White House campaign another try?

The former first lady, New York senator and U.S. secretary of state often speaks of her affinity for her work at the Clinton Foundation and joy over becoming a grandmother for the first time.

Clinton also recognizes – with plenty of personal experience – the downsides of a presidential campaign. But such musings are overshadowed by evidence that Clinton will run again. She has largely left the potential 2016 field frozen in place, locking down financial donors, endorsements and connections around the country and in the early states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

A decision not to run would set off a chaotic shuffle in the Democratic Party as candidates now considered long-shots become instant contenders and politicians now planning to skip the race give it a new look.

“It might be a good thing to open it up and have competition based on ideas, not that it’s her turn,” said Dick Harpootlian, the former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Here’s a look at some whose political fortunes could change if Clinton decides to pass on the race.

JOE BIDEN: In any other year, the sitting vice president would have an inside track to the nomination. But Clinton’s dominant standing within the party has marginalized Biden in early 2016 discussion. In a Clinton-free campaign, the veteran of runs for president in 1988 and 2008 would be an early front-runner.

ELIZABETH WARREN: The Massachusetts senator is a favorite of liberal activists, some of whom are trying to “draft” her into running for president – even though she has repeatedly said she is not. Warren’s populist economic approach and calls to rein in Wall Street resonate with many Democrats disappointed by the midterm elections and the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

JIM WEBB: The former Virginia senator would bring a bipartisan record to the campaign: He served as President Ronald Reagan’s Navy secretary. Independent and at times unpredictable, his foreign policy outlook and outsider status could shake up the primary with or without Clinton.

ANDREW CUOMO: If Clinton decides not to run, it could give Cuomo an opening to jump into a race he does not plan to contest. The second-term governor has built a record of accomplishments on marriage equality, gun control and, last month, banned hydraulic fracturing in New York – a move cheered by environmentalists.

TIM KAINE: The Virginia senator has big-time credentials: He’s a Spanish-speaking former Catholic missionary, Harvard Law graduate, former mayor of Richmond, Virginia, and the ex-governor of the state. He has backed the Ready for Hillary super PAC and would get a serious look if Clinton took a pass.

KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: The energetic New Yorker holds Clinton’s old Senate seat and has been talked up as a potential heir apparent. A relative newcomer to the national stage, Gillibrand has displayed a strong acumen as a legislator, fundraising moxie, and a down-to-earth sensibility as the constantly juggling mother of two boys.