Republicans: Nikki Haley

TheDailyBeast: Political Rising Stars of 2012

She’s not your typical Southern good ol’ boy. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Nikki Haley swept into the South Carolina governor’s mansion in 2010, defeating a more moderate—and better established—primary opponent along the way. Dubbed one of the Sarah Palin’s “Mama Grizzlies,” her endorsement has been one of the most highly sought by Republican candidates for 2012, and she’s on most shortlists for the running-mate nod.

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Political Rising...

While the 2012 presidential race distracts the nation in the new year, 20 up-and-coming pols will be quietly gaining strength. From Gary Locke to Nikki Haley, check out the Republicans and Democrats to watch.

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Democrats: Dave ...

If there’s good news coming out of Detroit, you can probably thank Dave Bing. It’s not his first turn in the spotlight: he was a seven-time all-star in the NBA. Since becoming mayor of the beleaguered Motor City in 2009 after his predecessor’s massive corruption scandal, he’s worked to “right-size” the city, bring in young members of the creative class, and attract new business. But with massive deficits facing Detroit, it’s unclear whether Bing will be able to beat the buzzer to prevent municipal bankruptcy.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Democrats: Eliza...

The folksy Harvard law professor became a national figure early in the Obama administration through her work in establishing the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. But after being denied the chance to run the new agency, she’s proved she’s not just a wonky egghead but a talented politician too. The first-time candidate quickly scared off several other candidates for the Democratic nod for Senate in Massachusetts, and her quick quips, populist chops, and impressive fundraising have Sen. Scott Brown, the Republican incumbent, running scared.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Democrats: Jon T...

Believe it or not, Democrats across the nation will be looking to Jon Tester in November as an augur of the party’s future. Swept into the office in 2006 by liberal activists, he’s faced a difficult balancing act ever since—he’s not quite a conservative Democrat, but he’s no lefty either. As he heads into a very tough reelection race against Rep. Denny Rehberg, his fate will say much about Democrats’ ability to attract voters who aren’t educated coastal elites, and therefore about the party’s future viability.

(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Democrats: Rahm ...

He might not be Obama’s right-hand man anymore, but don’t underestimate the prodigiously profane Emanuel, the newly elected mayor of Chicago. Rahmbo swears he’s not interested in the presidency, but with his fundraising prowess, strong connections, and proven ability to do just about anything he wants to well, he’ll remain a serious player in Democratic circles. Serving as the boss of a Democratic stronghold won’t hurt either.

(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Democrats: Gary ...

How does a mild-mannered former Washington governor become a rising star? By heading overseas. After bringing the 2010 Census in $1.6 billion under budget as commerce secretary, he was detailed to China as ambassador, where he’s become a hit with Chinese citizens (the Chinese government, not so much). Along with Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, he’s part of a crew of young Democrats putting the Evergreen State on the political map.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Republicans: Kel...

While other high-profile Tea Partiers have flamed out (think Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker) or simply sunk into obscurity and the Republican back benches, the New Hampshire senator’s profile continues to rise. She’s helping to bring back New England Republicanism—albeit in a more conservative guise that the old strain—and her endorsement in the 2012 GOP race was highly anticipated. Since backing Mitt Romney, he’s even mentioned her as a potential running mate.

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Republicans: Jon...

Don’t be fooled by his low poll numbers in the 2012 GOP race. The former Utah governor and ambassador to China might be losing the short game, but Huntsman is playing the long game. He’ll come out of the race with much higher name recognition, right-wingers are coming around to his conservative bona fides, and liberals see in him a man they may disagree with but whom they can respect.

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Republicans: Chr...

The outpouring of pleas for the corpulent New Jersey governor to run for president—from the people and pundits alike—show how much sway he already has. His graceful exit from the race and dedication to his work in the Garden State made him look good and kept him in the national spotlight—unlike dithering Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who has practically disappeared. Though blustery, Christie has shown he’s able to work across the aisle, and his approval rating at home is on the rise.

(AP Photo/Mel Evans)

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Scientific Advances of 2011

The Long War in Afghanistan

America’s Worst Drivers

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Republicans: Pau...

The House Republican whiz kid is showing no sign of slowing down. While Eric Cantor and John Boehner maneuver for titular leadership among congressional Republicans, Ryan is the undisputed intellectual leader for the party, leading its efforts on deficit-reduction, entitlement reform, and more. Just 41 years old, the Wisconsinite has already had to turn down entreaties to run for president and will be a party leader for decades to come.

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

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