Romney gears up: Campaign staff mobilizes as 2016 presidential election approaches

Despite numerous polls showing that he had backing from the majority of Republicans and conservatives and requests from several high profile Republicans, Mitt Romney spent all of 2014 claiming that he was not considering running for president a third time in 2016.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - But Romney's denial, implied or not, no longer rings true, especially after other potential Republican nominees have started announcing their intentions, most recently and notably, Jeb Bush.

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Romney has begun mobilizing his 2012 political network. Former aides, supporters, donors and potential allies have all been contacted between January 9-12.

It is possible that Romney won't pursue a 2016 bid, but that is not likely, and such a mobilization is a sign of serious intent.

Another senior Republican revealed that he was told that Romney "almost certainly will" make a run in 2016.

Romney declaration of intent to a group of donors in New York can be seen as a concentrated effort to avoid being left behind as numerous Republicans take to the field. Besides Bush, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker have also emerged as 2016 Republican candidates.

Romney is a hopeful choice for Republicans, and is seen as one of the few candidates that can bring together both the moderate and conservative wings of the Republican Party, and seriously court independents.

Other Republican nominees do not have the ability to bridge the gap between moderates and conservatives, and Romney has a serious lead in the polls among all potential opponents-regardless of party-except one.

Hillary Clinton, who is likely the foremost candidate for the Democrats, leads Romney in most polls, usually by a little more than ten points.

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To win in 2016 Romney does face some challenges. President Obama's last two years will have profound impact on any campaign, especially if his perception among the American people drops further. Romney will also need to court independents while not alienating the highly factionalized Republican party.

The 2014 midterm was a wake up call from the American people, but it is unclear if Democrats can build up enough distaste to sink their chances and lose the presidency.

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