Rock'em, sock'em Republicans?

The playoffs are well under way for Republican presidential contenders, whether they be known or not, and while there are some new certainties in this competition, the stage is still set for surprises.

With Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee recently announcing they are not in the hunt, it seemingly added clarity to a scattershot primary process, putting former Massachussetts Gov. Mitt Romney on top of the world. His campaign stoked up $10 million in donations in just one day after Trump and Huckabee bowed out, and because of the Republican tendency to go with top performers of the past, he has assumed the mantle of frontrunner.

But not so fast, folks. Romney, with the hindrance of Romneycare in Massachussetts, is an imperfect candidate like many of the other announced candidates. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is a formidable politician, but he has personal baggage and a tendency to shoot himself in the foot. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels are considered competent and viable, but do they have the deep pocket abilities to sustain viable campaigns?

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, who is still unannounced, may be the Tea Party favorite, but it’s entirely unclear whether she can have broader appeal.

And then there’s Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, the libertarian who has proven he has a core following that will really shake things up in a contest that is certain to be splintered, particularly with new rule changes for the Republican primary election.

The first elections will still be held in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, but they have been moved to February, and no other states will be allowed to hold their GOP primaries before February.

And states that hold their primaries in March must award delegates proportionately, a big change from the winner-take-all primaries that are allowed in the months after March.

Simply put, it’s going to be harder for a candidate, even a supposed frontrunner such as Romney, to lock down the nomination, and it raises the likelihood for a dark horse to come out of nowhere. And that could come late in the game, even with a drafting effort before the GOP convention.

The goal for the party will be finding a candidate who will have the best shot at overcoming the proven campaign and fundraising skills of President Barack Obama.

To the dismay of many in the Republican Party, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has firmly and repeatedly said he will not run. But there are other possibilities, the latest buzz surrounding Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a states’ rights advocate who could stand out as a new-brand alternative for the Republican Party.

And Perry has fundraising ammunition, being chairman of the Republican Governors Association for the  second time in the last three years, a position that provides access to donors well outside the boundaries of his big and wealthy state. 

This may be a long primary season with lots of uncertainties, but at least one thing is certain — it will be interesting to watch.