GOP Already Looking To 2016

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) among the contenders

(Reuters)—Seeking to raise money for the New Hampshire Republican Party, state chairwoman Jennifer Horn recently called the party's national boss, Reince Priebus, with a question: Could he get Rand Paul to visit?

The request, and Paul's appearance here last Monday in a room packed with 500 Republicans, spoke volumes about the party as its followers—some energized by the scandals surrounding Democratic President Barack Obama's administration—are already looking to the 2016 elections.

With no clear presidential front-runner in their party, Republicans are in shopping mode.