Other Republican

There are many other likely candidates, but none have any strong shot at the nomination. Regardless, it is too early to tell so here are some of them with analysis. They are in no particular order.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R) Kansas
Brownback is a two-issue candidate, but the Republicans might like his obssessive opposition to stem-cell research and abortion. More likely, the radical right will be fed up with having a moderate like McCain or Hagel, and might draft Brownback or another conservative to mount a third-party campaign. The fact that he supported Bush's immigration reform bill might hurt him.

Gov. Mitt Romney (R) Massachusetts
A Mormon, Republican, Moderate, ex-pro-choice, governor of Massachusetts! You've got to be kidding me. He will run though, and might steal some primary votes from McCain or Hagel. However, he is beginning to look like the most likely dark horse.

Gov. George Pataki (R) New York
Pataki is not extremely well liked in his home state, and gives the impression of being an not very smart. Anyway, he's from New York. Bye-bye.

There are other possible candidates who I have not discussed here. They don't stand a chance, nor do they stand any real chance of making a difference in the primary.

Rudy Giuliani and Condeleezza Rice are mentioned in Republican #1.