Election 101

Election 101: 11 questions about Rick Perry and his White House bid

The Texas governor made clear his intention to run for president with appearances in South Carolina and New Hampshire on Saturday and a planned trip to Iowa on Sunday.

Election 101: Eleven facts about Buddy Roemer and his presidential bid

Charles “Buddy” Roemer is trying to stage a comeback. After nearly two decades out of office, the four-term congressman and one-time Louisiana governor declared his candidacy for president on Thursday in New Hampshire.

Elections 101: Ten facts about Thaddeus McCotter and his run for president

Thaddeus McCotter, the GOP’s surprise dark horse, is stirring up the race. The five-term Michigan congressman declared his candidacy for president on July 2 in his home state.

A Beatles-loving, guitar-playing son of the heartland, Representative McCotter has strong conservative credentials and populist appeal. But there’s a problem. Thaddeus who?

Election 101: Ten facts about Jon Huntsman and his presidential campaign

Jon Huntsman, President Obama's former China ambassador declared his candidacy for the presidency. Dubbed “the Republican Democrats fear most,” the handsome, cerebral former governor of Utah often draws comparisons to Mr. Obama. Will that be an asset or a handicap?

Election 101: Ten facts about Michele Bachmann and her presidential bid

With her announcement Monday that she is entering the presidential race, Michele Bachmann has given the tea party a candidate to call its own. Is she capable of running a campaign that can withstand the rigors and scrutiny of the presidential process?

Election 101: Rick Santorum makes a bid for the White House

Rick Santorum’s 16-year career in politics can be charted through his rigorous positions on hot-button issues: welfare, abortion, gay rights. His boldness has made Mr. Santorum a politician that people either really like or don’t just as deeply.

Election 101: Nine facts about Mitt Romney and his White House bid

Mitt Romney has been groomed to run for president. He has the look and the political lineage. He’s been a governor, the quintessential training ground. And he’s essentially never stopped running since he conceded his first White House bid three years ago.

Election 101: Tim Pawlenty as 'everyman's' candidate? Ten points about who he is.

The former governor declared his candidacy for president May 22, and is hoping his foes’ flaws are his ticket to victory.

Election 101: Herman Cain

The pizza magnate, aka the ‘Hermanator,’ is staging a full-on charm offensive, hoping his Southern-fried charisma, business savvy, top performance in the first GOP debate, and media prowess are enough to offset his fundamental flaw: zero political experience.

Election 101: Ron Paul sets sights on 2012. Ten things to know about him.

The ‘intellectual grandfather’ of the tea party movement, Ron Paul is a dark horse pushing for an upset victory.

Election 101: Ten questions about Newt Gingrich as a presidential candidate

The former speaker is a masterful strategist with a brilliant political mind. But a rocky marital record and a penchant for flame-throwing may jeopardize his candidacy.

Election 101: Who is Gary Johnson?

Gary Johnson, who has already scaled Mt. Everest, has chosen the presidency as his next summit.