If the GOP doesn't run Donald Trump as their nominee

[PJMcK]

Let's say that somehow, the Stop Trump forces in the Republican Party are able to get Mr. Trump out of the race. For the purpose of my question, how they accomplish this doesn't matter.

Who would want to run in his place? The Republican's nominee, whoever it would be, will be serious hampered by the lateness of organizing a national campaign, the fund-raising difficulties and the problems of unifying a splintered party. Why would Speaker Ryan, Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney or anyone else offer themselves as the sacrificial lamb?

ETA: How would stepping in to lose be a good career move for any of these top-tier Republican politicians?

[Renew Deal]

1. I think many would want it

Because it would put them at the front of the line for 2020.

Jeb is shameless

[snot]

2. This is becoming a serious concern. Trump does seem to be imploding.

I do honestly believe that many Repubs, including 1%'er's, would prefer Hillary to Trump. But they'd prefer even more, of course, a Republican who's less of a loose canon than Trump.

If there's a way to switch in a substitute for Trump, it seems to me that at this point they have little to lose by attempting it. Worst case is, Hillary wins, who they prefer to Trump anyway, or their substitute wins, in which case Trump's hard core fans may be pissed; but the Repubs will have at least 2 - 4 more years to try to brainwash them back into some kind of compliance.

[LiberalFighter]

3. I would hope they run someone. Otherwise it might be bad for us.

[LeFleur1]

4. Possibility?

It seems as if Trump is sabotaging himself. What candidate would say the things he says and still believe he could actually be elected President of the USA? Even some Republicans have a conscience. Hillary better be planning on someone else to campaign against because it most likely won't be Trump on the Republican ticket.

[LiberalFighter]

8. I agree. But I was saying that we don't want them to not run anyone.

[Garrett78]

5. It'd be someone for whom 2016 represents their only chance.

It won't be Ryan, as I'm sure he's waiting until 2020 or 2024. But there are others who have nothing to lose by running. Gingrich, Romney, Kasich, Carson, etc. Someone who will never again have a chance at being the Republican nominee for POTUS.

[MineralMan]

6. Probably Romney.

He seems to be somewhat interested and has run before. He lost, of course, but all of the Republican possibilities are losers, so there's that.

[MFM008]

7. Cruz

Is anxious to do it.
Kasich would be happy to " save" the party...

[Garrett78]

9. If Cruz hopes to run again in the future, he won't want to be a sacrificial lamb.

And I suspect that he does. Romney doesn't have anything to lose, except that he may not wish to be known as someone who lost twice (and he may not want to put himself or his family through another campaign).

I could see Gingrich or Kasich offering themselves up.