<strong>2007: Sen. James Webb -- </strong>Once considered a rising star with solid military credentials, the Virginia Democrat delivered a feisty party response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. The writer and executive producer of "Rules of Engagement" as well as other works of fiction opted not to return to the high drama of Washington politics and left the Senate after one term. The response to the State of the Union address is a big opportunity for a rising star in the opposing party. It doesn't always work out that way.
Great gig not always so great —
2007: Sen. James Webb -- Once considered a rising star with solid military credentials, the Virginia Democrat delivered a feisty party response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. The writer and executive producer of "Rules of Engagement" as well as other works of fiction opted not to return to the high drama of Washington politics and left the Senate after one term. The response to the State of the Union address is a big opportunity for a rising star in the opposing party. It doesn't always work out that way.
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<strong>2008: Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius --</strong> She was only the second woman to serve as governor of her state when she delivered her party's response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. A botched Obamacare rollout has tarnished her brand somewhat.
Great gig not always so great —
2008: Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius -- She was only the second woman to serve as governor of her state when she delivered her party's response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. A botched Obamacare rollout has tarnished her brand somewhat.
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<strong>2009: Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana --</strong> As the first Indian-American governor, Jindal was hailed a GOP rising star and possible presidential contender. But when he stepped up to the mike in an ill-fitting suit and sputtered through his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, Jindal's star lost some of its shine.
Great gig not always so great —
2009: Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana -- As the first Indian-American governor, Jindal was hailed a GOP rising star and possible presidential contender. But when he stepped up to the mike in an ill-fitting suit and sputtered through his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, Jindal's star lost some of its shine.
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<strong>2010: Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia --</strong> Republicans envisioned big things for the conservative governor when he delivered his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. Things went downhill from there and McDonnell was recently indicted of federal corruption charges.<br />
Great gig not always so great —
2010: Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia -- Republicans envisioned big things for the conservative governor when he delivered his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. Things went downhill from there and McDonnell was recently indicted of federal corruption charges.
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<strong>2011: Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin --</strong> He was the hotshot hope of the GOP when he took the stage following President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. But the P90 X-loving, budget hawk was on the losing Romney-Ryan ticket in 2012. Ryan's been mentioned as a possible 2016 White House candidate.<br />
Great gig not always so great —
2011: Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin -- He was the hotshot hope of the GOP when he took the stage following President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. But the P90 X-loving, budget hawk was on the losing Romney-Ryan ticket in 2012. Ryan's been mentioned as a possible 2016 White House candidate.
<strong>2012: Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana --</strong> The former head of the White House Budget Office under President George W. Bush had a great deal of potential when he delivered a pointed GOP response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. Just two years later, Daniels is out of politics and is now president of Perdue University.<br />
Great gig not always so great —
2012: Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana -- The former head of the White House Budget Office under President George W. Bush had a great deal of potential when he delivered a pointed GOP response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. Just two years later, Daniels is out of politics and is now president of Perdue University.
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<strong>2013: Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida --</strong> The GOP rising star might have been parched during his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, but since then his career has cooled a bit after his push for immigration reform. He's among the top names discussed for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, if he runs.
Great gig not always so great —
2013: Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida -- The GOP rising star might have been parched during his party's response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, but since then his career has cooled a bit after his push for immigration reform. He's among the top names discussed for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, if he runs.
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