Six reasons so many Republicans are running for president

The Republican presidential field could wind up with close to 20 candidates. Here's our list of reasons why.

4. Hopes of catching fire

Lynne Sladky/AP
Adam Lehmann of Sarasota, Fla., sells Rubio for President t-shirts and buttons outside of the Freedom Tower where Sen. Marco Rubio launched his Republican presidential campaign, April 13, 2015, in Miami.

The large Republican field has sorted out into different categories. There’s the top tier, who all bring key qualities and qualifications to the table or who have captured early momentum. 

Others, such as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, are more niche candidates, appealing to tea partyers (Senator Cruz) and social conservatives (both). But there’s always a chance a lower-tier candidate can catch fire and make a play for the top tier. Hope springs eternal. 

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