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PHIL GRAMM. The Texas Senator is a powerful fund raiser and works tirelessly on behalf of G.O.P. candidates. Respected for his toughness and his ruthless resistance to federal spending, he remains abrasive and little liked. As a Reagan White House veteran put it, "Gramm hasn't had a personality transplant."
BOB DOLE. Republicans agree that Dole has no competition as the party's top spokesman, but opinions are divided about his intentions. Most believe that Dole, who will be 73 in 1996, will not run for reasons of age.
LAMAR ALEXANDER. Working quietly out of Nashville, the former Tennessee Governor has organized a network of Republican groups to discuss policy each month. In July, he will begin a 40-day, 8,000-mile drive across the U.S. He is "thinking seriously about running," he says.
More than half a dozen other players appear far less eager. Former drug czar and best-selling author Bill Bennett would like to be President but would probably take a pass if Kemp gets in. Former Secretary of State Baker has told allies to keep their powder dry, and is believed to be waiting to see what his old pal Cheney does. Pete Wilson, currently seeking re-election as California Governor, has ruled out a race, but could be formidable if re-elected. A host of other Governors -- Massachusetts' Bill Weld and South Carolina's Carroll Campbell, for example -- may run for Vice President.
The wild card in the mix is Colin Powell. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been writing a book, making carefully chosen speaking engagements and keeping his profile low. Top G.O.P. operatives fantasize out loud about a Powell run, knowing the former general would steal votes from Clinton's thin base of minorities, women and trade unionists. "If Powell wanted the nomination," said a G.O.P. strategist, "he probably could get it." No one is saying that about Dan Quayle.