It was only a few short years ago that Barack Obama rose from the ranks of junior senator to inspirational presidential contender to leader of the free world. Shortly thereafter, Republicans made major gains in the midterm elections thanks to the grassroots fervor of the Tea Party. Now, with the 2012 campaign for the presidency well under way and dissatisfaction with President Obama a persistent theme, Republicans candidates are duking it out all across the country in an effort to win their party’s nomination and take on Obama head to head. Iowa provided the first testing ground for those who dream of the Oval Office, followed quickly by primaries in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida. Mitt Romney is seen as the leading candidate, but Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul have taken turns giving him an uphill fight to the nomination. As the contest rages on across the country, President Obama is slowly beginning his counteroffensive as he seeks a second term. The election will not take place until Tuesday, November 6, 2012, providing plenty of time for high drama in the contest to be chosen for the most important job in the world.