Democrats' Next Darling: Beau Biden?

The 2016 speculation has already begun, and when it comes to the future, the Democrats have a problem, writes Erin McPike for Real Clear Politics. While the GOP has a robust roster of potential candidates for 2016 and beyond, for Democrats, the options are fewer. But one name is starting to emerge that has a familiar ring to it: Beau Biden, son of the VP and Delaware's attorney general. The 43-year-old major in the National Guard was a darling of the Obama campaign, served in Iraq, and has even garnered respect from some conservatives, with Newt Gingrich saying he's "much more mature" and "in control of himself" than his father.

There are some snags, though. Biden suffered a mild stroke in 2010, which calls his health into question, and he disappointed some Democrats when he failed to run for Senate that same year, when the left's control of the upper house was tenuous. He'll probably need "a larger platform," too, "in order to follow his father in climbing the ranks," writes McPike. Sen Chris Coons is unlikely to step aside in 2014, making it more likely we'll see Biden make a 2016 run for governor.

• Meanwhile, in Texas, another familiar last name is emerging: George (yes, another one) P. Bush, son of Jeb, filed papers for candidacy, though which office he's considering or even if he'll run is still up in the air, reports the AP.

(More Beau Biden stories.)