for a private lunch with US President Barack Obama at the White House last Thursday.
Romney’s abrupt withdrawal from politics is creating a leadership vacuum within the Republican Party. It’s left the party rudderless and in disarray during what may be the most important policy debate in a generation.
There’s no shortage of Republicans manoeuvring to fill the void, from House Speaker John Boehner to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and current New Jersey Gov Chris Christie.
Republican officials say the leadership void is par for the course after losing a presidential contest, and that it won’t last long. — Sapa



