<b>Full coverage:</b> Mitt Romney

Richard Ellis / Getty Images

Mitt Romney
Fmr. Massachusetts governor | Age 64
Declared June 2, 2011

The 2008 presidential candidate says he’s committed to seeing someone in the 2012 race “who understands the economy.” Romney has proved to be a fundraising powerhouse and has weathered a stiff challenge from Rick Perry.

Romney changed his views on issues vital to many conservatives, including abortion rights, gay rights, and embryonic stem-cell research. His biggest challenge may be defending his overhaul of the Massachusetts health care system, which President Obama cited as a model for his own plan.

He is married with five children.

— Associated Press