This is the week for the idealists in the Republican presidential primary, the long shots, the Washington outsiders and the underdogs. Three GOP contenders have stepped out onto the field and, while they face a long climb to become regarded among the front running candidates, their campaigns could influence the party as a whole.

Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard who could become the Right’s answer to Hillary Clinton, announced her campaign from social media. “Our nation is at a pivotal point,” Fiorina said in a video, “We need to restore possibilities for every American regardless of their circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Ben Carson, who was asked to be surgeon general by both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said he would announce his campaign Monday. “Many people have suggested to me that I should run for president, even though I’m not a politician,” Carson said. “I began to ask myself, why are people clamoring for me to do this? … I’m not 100 percent sure politics as usual is going to save us.”

And former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will announce his second campaign for president Tuesday. Huckabee is expected to run on his record as governor and his political battles against the Clintons in Arkansas. He’s also likely to pull support from evangelical voters with his strong social conservative stance. With months to go, who knows? Maybe the GOP should pick a Washington outsider, a person who would be a contrast to Hillary Clinton’s baggage. More…