Same song, different verse.

Romney in 2012 should have claimed a resounding republican victory — unfortunately, (like McCain and Dole before him) he only limped to a conservative-light loss. There was debate after debate before the faithful, but the establishment republicans (and Romney) won the battle only to lose the war.

Then it was Obama — now comes Hillary — along with socialist Bernie Sanders (surely he doesn’t have a chance — but, hey, I thought the same of Barack Obama in 2008).

Hillary hopes to repeat history, of sorts — in 2008 Americans saw our first black President. She now hopes to claim the first female presidential mantle of the U.S.

Conservatives fear (as in 2008) not the historic position opportunity this election might claim, but the potential of a disaster in the filling of it with only shallow symbolism. They see Hillary (or Sanders) as only an extension of unabashed progressivism and incompetent leadership.

Obama, with an historic opportunity, proved the fear could happen when only race is considered — you know the list: terrible economy, race relations at all-time low, our national image in tatters, a culture/border breakdown, etc., thanks not to race but either incompetence and/or leftist ideology. Hillary, with Benghazi, the Middle East in general, amnesty and health care, is flawed as well and would probably only exacerbate Obama’s policies. And, as President Obama played the race card, she will only play the feminist/liberal card. Sanders would call out the “economic equality” (i.e., redistribution of wealth) card.

And, again, a crowd of republicans begin the scramble to win the GOP blessing. Many suspect the 2008 crowd fractured the conservative base, and could do so again.

According to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, quoted in The Daily Caller, it breaks down like this: Scott Walker in the lead with 21%, Cruz, Rubio, Huckabee, Rand in a free-for-all for second with 11 to 13%, and Ben Carson in sixth with 7%. Jeb Bush brings in 5%, a surprise to some in the beltway. Bringing up the rear is Christie, Santorum, Fiorina and Kasich — all at 2-3%.

Polls are only a reflection of a moment in time, and can change quickly — but some fear a repeat of 2008.

Too bad we cannot have a “dream team” to take the field for the White House.

As before, we have a long list of fairly competent conservatives, along with a couple of RINOS.

Want a team? How about a Republistein combination most conservatives could bet on?

Donald Trump (not announced yet) and Carly Fiorina split up Labor Secretary and the Department of Commerce — if you can’t provide jobs in the U.S., you’re FIRED. Fiorina, as former head of HP, could also neuter Hillary.

Ben Carson, Surgeon General and Secretary of Health — his mission: dismantle ObamaCare and show black Americans how conservatism is not just for “old dead white guys”, and is especially needed in the black community.

Rick Perry for Secretary of Defense and head of the Department of Homeland Security (really, what’s the difference?). At least he has a military background (Air Force) and, living in Texas, wouldn’t have far to go to work.

Ted Cruz, Attorney General. He clerked in the Supreme Court and knows the law — and I am willing to bet he would hold BOTH republicans and democrats to the fire of a rule of law, a notion the rank and file of both sides of the political isle could support.

Rand Paul could push the Federal Reserve for a much-needed audit (it’s time to admit we are broke), and be over efforts to dismantle the IRS and rein in the NSA.

Jeb Bush could take the Department of Education, charged to cut funding by half over 8 years — I know, I’m optimistic.

Chris Christy, put the EPA on a diet big boy, and make it also lose half its weight over 8 years — I know, I’m optimistic.

For the moment — and I emphasize “the moment” - I agree with the polls outlook and personally recommend Scott Walker and Marco Rubio.

In full disclosure, I think Cruz would make a great president — competent, honest, moral, and a fervent follower of the Constitution. But I fear liberals — and RINOS currently in place — would prevent that. I would love to be proven wrong — it was, after all, the same establishment republicans, including the Bush family, who fought Ronald Reagan’s nomination.

That being said, mix and match Walker and Rubio for President and Vice President. Walker has proven his mettle as a governor who could take on big labor and education and saved the day for the state of Wisconsin. Rubio would take the young and Latino vote by storm (and Florida), and assuming (again, being optimistic) he holds firm on illegal immigration/amnesty, could run the table.

Regardless, republicans need a true conservative to win, and need to circle the wagons around him or her quickly — Reagan proved America can support such a leader, and it can happen again.

Finally, Mr. Huckabee, lead us all in prayer. No joke on that one — and if you’re Moses, I’ll follow you across the desert as well.