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By Stuart Rothenberg Posted at 2:47 p.m. on Feb. 23

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

While the economy is a decisive topic in many presidential elections, national security looks increasingly likely to become a top issue in next years contest. And if that happens, it could dramatically affect both the direction of the race for the Republican nomination and the partys prospects in November.

While the economys slow recovery hasnt yet produced solid wage growth or the sort of good, full-time jobs that many had hoped for, President Barack Obamas job approval numbers on handling the economy have started to climb.

Americans are increasingly upbeat about the economy, and Democrats have good reason to believe economic angst wont be the albatross for them that it was during the past three elections. Thats certainly good news for the eventual Democratic ticket.

But politicians and political strategists planning on making the 2016 election about economic themes and issues may well be preparing to fight the last war.

The success of the Islamic State terror group (also known asISIL or ISIS), along with beheadings, threats aimed at the West and terrorist attacks in Europe, have damaged the president. Polls show the Islamic State is seen as a threat to the United States, and the president is getting low marks for handling that threat.

Not surprisingly, the news coverage of the Islamic State and terrorism has started to elevate national security issues, particularly for Republicans.

That development, and the likelihood that international crises whether in the Middle East or involving Vladimir Putins Russia will continue to fester creates challenges for Sen. Rand Paul.

The Kentucky Republican, who apparently is waiting until early April to announce his bid for the GOP nomination, remains an intriguing figure, if only because he isnt always in step with his own party and understands the GOP must broaden its appeal.

Link:
Rand Paul, Hillary Clinton Face Foreign Policy Challenges in 2016