One of the cool things about Intrade is that they already have contracts being sold and traded for the 2012 Presidential Election. There have already been around 20,000 contracts sold for Sarah Palin alone! Practically 10x more than Romney and any other candidate. Here is how Intrade currently ranks the top 5 Presidential contenders for the 2012 Republican Nomination. 
1.) Mitt Romney - Traded Last at 24.9%
The former Governor of Massachusetts, Romney got 2nd in the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire. The two most important states in the Primary calender. With McCain likely out of the way, Romney has a clear chance to win New Hampshire and the nomination. However the passing of Obamacare, which so closely resembles the health-care plan that Mitt Romney signed in Massachusetts is going to give him some problems with the Republican base. Personally, I don't think Mitt Romney will win the nomination. He's perceived as a flip flopper and too liberal.
The former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin was the VP nominee for John McCain. She is extremely popular among some die hard conservatives and Tea Party activists. Among the list of Republican Presidential contenders, she is easily one of the most polarizing and will face many of the same challenges that Hillary Clinton faced when she ran for the nomination. Sarah Palin's path to the nomination will definately not depend on New Hampshire, she would need a win in either Iowa or South Carolina to have a chance. Given her past history on the campaign trail, I don't give her much of a chance. When she speaks, people are reminded of Bush, she has bad advisors, and does not appear to be the smartest of candidates.
3.) John Thune - Traded Last at 20%
John who? If you're wondering who John Thune is or how he got to be the 3rd highest traded candidate in the Republican nomination market, you aren't the only one. He is the Junior Senator from South Dakota who's claim to fame was defeating Tom Daschle (Former Democratic Minority Leader) in 2002. With a weak Presidential field, 2012 might be John Thune's best opportunity as a Presidential contender. He looks Presidential and if he goes for the religious right, he might be able to take away supporters from both Huckabee and Palin to win the Iowa Caucus.
4.) Tim Pawlenty - Traded Last at 10%
The current Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty was likely on the short list for McCain's VP. Minnesota being a battleground state, Pawlenty can make the claim that he can win those states that were lost to Barack Obama while still being a conservative.
5.) Mike Huckabee - Traded Last at 7.9%
Former Gov. of Arkansas, and winner of the 2008 Iowa Caucus, Mike Huckabee has the potential to completely change the election with his wit and charm. He also had the endorsement of none other than Chuck Norris.
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