Can Republicans avoid 2012 repeat?

While Democrats have all but anointed Hillary Clinton as their 2016 presidential candidate, Republicans would like to avoid the free-for-all that severely hurt their eventual 2012 candidate, Mitt Romney.

The only winner in that GOP primary fight was President Barack Obama.

Politico reports that despite those hopes, most party officials are bracing for another nasty fight.

Gov. Chris Christie was once viewed as the best candidate and nearly unbeatable, but that's no longer the case because of Bridgegate.

Officials estimate that, at least, 15 Republicans are weighing a run for the White House, with no clear front-runner. That is a stark contrast from the situation across the aisle.