Candidates are starting to step forward to run for the late Senator Edward Kennedy's seat in the January special election and a couple of names being mentioned as possible contenders are decidedly not Democrats. While neither of these men has officially announced their candidacy, they haven't ruled it out either and have been getting some serious buzz in the Bay State and beyond.

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The first, Andrew Card, was former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. He is seriously considering a run according to political strategist and friend Ron Kaufman. (source) Mr. Card got his start in politics in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1975 -1983 and also served in the administrations of both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

The other well known name considering a run from the right is former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. Mr. Schilling does not belong to either political party but has campaigned for both Former President George W. Bush and Senator John McCain. He testified before Congress in 2005 about steroid use in March 2005 - not as a suspected user but as a vocal opponent. Mr. Schilling is a World Series Champion, an entrepreneur in the gaming industry, a born-again Christian and could be just what Massachusetts is looking for after 46 years of Senator Kennedy's ultra-liberal representation.

Considering the fading poll numbers of President Obama and Congressional Democrats, Massachusetts may join New Jersey and Virginia on the list of states making more conservative choices in their upcoming elections.