Whoa! Politico Holds Own Primary?

With President Obama‘s popularity plummeting and NJ Gov. Chris Christie‘s heft out of the race, Politico has decided to go rogue and hold its own primary. The project is the brainchild of Executive Editor Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen (now called HeiMike, two men who now dress identically, but not to be confused with the ever tight VandeHarris).

Here’s the gist: HeiMike will nominate political, business and entertainment figures they think should run for president, and readers disenchanted with the current crop of 2012 hopefuls can nominate and vote for their own candidates. They ask, “Is there a person in politics, business or entertainment who could harness the public’s hunger for something new, different and inspiring?”

New presidential offerings so far: Former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles (whom they describe as “dull as a butter knife in public settings”), Cisco CEO John Chambers, Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, CIA Director and Retired Gen. David Petraeus, and former Nat. Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Readers can nominate their choices, but they must convince HeiMike that their choices are worthy in 140 characters or less. VandeHei in particular prefers candidates who don’t sound like they’re “full of crap.” Allen, meanwhile, likes candidates with insomnia and who h/t.

Nominations begin today. The voting happens Oct. 10-12.

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