Campaign for 2016 is already under way

Relieved to see the long, costly 2012 presidential race end? The 2016 campaign is closer than you think.

Democrats knew they would need a new standard bearer regardless of whether Obama was re-elected, and there are plenty of possibilities — from Hillary Clinton to New York governor Andrew Cuomo.

Republicans were poised in case Romney was not crowned chief — a crop of would-be candidates are at the ready, among them: Florida senator Marco Rubio and Wisconsin representative and vice-presidential hopeful Paul Ryan.

Already, rising star Republicans and Democrats have started making the circuit of political party dinners in Iowa, Florida, New Hampshire, and South Carolina as they seek to introduce themselves to the early primary voters trusted to cull the field. Others are promoting autobiographies, often a clear indication of national aspirations. Some contenders have fired up political action committees to start refining donor lists and spread around contributions, an exercise in building goodwill that can pay off with a future endorsement.

In the coming weeks, dozens of names will be floated as possible candidates, a list that will surely be longer than the roster of those who actually make the leap.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphatically stated she plans to step down from her post and retire from politics regardless of the outcome of this election.

But as she cast her vote, political pundits and fans will undoubtedly begin the speculation over whether the next presidential vote Hillary Clinton casts in four years will be for Hillary Clinton.

Losing an election race is not always bad news as former presidents can rake in millions of dollars by delivering highly sought after speeches, writing best-selling books and landing lucrative corporate directorships.

According to a CNN analysis, Bill Clinton has earned $89m (€69m) strictly from paid speeches since leaving office saddled with debt in Jan 2001.

* Read more:

The divided states of America

Lawyers on the case to ensure every vote counts

Campaign for 2016 is already under way

Early-voting village returns a five-all draw

Voters queue amid rubble in storm aftermath

No more to be done as 130m take to the polls