POTENTIAL CANDIDATES (AND A BONUS WILD CARD)

No. 1 STEVE YOUNG

* Party: Republican.

* Bio: Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers.

* Strengths: Agile mind, quick on his feet, has law degree--could be the poster boy for “compassionate conservatism.”

* Political potholes: Young’s favorite recording artist is Bruce Springsteen, whose common-man songs have a Democratic bent. Also: Young is a lefty.

* Most dangerous opponent: Joe Montana.

* Outlook: GOP parties in California and Utah may have to wrestle for the promotional rights.

* J.C. Watts on Young: He can help bring “civility” back to politics.

No. 2 CHARLES BARKLEY

* Party: Republican.

* Bio: Former NBA star with Philadelphia, Phoenix and Houston.

* Strengths: World-class trash talker. Possible debate exchange: “Look, I knew Michael Jordan, I played with Michael. Michael is a friend of mine. Mister, you are no Michael Jordan.”

* Political potholes: Played hoops more like a lunch-pail Democrat; once tossed dwarf through a plate-glass window; claims he is not a role model.

* Most dangerous opponent: Himself.

* Outlook: Barkley has talked for years about a gubernatorial run in Alabama. If he wins, look for George Wallace to roll over twice in his grave.

* Watts on Barkley: “I think there’s some appeal. Charles could probably have his own party--The Barkley Party.”

No. 3 JOHN ELWAY

* Party: Republican.

* Bio: Strong-armed Denver Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl championships.

* Strengths: Stanford grad, born leader, scratch golfer, stupendously rich, “rifle” arm should impress NRA.

* Political potholes: Got hammered last time he took on Washington, tossing three interceptions in 42-10 loss to Redskins in Super Bowl XXII.

* Most dangerous opponent: Cleveland’s “Dawg pound.”

* Outlook: He’s Jack Kemp with a much, much better arm.

* Watts on Elway: “John is probably someone to keep an eye on. Yes, he’s Republican.”

No. 4 ROGER STAUBACH

* Party: Republican.

* Bio: Clean-living ex-Dallas Cowboy star quarterback.

* Strengths: Military background--won Heisman Trophy at Navy.

* Political potholes: Dems may try to pin “Roger the Dodger” playing nickname to Staubach’s waffling on issues.

* Most dangerous opponent: Mean Joe Greene.

* Outlook: Staubach could ride George W. Bush’s coattails to power.

* Watts on Staubach: “The next open seat in Texas, U.S. Senate or governorship, Roger’s a name. I’ve even heard mayor of Dallas.”

No. 5 NOLAN RYAN

* Party: Republican.

* Bio: Hall of Fame pitcher and cattle rancher from Texas.

* Strengths: Close friend of George W. Bush. Won’t be afraid to back opponents off the political plate. Might become regular on Chris Matthews’ show, “Hardball.”

* Political potholes: Played eight seasons for the California Angels.

* Most dangerous opponent: Robin Ventura.

* Outlook: Ryan’s political future probably tied to Bush, the former Texas Ranger owner.

* Watts on Ryan: “He’s kind of an icon. If I was going to start candidate recruitment, Nolan Ryan and Roger Staubach, that’s a good start.”

No. X DENNIS RODMAN

* Party: Yes, he does.

* Bio: Controversial former rebounding forward for Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and the Lakers.

* Strengths: Hard worker and an expert on defense.

* Political potholes: (Please write for separate, spiral-bound addendum on this subject).

* Most dangerous opponent: Madonna.

* Outlook: Dare we say he might be the voice of reason in a splintering Reform Party? If Jesse Ventura can ride with biker gangs and become Minnesota governor, Rodman can overcome his litany of tattoos and transgressions.

* Outlook: Perot-Rodman in 2004?

* Watts on Rodman: “I don’t know if I’d vote for the ticket, but I’d sure watch the debates.”