Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Photo: Gage Skidmore.

Politico – Amid a wave of instability across the globe from Syria to North Korea, prominent Republicans are starting to prepare for an unexpected possibility: a 2012 presidential race fought over more than the economy.

For more than three years, the GOP has focused overwhelmingly on issues related to job creation and the size of government. The party’s presidential front-runner, Mitt Romney, is holding steady in general election polling thanks to his branding as Mr. Economic Fix-It.