The Republican race for the presidential nomination started with a sizzle, but is simmering down quickly, following the rapid-fire retreat of high-profile personalities including reality TV mogul Donald Trump, evangelical Christian darling Mike Huckabee and conservative stalwart Mitch Daniels. What's left is a lacklustre field of contenders who pollsters say would face a hard fight against incumbent Barack Obama. But Sarah Palin, a darling of the right, could be revving up her campaign. A natural sound AFPTV report. *Attention: Restrictions apply. See shotlist for details.*