If a republican (preferably a conservative) was smart and perceptive they would recognize that the third party is ripe for the picking. Now.
A perfect storm.
They would recognize that no one wants to vote for a Republican next election. Why should they? Voters gave Republicans a historic victory and what do they get in return? A Republican party that promotes the Democrats' agenda.
No one wants to vote for Democrats either. Why should they? Simple: Obama's eight years.
If a Republican wants to distinguish themselves from the pack of sixteen, they should declare third party. Soon.
It is irrelevant that third parties in the past have not done well. But the perfect-storm present conditions will challenge that status quo.
My favorite candidate is Bobby Jindal. I would like him to run third party. Trump will probably run third party but I want him to continue to ruffle the Republican party.
If a conservative runs third party, I believe we will get two for the price of one: a conservative president and an extinct Republican party.