No matter who takes the slot, analysts and Afghans alike worry that the loss of such a strong powerbroker could destabilize the south, which has seen considerable security gains in the past year.
Arthur Kroeber of GK Dragonomics, a consultancy, says the country still enjoys a considerable tailwind from urbanisation and a huge potential for productivity gains as it adopts new technology.
Prior to the Reagan presidency, the concept of supply side economics with its lower personal income tax rates for the wealthy, reduction in the capital gains rates and increased tax responsibilities for the middle and lower classes was viewed with considerable suspicion by mainstream Republicans.
Despite opposition gains in parliamentary elections last month, a coalition led by Musharraf's party still retains a considerable number of seats in the Senate.