Finding someone to tote
'a bucket of warm spit'
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
The office isn't worth "a bucket of warm spit" in the memorable description of a former occupant, but nevertheless much agonizing goes into the selection of a running mate for a party's presidential nominee.
The idea is to broaden the appeal of the ticket and shore up any weaknesses the would-be president exhibits.
With his long career and maverick ways, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, carries about as many "kick me" possibilities as any candidate is likely to have. So perfecting the appeal is a tall order for the number two spot on a McCain-led ticket.
Who would come closest to smoothing the rough edges and expanding McCain's electoral reach?
"Tommy Thompson, the former governor of Wisconsin. He is the father of welfare reform. Second choice would be Mel Martinez the senator from Florida and former RNC (Republican National Committee) chair." (As a native of Cuba, Martinez's eligibility is questionable.)
-- Jim Barton,
state legislator, R-Mobile
"I think it's important to first identify what McCain needs in a running mate:
- 3) Better/Stronger conservative "bona fides" than McCain;
- 4) Can convince American voters that he/she could assume the Presidency on a moment's notice.
Having established a few criteria, I'd say McCain should pick one of the following:
- 1) Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: Very popular, two-term Republican governor of a 'purple state' -- and an important state to win in November. He's young (47 years old), attractive, and has been a terrific governor. He has won the affection of fiscal conservatives with his steadfast refusal to raise taxes in Minnesota. As the son of a truck driver, he could appeal to some blue collar voters who might otherwise vote for the Democrat.
- 2) South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford: Again, a very popular two-term Republican governor -- this time of a Southern state. He is also young (also 47 years old), attractive, and has a near-perfect record when it comes to fiscal conservatism. (He once carried live pigs into the State Capitol in Columbia to make a point about his opposition to state legislators' pork spending). He served three terms in the House of Representatives prior to running for governor, so he is no stranger to how Washington 'works.'
It's difficult to decide which of these individuals I'd rank over the other, as frankly, both bring many of the same strengths to the table, both are very qualified, and both more than meet the aforementioned criteria. In the end, I would give the edge to Pawlenty simply because he has been with McCain from Day One, and stood by him even when McCain was on political life support. Loyalty, I would think, would be a tremendously valued quality in a running mate."
-- Bragg Van Antwerp,
investment banker, New York
"Michael Steele, former lieutenant governor of Maryland."
-- Pete Riehm,
U.S. Navy Commander (ret.), GOP loyalist
"Mark Sanford."
-- Sage Lyons,
businessman, Huntsville
"What these guys need to be hearing is that whoever McCain picks better be someone that the evangelicals will get excited about. In 2004, 24 million turned out to vote and about 80 percent voted for Bush. Not only that, six Republicans were elected to the Senate including John Thune who beat Tom Daschle. In that regard they need someone like J.C. Watts or Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina.
Next tier: Chris Cox, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), or possibly the governor of Alaska (Sarah Palin)."
-- ADS,
government analyst
"1st Choice - Charlie Crist (Florida), very popular governor of fourth largest state. His key endorsement put McCain over the top to lead toward nomination. Helps to win Florida in November, which is a must win for Republicans.
2nd Choice – Haley Barbour (Mississippi), brings instant national credibility to ticket with conservatives. Has been a successful governor in times of crisis (Katrina). Strong party leader and party builder.
But you know should and will are two different things."
-- Chris Brown,
GOP consultant
"McCain should give strong consideration to Gov. Sarah Palin, Alaska.
As an alternate perhaps Haley Barbour, Mississippi."
-- Jim Koblas,
broadcaster
"McCain can't win without winning Florida. He should choose Charlie Crist, governor of Florida. He'll get the rest of the South anyway."
-- Fleet Lane,
Baldwin County developer
"To me, foreign policy is very important right now.
I think Condi Rice is the choice. I have for years. They (McCain and Rice) would make a powerful team, two no-nonsense pro-America Americans. That is important, having people that love our country representing our country.
My impression is that other countries realize, perhaps grudgingly, that they all benefit from the Pax America. To the extent it is strengthened, we all benefit, including the Russians. And yes, they realize it, too. The nation and the world need that stability, that power.
Secondly, Condi sends a message to Islam, extremists and moderates alike, that the most successful civilization in world history, ours, is built upon equality. They may think that women are inferior, and they may resent dealing with a woman as the representative of the most powerful nation on earth, and if they do, they are just plain damn wrong. They need to get over it, or suffer the consequences of not being at the table.
Condi is, in every way, the most qualified person I am aware of to be V.P., and I would even argue, President. The U.S. electing her as V.P. sends a message to the second and third world that needs to be sent."
-- Les Barnett,
Republican state committeeman
"If it was me I would look real hard at J.C. Watts -- Baptist, conservative, young, intelligent, business owner, on the boards of Boy
Scouts of America, U.S. Military Academy, to name a couple. Past congressmen from Oklahoma, and I think he was a good football player. Plus it would help counter Obama and Hillary. A younger Colin Powell."
-- Bob James,
contractor
"Mitt Romney:
- 1. He's the best candidate on the economy to fiscally handle a pending recession. The only candidate form either party with any significant private sector experience. And Mitt is loaded there in an area that McCain admits he lacks.
- 2. He brings a Michigan and a New Hampshire into play. The South will remain in GOP hands, McCain needs to bring a blue state into the mix.
- 3. He is capable of raising money. Excluding his own, Romney raised more than any other GOP candidate.
- 4. He was the most conservative of all the GOP candidates. Endorsed by C-PAC, National Review Magazine, Judge Robert Bork and others.
McCain needs to strengthen the turnout within the base of the Party. Romney beat all GOP candidates on issues like taxation, immigration and fiscal policy. Plays well with the social conservatives on his decisions on stem cell research."
-- Marty Connors,
former state GOP chairman
"I predict Gov. Crist of Florida. Age, geography, and demonstrated competence favor him. He's also a GOP moderate, to some degree. A possible hurdle: He's unmarried."
-- Ray Jenkins,
retired newspaperman
"It's has to be someone relatively young, large state, mid-ground between far right and McCain's present stance ... since most of the candidates for President were not really acceptable and the VP must be someone we will want as President ... I do not feel I know enough about any of them to make an intelligent decision at this point.
I like Haley Barbour, Bob Riley (neither from state large enough. Crist I don't know anything about as to his conservative stance, although I know he is popular and has been with McCain campaigning a lot. Richard Shelby had been mentioned once or twice in the past ... I do not think the state size is going to qualify these people except maybe Crist.
I must say after doing all this thinking ..., I like Barbour #1 and Riley #2 ... both subject to hearing others who may be good that I'm not thinking of. What about Newt (Gingrich)? I wanted him for president but maybe VP would be good.
-- Starke Irvine,
real estate executive
"I think a McCain-Romney ticket would be a good choice to reassure the conservative base and help pull some votes in the Northeast. Another good choice would be Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, while she might not be a household name outside of the Northwest she would bring domestic policy experience. She would also help with the female vote, bring youthful energy and help bring the Northwest into the GOP column."
-- Chip Brown,
Baldwin County Republican
