The American Spectator

Because John McCain disdains the conservative movement. Because he has a temper so volcanic that Democrats could easily bait him into a “Howard Dean moment” in the fall that ruins his campaign and hands a landslide to either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Because McCain has run an entirely dishonorable, mendacious primary campaign so far. Because, from a conservative standpoint, McCain is bad on border security, bad on taxes, bad on judges, bad on respect for the letter of the Constitution, bad on respecting those who disagree with him, bad on energy exploration, bad on free-market economics, and absolutely horrendous in his zealous support for excessive regulation. He hearkens back not to Ronald Reagan’s principles but, quite openly, to Teddy Roosevelt’s — and the truth is that TR was a big-government interventionist with an authoritarian streak and an out-of-control ego. Just like McCain is today.

McCain might still win an open convention…but in an open convention at which conservatives hold the balance of power, almost anything could happen. At the very least, McCain would be forced to take active steps to make conservatives part of his team rather than shutting them out. He could be forced to choose a vice presidential nominee more amenable to the conservative movement. And he might still be defeated.

Thompson could re-emerge as a compromise, consensus choice. Or Dick Cheney. Or Jeb Bush. Or SEC Chairman Chris Cox (also a perfect VP choice for just about anybody). Or one of the favorite sons themselves; I can think of far worse general-election scenarios than a Republican ticket led by Thune, Santorum, or Pence.

Sen. Santorum, the first move is yours.