The American Spectator

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(Page 6 of 14)

I have read with interest Quin Hillyer's thoughtful series on prospective Vice Presidential nominees for Senator McCain. The criteria listed helped provide structure to the list of candidates, but I would respectfully suggest ought to have included two other thresholds.

The first I would add are that the nominee's home state would be an addition to the list of states that the ticket would reasonably hope to carry. That is, their inclusion on the ticket changes the dynamics of the race, or at the very least firms up a state that can be plausibly targeted.

The second is specific to this election: that the candidate can not have been part of the current administration. Regrettably the notion of guilt by association is as true in the political arena as in other walks of life. There is a careful balance necessary in utilizing President Bush's allegiance, which Senator McCain has managed masterfully to this point. To push that to include a current or former member of President Bush's team as the current Vice Presidential nominee would not represent a reasoned decision in what promises to be a tightly contested election. In fact, I believe it would be a reckless decision. Certainly it would provide rich and incessant talking points for the Democratic nominee.

With that in mind, Mr. Cox and Mr. Portman resumes bring negativity to the ticket no matter their fine individual strengths. Additionally, neither is a certain draw in their home state. It is worth recalling that Mr. Edwards did not carry his home state as part of the ticket in 2004, and for all the discussion about Florida in 2000, had Mr. Gore carried his home state of Tennessee, he would have become the President. For the top of the ticket not to carry his home state has catastrophic consequences; it is only slightly less so for the Vice Presidential candidate. And although it is not a criterion I am suggesting, are either Mr. Cox or Mr. Portman considered within the top tier of the party's bench strength for 2012 or 2016? Most importantly, does the general public view Mr. Cox or Mr. Portman as individuals that are presidential? Do Republicans?

Mr. Romney has received significant attention in the media when the topic of the Vice Presidential nominee is raised. Exit polling indicates that he did have difficulty resonating with the Republican rank and file, and was not the second choice of evangelicals (Senator McCain was more often than not their second choice). He does bring to the political stage stature and a resonating voice that would be a compelling balance to Senator McCain, particularly on matters of commerce and executive experience. In his only successful race for office -- for Massachusetts governor in 2002 -- he won in a state that is 3-1 Democratic in registration by a margin of 50% to 45%. If polling showed that he is likely to add Massachusetts to the McCain column this November, and without negatively impacting Senator McCain's appeal in the South, he would be a fine candidate. However, it is not at all certain he could help carry what is arguably the most liberal state in the country despite his past success in doing so. Perhaps between the two of them this traditionally Democratic state might swing to 'red' in this cycle. Had he chosen to run for reelection in 2006, this question would have been answered. However, his calculation was to seek the presidency, so there is no clear evidence on his sustaining appeal in the state.

p>If Mr. Romney's negatives were such to have us consider other candidates, then the matter of who the opponent to Senator McCain is would become a consideration. If Senator Clinton is the nominee for the Democrats, a balanced ticket with a southern governor might be the most strategic. If Senator Obama is the nominee, a woman on Senator McCain's ticket might help cement the dissatisfaction of Senator Clinton's base with the idea of a Senator Obama leading the ticket, and reinforce the idea that switching their support to Senator McCain is more reflective of their political interests. br> -- Evan Harolds /p>

I sure do get that we live in different times, but focus group McCain's Veep pick? Could you imagine what that would have done to Lincoln had he come along today? His homely looks, high, scratchy voice and gawky mannerisms would have consigned him to a lifetime of rail splitting.

p>Why don't we rely on John McCain's informed judgment in making this selection? If he can pick a man or woman of solid character, competence and demonstrated accomplishment, it may be a good indicator how he'll fare as president. br> -- Jeff Schmidt br> Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania /p>

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