Romney VP search: free-floating speculation and wish list thread

[Mr. Morden]

This is the counterpart to this thread:

http://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=154106.0

If you have any running mate speculation not tied to any particular news items, post it here.  Feel free to post who you want Romney to consider what basis you think he should be deciding on, etc.  Additional VP threads beyond these two stickied ones aren't outright banned, but please have a good reason for separating them out into another thread.

[Tender Branson]

Like I said before, Dick Burr.

[RogueBeaver]

Jindal or Ryan.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Governor Martinez. I sound like a broken record.

[True Federalist]

Romney definitely should not pick another governor.  He can't afford to have his own record as governor of Massachusetts become subject to comparison with his running mate's record.  It'll either make Romney look weak or stupid depending on whether his running mate had a better or worse record as governor.

[asexual trans victimologist]

Portman or Rubio, although I could actually imagine Burr.

[Mr. Morden]

Ha, I'm an idiot.  I listed quite a few names in the poll, but forgot one of the main media frontrunners: Marco Rubio.

[NHI]

Ayotte, Ryan, Christie, Jindal and Portman are all acceptable choice. My top three are:

1. Ryan
2. Christie
3. Ayotte

[AmericanNation]

Romney definitely should not pick another governor. 

It just might appear more 'balanced' somehow.  Whether in perception or reality, Romney could use a 'point man' with Federal legislature experience to complete his dominance of the experience issue.  

Portman or Ryan.      

[BushKenya]

Romney definitely should not pick another governor.  He can't afford to have his own record as governor of Massachusetts become subject to comparison with his running mate's record.  It'll either make Romney look weak or stupid depending on whether his running mate had a better or worse record as governor.

I agree.  Plus, while Governors are better suited for the Presidency, Senators are better suited for the Vice Presidency for obvious reasons.

[MilesC56]

I actually like Thune.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Thine is not bad. I just really can't believe people are choosing Paul Ryan. To me, that is just such an obvious disaster in the making.

[Fargobison]

1. Rubio
2. Rice
3. Ayotte
4. Christie
5. Jindal

[FloridaRepublican]

1. Thune
2. Jindal

[Senator Snowstalker]

Thune is boring, attractive, and evangelical/conservative but not kooky. Perfect.

[milhouse24]

Ha, I'm an idiot.  I listed quite a few names in the poll, but forgot one of the main media frontrunners: Marco Rubio.

thats okay, none of the experts think Rubio is a serious choice to be picked.  Its mostly PR hype to increase hispanic republicans, and position Rubio for 2016.  Its also a good story for liberal media members to talk about the first Hispanic vice president. 

Here is who I think helps Romney wins:
1. Jeb because it will help him with hispanic voters and evangelicals
2. Thune because it will help him with evangelicals
3. Portman because it might help him in Ohio

Burr is okay, but I don't think Romney needs help in NC or the South. 
Virginia will be close but Thune, Jeb, and Portman help in VA.

Romney is better focusing on the Midwest and Florida. 

I actually think Romney has a good chance of winning Penn as well, with a high number of Republican catholics. 

[LINCOLN REPUBLICAN]

Another potential, though unlikely, candidate not on this list is General David Petraeus.

Petraeus would be an outside the box selection to be sure, but one who would, I believe, intrigue and excite large segments of the electorate.

His leadership capabilities are, I believe, most impressive.

Although he lacks the political experience that would be almost essential in dealing with the day to day goings on in DC, and the political machinations that are a fact of life in the Capitol, I believe, given his military background, his intelligence, and his leadership capabilities, he would quickly master the situation, and his responsibilities as Vice President.

What does anyone else think in this matter?    

[HagridOfTheDeep]

I don't know that he'd be interested in the job. And in an election where the economy is number 1, I don't see him having much credibility in a debate against Biden. That aside, I think he'd be a good VP. Just not a great candidate.

[LINCOLN REPUBLICAN]

Thanks.

I think your analysis is probably quite accurate.

[A dog on every car, a car in every elevator]

It's considered rude to quit one's job running the CIA with less than 2 weeks notice.  Always leave them enough time to hire a replacement and train them on the phones.

[milhouse24]

It's considered rude to quit one's job running the CIA with less than 2 weeks notice.  Always leave them enough time to hire a replacement and train them on the phones.

Move Colin Powell to CIA.

[For Oklahoma]

Voted Paul Ryan. Jussayin.

[Reaganfan]

If Romney wants to pick someone who people would think, "They could be President if the time came", then I'd go for Bush or Huckabee.

[I Can't Get That Sound You Make, Out Of My Head]

Kelly Ayotte

Pros: Woman, young, from a swingish state, a lot more conservative than her state, has legislative experience.
Cons: Prone to being tarred with the Palin brush, 2 New Englanders might put off some Southerners.

Richard Burr

Pros: Won't overshadow Romney, legislative experience, safe hand.
Cons: Too safe? Little known and unpopular in his home state.

Jeb Bush

Pros: Helps with Hispanics, high name recognition, quite popular, strong experience.
Cons: He's called Jeb Bush.

Chris Christie

Pros: Popular, will energise base.
Cons: Overshadow ticket, might have problems with style.

Mitch Daniels

Pros: Experienced, budget strengths, safe.
Cons: Bland, linked with Bush.

Nikki Haley

Pros: Minority female.
Cons: Vetting issues, not overly popular in SC.

Mike Huckabee

Pros: Blue collar appeal, well known.
Cons: Might overshadow Romney, not so economically sound, has issues with Romney.

Bobby Jindal

Pros: Legislative and executive experience, very popular, minority
Cons: Perhaps too conservative, perhaps not ready.

Susana Martinez

Pros: Minority female, swing state.
Cons: Shades of Palin, says she isn't interested.

Bob McDonnell

Pros: Safe, swing state, willing.
Cons: Possibly too conservative.

Rand Paul

Pros: Helps with libertarians.
Cons: Too unorthodox.

Tim Pawlenty

Pros: Safe, vetted.
Cons: Bland, not from a swing state.

Rob Portman    

Pros: Helps in Ohio, safe, experienced.
Cons: Links to Bush, not that well known.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers    

Pros: Woman
Cons: Little known, only a house member.

Paul Ryan

Pros: Excites Republican base, good with the budget, swing state.
Cons: Too controversial.

Rick Santorum

Pros: Helps with blue-collar voters.
Cons: Presidential race was rather messy, too conservative.

John Thune

Pros: Safe, legislative experience.
Cons: Bland, South Dakota not a swing state.

Pat Toomey

Pros: Safe, from swing state.
Cons: Too conservative.

[For Oklahoma]

Good analysis, Morgeib. In that case, I'd be okay with Paul Ryan, Pat Toomey or Richard Burr as VP