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

[BM]

Does anyone really think Portman would help Romney that much in Ohio? He's not an icon in the state or anything. Probably not even that well known. Romney probably needs Ohio to win regardless, so if it's close enough that he needs a savior in the state, he probably has other troubles to worry about.

Same goes for Rubio. If Romney can't win Florida without a Floridian on the ticket, then he probably won't win other states he needs. Rubio and Portman are still obviously in the top tier of potential candidates, but the swing state advantage is exaggerated. OH and FL will both be close and heavily contested no matter what.

I think Ayotte is probably the only potential running mate that could have a significant impact on their swing home state, especially since Romney isn't polling as well in NH as he should be. It's a small state, but could make a difference. Maybe McDonnell could help in VA, but it'd be slight as in OH and FL. Ryan doesn't even represent all of Wisconsin and wouldn't help enough to flip it. Pawlenty isn't making Minnesota competitive.