Nixon/Lodge vs. Kefauver/Brown(1960)

[Historico]

Yet another 1960 scenario...OK...Let's say JFK happens to die during one of his many back surgeries c.a 1955. Estes is able to clinch the VP nomination with a strong first place finish, setting him up as front runner for the 1960 Election. The third time proves to be the charm, after fighting off Senators Humphrey,Smathers and Johnson for the nomination. He chooses the popular, Roman Catholic Governor from the swing state of California as his running mate. The Republican Race goes essentially the same as in OTL

Estes still seems to outperform the frumpy Nixon in the debates, but still the race proves to be hella close. How do things turn out electorally?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Nixon victory, 302-206-29:

[Landslide Lyndon]

Kefauver wins 306-231.

The South is solidly behind the regional son and Brown brings California, which in real life went just barely for Nixon.
It's a map similar with the 1976 one.

[Historico]

Although he is from the south, I think Kefauver would be a far weaker candidate than Jack Kennedy. Luck for him so is Nixon, so I think it could be really lack luster eelction, and it really depends on how much the South wants to support their hometown candidate. He didn't sign the 1957 Civil rights Manifesto, so that will hurt alot of his credibility. But Nixon, being the Political Genius he was might overestimate Kefauver's support there and focus on a Northern Campaign stragegy. Here is how I think it would turn out.

Estes Kefauver/Pat Brown: 272 Electoral Votes
Richard M. Nixon/ Henry C. Lodge: 246 Electoral Votes

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Estes Kefauver was hated by the Southern Barons.  They would not support him, and it would cost him multiple Southern States, either to Nixon or Unpledged.

[Lincoln Republican]

Even with all the odds stacked against him, and all the mistakes Nixon made during the actual 1960 campaign, Nixon came within a whisper of defeating the charismatic young attractive Senator Kennedy from Massachusetts.

In this scenario, Nixon even with Lodge would defeat Kefauver and Brown.   

Nixon/Lodge                 299
Kefauver/Brown           238