1972: Spiro Agnew vs. George McGovern

[Barnes]

In 1971, Richard Nixon has a fatal attack of Phlebitis, and Spiro Agnew assumes the office. Agnew nominates John Connally as his Vice President. With the sympathy effect going for him after Nixon's death, Angew is able to assure Connally is easily confirmed.

Agnew increases the bombing in Vietnam and also takes more action against Anti-War Protesters. He quickly becomes despised by Liberals but admired by Conservatives.

In 1972, George McGovern is still able to win the Democratic nomination and he suprises the Convention with the selection of Alaska Senator Mike Gravel as his running mate. On the Republican side, Agnew is able to overcome a serious challenge from Nelson Rockefeller at the Convention.

So, the general election match-up is: Agnew/Conally vs. McGovern/Gravel

[Barnes]

Agnew/Conally- 517

McGovern/Shriver-21

McGovern's running mate is Mike Gravel.

Also, Roch, McGovern lost SD by 8.6%. Now, if he's going against an unpopular President (at least on the left), and hasn't been tarnished by the Eagleton scandal, he could probably win his home state.