So John McCain's going to be the Republican nominee (yes, yes I know that Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee are still running). Now that's all but settled, the question is - who's going to be McCain's running mate when the GOP convention takes place in Minneapolis-St Paul? Here's some runners and riders:
Mitt Romney - he and McCain hate each other like Itchy and Scratchy. Plus, he's just not that popular in the party or the country as a whole. Or many places outside of Utah.
Mike Huckabee - meh. Great campaigner and good on TV. Too weird to keep the Republican core happy even if the Evangelicals would like it.
Mark Sanford - governor of South Carolina, rock-ribbed conservative and appeals to the core of the party faithful. He would be the top pick - but he has vowed never to run in another election, so that may count him out. Of course people have changed their mind when the country calls on their service.
Haley Barbour - if Sanford won't run then he's the best pick. Governor of Mississippi, a former Republican party chairman, and an ace fundraiser (which McCain is certainly not), links to business and the conservative base. Not crazy. Pushes every button going, and is even a non-toxic link to the rump of Bush deadenders.
Charlie Crist - gives you Florida. Good campaigner, but probably too moderate for the party to give McCain the cred he needs.
George Allen - would be a likely VP candidate except for one word: Macaca.
Jeb Bush - not unless McCain really does have a secret plan to destroy the GOP.
Lou Dobbs - just kidding! Hell would freeze over first (although according to global warming, that may happen one day).
Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney, John McCain, vice presidency, GOP
