When I watched the HBO Movie based on the best seller "Game Change", I gained new respect for the importance of the presidential candidate's running mate, the Vice Presidential choice. I won't go into John McCain's choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, since the movie is available for viewing and the fact that most of us saw the drama unfold first hand in the 2008 Presidential Election. But, reviewing that significant event and its impact on the race makes me look forward to the RepublicanVP selection in the 2012 election.
Here's a list of those most often touted as potentials for the position, although, as in the case of Sarah Palin's selection, unmentioned candidate are always flying just under the political radar.
FL Senator Marco Rubio is most often mentioned as a running mate for the GOP presidential nominee. FL is a key state in the election and the Hispanic vote is critical to any one's election in 2012. Since the Republicans have not embraced the Hispanic community nationally, it appears that they think running a Hispanic in the VP slot can help their chances of success. Rubio's embellishment of his family's immigration from Cuba recently came to light, but it is uncertain how that fact will play in his consideration for GOP VP nominee.
VA Governor Bob McDonnell has often been mentioned as a possible GOP VP nominee and is the most outspoken about his interest in the VP slot on the ticket. McDonnell gave the GOP response to the State of the Union address by President Obama
last year. McDonnell is positioned in a key state as is Marco Rubio and with his state's "one term limit on its governor", he'll need a job when his term is up. McDonnell recently gained negative national attention for his support of a bill pending in the VA legislature mandating trans-vaginal ultrasounds for women exercising their right to legal abortion.We'll see if the nickname "trans-vaginal Bob" has any impact on his chances to become the nominee.
Chris Christie, NJ Governor, decided that the presidential race was not for him at this time, but nothing precluded talk of his consideration for VP nominee. His next real challenge is his 2013 reelection bid, which may or may not find him looking for a new job. He brings no particular demographic to support the GOP's bid for the presidency other than his persona as a regular guy. He's popular in the Republican Party and would gain some measure of support from party leaders.
Bobby Jindal, LA Governor, has been long labeled VP nominee material. He secured a second term as Governor last November with a 67 percent vote, making him one of the most popular conservative governors, and therefore someone who is not looking for the next job. In addition, his name is often mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020.. If selected, Jindal would be the first Indian-American on a national ticket. He carries the cross of his disastrous response to Obama's 2009 State of the Union address which may come into play as he's considered for VP nominee.
Mitch Daniels, Indiana Governor, is another of the GOP's potential VP nominees, although he is often mentioned as a presidential candidate in 2016. He declined a chance at becoming the presidential nominee in the current race. In presenting the GOP response to the most recent State of the Union address, Daniels argued that the GOP should drop the "culture wars" and call a truce on social issues. however, his state continues the Republican war on women's reproductive rights, pursues defunding Planned Parenthood, and just passed a "right to work" law. Daniels appears to say one thing but do another which may make him a leading Republican VP nominee candidate.
Tim Pawlenty, former Minnesota Governor, ran unsuccessfully as candidate for the GOP presidential nomination in the current campaign. Tpaw's major disadvantage is his lack of charisma, though he's always been considered a "safe" pick for VP nominee even in the John McCain 2008 contest. Generally, it's felt that he would not be an asset to the ticket or as the pundits say, he's not a game changer.
Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Representative to the House of Representatives, made his mark as the GOP Budget guru. His most recent budget plan just hit the table and is the hot topic of debate nationally. He continues to offer a plan that cuts taxes on the rich while increasing taxes on the poor, provides for the demise of Medicare and Medicaid, challenges Social Security as we know it, increases military spending, and repeals Obama care. It is likely that Paul Ryan is not interested in presidential politics, or at least not at this time, but he is in lock step with Republican priorities for the country, is the darling of the tea party, and thus is someone who'll be considered.
It may appear to be to soon to think about the VP nominee on the GOP ticket, but take a lesson from Sarah Palin's run as potential VP. It's never to early to ensure a viable candidate for Vice-President of the United States.
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