Marco Rubio:
I still say he's hands down the best pick. Young, articulate, energetic, Latino, and from the most critical state to a GOP victory... What's not to like?
On top of this, he's perceived as more conservative than Romney and might energize some in the base who otherwise might not turn out. (Though I really don't think that's going to be much of a problem; Obama is so detested by most of the "movement" Conservatives, that I believe they'll turn out in huge numbers to vote against him, regardless of who the GOP nominee is...the election is really going to be won or lost based on attracting independents)
Plus he's already had his rectal exam from the national press, and the best they could come up with was that fart in fish bowl silliness about exactly what year his parents left Cuba. Apparently there are no serious skeletons in his closet that could leap out and damage the ticket.
Chris Cristi:
In a recent interview, Cristi made no secret of the fact that he's entirely open to running with Romney if asked. He definitely would bring some strengths; he'd add energy and color and compliment Romney well in those ways; also he could put New Jersey in play.
On the other hand, Cristi can be a loose cannon at times, and is so "colorful" that the risk would exist that he could over shadow Romney and also drive the campaign off message.
Tim Pawlenty:
Oh, please, come on, really? Just what we need; Bland and Blander....
Pawlenty is a capable fellow, and would probably make a fine vice president, but politically he would be a terrible fit for Romney, in that he would add almost nothing. (except that he might help in Minnesota, which could be important in a close election) Picking Pawlenty in my opinion would represent a lost opportunity for Romney when he has other choices available that would be far more strengthening to his ticket.
Rob Portman:
He's frequently mentioned as a strong possibility; to be honest I don't know much about him beyond the fact that he's quite popular in Ohio, which like Florida is critical to GOP electoral math. I have never seen him give a speech or even be interviewed for more than about 30 seconds, so I can't pass judgment on what kind of a public speaker he is or how he would hold up with the media. Maybe he could help in Ohio, but frankly I don't see how someone this low profile gives much of a boost to the ticket.
Paul Ryan:
He would certainly help energize some of the base, (but, again, as I pointed out,with Obama as the opponent, I don't think that needs to be the top consideration) but he's way too much of a lightning rod, and Team Obama would do everything they could to make him, rather than the sorry state of the economy, the issue.There's a lot more negative than positive with this pick; I think he would be significant minus in terms of attracting independents.
Susana Martinez :
I find this one to be a really intriguing and possibly appealing choice for Romney if he doesn't go with Rubio. For those who may not know, Ms. Martinez is the popular recently elected governor of New Mexico. By all accounts she's a very serious minded person and effective campaigner, and of course being female and Latina would be huge pluses for Romney's ticket. New Mexico is also a swing state, (though not a particularly electoral vote rich one) but if she could help get Romney's share of the Latin vote up into the 40% range, that could be decisive.
I do have one fear about her as a Veep nominee however; what I will call "the Palin Factor"....I'm concerned that after the recent experience of her candidacy that a woman in her first term as a Governor might run the risk making some voters uneasy...(though I think South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley would present bigger problems in that regard.)
Well, that's my take on some of the leading contenders...
As always, fair, balanced and unafraid....
