As the nomination process slows down and we get closer to the republicans national convention, the Romney campaign has turned their focus on who they will choose to fill the vice presidential slot.
Anyone that they pick could run circles around current VP Joe Biden in a debate. But what they really need is someone who can drum up support, make people come out in droves and create excitement. Something that presumptive nominee Mitt Romney lacks in.
Many of the names being passed around in the media are:
- Rick Santorum
- Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio)
- Sen. Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania)
- Rep. Paul Ryan (Wisconsin)
- Sen. Marco Rubio (Florida)
- Sen. John Thune (South Dakota)
- Gov. Chris Christie (New Jersey)
All very good choices, but let’s just get one bad apple out. Rob Portman. They believe he is a good choice because he represents Ohio, a big battle ground state that’s needed in a presidential election (it decided the 2008 election). But Mr. Portman is not exciting and would create as much excitement in Ohio, as Nancy Pelosi would for getting another injection of Botox.
Some of the best choices would be Rick Santorum, Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Paul Ryan.
Rick Santorum gained a lot of support among conservatives from his presidential run, and would help Romney solve his problem with enthusiasm. He was also very popular as a senator, notably going against Sen. Boxer on the issue of abortion. He would also help Romney win much-needed swing states.
Sen. Marco Rubio is a brand new face to the republican party. He is young and could help pull Florida and other states for Romney.
Rep. Paul Ryan wouldn’t be able to bring the same level of excitement, but his name recognition would help. And he could also help push Wisconsin to turning out for Romney, which would be a huge help.
Senators Pat Toomey and John Thune are very smart and good choices as well. Toomey, who was on the super committee last year and fought against the democrats, would be great in picking up Pennsylvania. Thune isn’t all that well-known, so that makes him less likely of a choice for VP, but he is a good-natured man who could help the campaign.
Governor Christie would also be a good choice, but he is very unlikely at this point. Also, his constant teasing for running for both president and vice president has probably hurt him a little. Besides that, his no BS attitude and his way of dealing with things would be great in a Romney administration.
Other names that regular people have tossed around, and not the media are:
- Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky)
- Condoleezza Rice (former Secretary of State)
- Sen. John Hoeven (North Dakota)
- Rep. Allen West (Florida)
Sen. Rand Paul, son of presidential candidate and congressman Ron Paul, has become wildly known in the media and in Washington. He has helped pushed many pieces of legislation and has stood up to the party. Rand has stood up to the TSA, and continues to keep average Americans informed on what the administration is doing. If he is like his dad, than he can pull a lot of people to support Romney.
Condoleezza Rice, the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under George W. Bush, is a surprising choice to some. She is very knowledgable in foreign policy and is still very well liked among conservatives. Rice has even been asked if she would make a run for president, but has declined. And as far as the VP choice goes, in a recent April poll done by CNN/ORC International, Rice came out on top with 26%, ahead of the likes of Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio and others.
Sen. John Hoeven is known for being one of the longest sitting governors, as he served in North Dakota from December 2000, to December of 2010. As governor, Hoeven expanded and diversified the state’s economy, which lead to a 49.5% increase in the states real gross domestic product. During his time, the state gained nearly 40,000 jobs. He was also one of the most popular governors in the nation with an approval rating of 87%, with only 10% disapproving.
Rep. Allen West has gained a lot of media attention recently with his coming and calling certain party members progressives. He has never went along with the party agenda and is one of members of Congress’ Tea Party Caucus. West served in the military as a Lieutenant Colonel and was a part of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, after retiring from the army he served as a high school teacher and then a defense contractor for Military Professional Resources Inc. He is currently facing a hard election in his newly redistricted district.
It is hard to say at this point who Mitt Romney will pick. Right now I would say that his top three are probably Rick Santorum, Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Rob Portman.
If he really wants to win, then he needs to go out his establishment comfort zone and pick a fire-brand conservative. Much like what Sen. John McCain did in 2008 when he picked then Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
Sometime this summer he will announce his choice. And then we will know if his campaign will sail to victory, or tank like so many moderates in the past.
Related articles
- Romney begins vetting running mate prospects (michellemalkin.com)
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