MITT’S VEEP SWEEPS

Republicans sure know how (not) to pick a vice-presidential running mate.

Let’s face it… from Spirow Agnew to Dan Quayle to Sarah Palin,  Republicans have proven they’re not very adept at the running mate game.  Now as the inevitable nominee, it’s Mitt Romney’s turn to make his selection.  But will he make a solid and quality choice, or will he strike out like so many before him? That is the million dollar question.

Here is a list of potential candidates who could join Mitt on the GOP ticket:

Sen. Marco Rubio

SEN. MARCO RUBIO – He’s the top choice for obvious reasons:  he’s Hispanic, he’s conservative and he’s from the all important state of Florida. Mitt Romney currently trails President Obama by 40 points among Hispanics.  Naming Rubio as the first Cuban-American vice-presidential candidate could go a long way with the Latin community in Florida, as well as states like Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. However, his inexperience as a junior Senator could work against him among Republican voters.

Rick Santorum

RICK SANTORUM – He turned out to be Mitt’s most unexpected, yet biggest challenger for the nomination.  Now, the man who got the closest to stealing away the nomination could be a top contender for the #2 slot.  Santorum is well respected among conservatives, which could help Romney shore up the lackluster conservative electorate.  Naming Santorum would also set him up as the one to beat for the GOP nomination during the next election cycle. But with the plethora of negative comments Santorum made against Romney during the primaries, it will be difficult to see how he can quickly put all of that aside to join the Romney team.

Rep. Paul Ryan

REP. PAUL RYAN – He’s the Republican budget guru, he’s from the Midwestern swing state of Wisconsin and he’s a Tea Party favorite. Romney might see Ryan being an invaluable asset to woo the Tea Party vote. Plus, Ryan may be able to put Wisconsin in play for Republicans. However, Ryan’s presence on the ticket adds no benefit among independent voters or the so-called “Reagan Democrats.”

Gov. Chris Christie

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE – He’s an extremely popular east coast governor.  He was once seen as a top contender for the nomination himself, prior to ruling out his own run this election season.  He’s also said numerous times that he is NOT interested in the job — until recently.  The New Jersey governor could be a strong choice for a running mate.  He’s a straight shooter who doesn’t mince his words, which could work to Romney’s favor as the “attack dog” of the team.  The only problem is, both Romney and Christie are from northern east coast states, which could turn off many southern voters who favor geographical diversity with their ticket.

Gov. Nikki Haley

GOV. NIKKI HALEY – She’s the female governor of South Carolina and she’s Native American.  The Romney camp might see this as a gold mine for winning in the general election. But Haley is very unpopular in her own state. She has also said EMPHATICALLY on numerous occasions that she is not interested in being the VP nominee. Her denial seems believable, since many political pundits say she could be gearing up to run for the nomination herself in 2016.

Gov. Bobby Jindal

GOV. BOBBY JINDAL – He was once considered a rising star in the Republican party.  As an Indian-American with a beautiful wife and family, he was seen as the GOP’s answer to the Obama’s.  Party leaders were so impressed with the Louisiana governor, that they allowed him to give the rebuttal to President Obama’s State of the Union Address.  Except, Jindal bombed!  On national TV!  His only selling point now for a Romney selection is his status as a minority.  Aside from that, he would add little to the ticket.

HONORABLE MENTION:   Newt Gingrich, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

WHO DO YOU THINK ROMNEY WILL SELECT?