Republican Running Mates

David Zannucci – As the November election inches closer, people have begun talking about running mates. Well, I thought this would be as good a time as any to give some insight and opinion on who might run with whom.
Obviously, the Republican nominee appears to be John McCain. McCain is a long time Arizona Senator, a war hero from the Vietnam era and a well-known political maverick. At the age of 71, McCain would be the oldest person ever elected to the office of President, so people may look more closely at his running mate than they would do otherwise. Five names that I hear often, and seem likely choices, are Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Florida Governor Charles Crist.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty would add much to the ticket. McCain being a Senator makes having a VP with executive experience especially important and Pawlenty has that. Pawlenty also has credibility with the independent voters, something McCain himself has. The Republicans consider Minnesota a state they can win this time (thus the convention in Minneapolis) and Pawlenty would certainly help in that state. In addition, McCain polls very well in Pennsylvania and in the industrial Midwest, a region where Pawlenty should be strong.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The less likely it appears that Hillary Clinton will be on the Democratic ticket, the more likely it would be that Palin could end up on the Republican ticket. Again, she has executive experience, but age may be a detriment this time, she is only 44. Also, she is originally from Colorado, another battleground state. However, certain segments of our population seem averse to having a woman in a position of leadership, so McCain may make a safer selection and go with a man.

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Once again, a younger individual with executive experience. Sanford would help solidify the south, a crucial area for GOP Presidential hopes. However, there are at least three southern states the Democrats feel they can win (Arkansas, Florida and Virginia) and Sanford, other than being a southerner, has no special appeal in those states.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Youth and executive experience are present again and Huckabee proved himself to be a marvelous campaigner and fundraiser during his recent Presidential bid. Also, he would seemingly assure the Republicans of winning Arkansas, even if they are facing Clinton. Huckabee is extremely strong with the so-called Conservative Christians, but could hurt McCain with the moderate and independent voters.

Florida Governor Charles Crist. Crist, with his head full of gray hair, only appears young next to McCain, but the executive experience is there. Crist is in good standing with the moderates and independents, as is McCain. Crist is also in good standing with the Hispanic community, which is key in states such as Florida, Texas, New Mexico and California. In addition, Crist has some southern credibility, being from Florida. It cannot be stated enough, southerners like voting for southerners.

All in all, I not only think Crist would probably make the best running mate; I believe McCain will choose him. Without Crist’s last minute endorsement of McCain before the Florida primary, we may not be talking about McCain as the Republican nominee.

McCain-Crist '08