John McCain's veep list said to be topped by Mitt Romney

So Mike Huckabee told the world the other day that if John McCain calls, he'd be happy to be his running mate, but that he doesn't expect McCain to call. Good thing Huckabee's not waiting by the phone. The folks over at Politico have a piece this morning saying the call could well go to Mitt Romney. But, of course, at this stage no one knows, as our colleague Doyle McManus points out with his own list of bandied-about names.

McCain doesn't need to rush. He doesn't need a running mate until the Republican National Convention, scheduled for Sept. 1-4, which comes after the Democratic National Convention, set for Aug. 25-28. Advantage goes to McCain, since he gets to see what the Democratic slate will look like before he makes his call. And yes, he can pick a running mate earlier to make himself look decisive and unconcerned about political ramifications (which ties into his Straight Talk theme) but, chances are, he'll keep his cards hidden until he has to play.

So why Romney? As Politico points out, he's gone through the media vetting process, has access to cash fountains through his business connections and fellow Mormons, and plays well in his birth state of Michigan, which could be crucial in picking the winner.

The downside? The chemistry between McCain and Romney isn't exactly "Let's spend the next eight years together, shall we?" It's more like: "Does he have to come to this meeting? Can't we just send him to a state funeral somewhere?"

The other top names on McCain's list, per Politico, are former Ohio congressman and White House budget director Rob Portman -- not exactly a household name -- and John Thune of South Dakota, who knocked minority leader Tom Daschle out of the Senate in 2004.

Now it's your turn. Who do you figure? And no, not Dick Cheney -- he's not in charge of the search committee. The comment section is open below.

-- Scott Martelle

Photo credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[TommyBoy46]

I hope McCain picks Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. My second choice would be John Thune.

[Romney2012]

Wow, all things would be forgiven of McCain if he does the right thing and picks Romney, that is a ticket I will campaign/support/donate money to.

Something to get excited about! McCain/Romney 2008!

[Joseph Antley]

I really don't get all of the comments about McCain and Romney not liking each other -- that was months ago when they hated each other! If you look at him flying around to Michigan and Massachussetts and Utah, not to mention their weekend getaway in Arizona, you'd think they were best pals by the way they act.

But yes, Mitt is clearly the best pick.

[Jon Galt]

Romney is the man. I like Sarah Palin but she is pregant right now. A little hard to campaign that way.

Romney will help take Michigan. He will also serve as a counter to Obama's money machine.

[Utah Patent Attorney]

Romney is the competent choice. Anyone else will show that McCain is more concerned with pandering to some minority political group than actually putting competence first -- and I don't think McCain hates Romney like people say. He's beyond clinging to petty grudges and more about making things happen. He may even like Romney now.

[Schneid]

I don't know that Romney is the best choice. Talk about a flip-flopper! Dude changed his position on everything over the course of the campaign to fit whatever audience he was talking to, and the Dems could hammer him on that.

I would go with the Minnesota Governor, somebody who is knew to the process.

Again, Obama can hammer his change theme even more if McCain picks Romney, and will turn off independents like me, who knows that Romney is fake

[Dan Campbell]

Romney is not an honest man. We need MIKE HUCKABEE to be the VP

[Derek]

Looks like Senator McCain is giving me the perfect excuse to give my first donation to Obama, Romney the robot will bring the ticket down. If McCain selects Willard, he is nothing but an old fool.

[JP in Ga]

Californians my not be too keen of Huckabee, but a practical thinker will rember that the 75% of the evangelical, christain or whatever you want to call it vote went to the republicans last election. It's this group that hasn't and didn't warm up to McCain and Romney, and not because they are a bunch of bigots, but because of concerns of social issues these two these two have held or wavered on. Practicall speaking, "someone like Huckabee" oh lets just say Huckabee would keep the south in the fold and help McCain win states that are leaning Obama or are toss ups like NC, VA, IA, OH, IN, (yes IN, see recent SUSA poll, Obama +1), MO, and WI.

Look, SUSA polls back in May even showed Huckabee was the best when compared to Romney, Liberman, and Jindal in several states including, MA(yes even Romneys own state), NM, OH, and PA just to name a few.

Its increasing clear, McCain needs Huckabee for the evangelical vote more than most know or will admit.

[vanno]

If it ain't Huck as VP, I think I'll go Barr. Someone in this mess must be openly and proudly FairTax.

[Sharon]

If he only picks him for the money, which one is the whore? Just wondering..........

[lisa]

GREAT! My disappointed dem friends will vote McCain if Romney is on the ticket. Romney will bring excitement back to the Republican party! McCain/Romney '08!

[SonOfHistoryProf]

I find Romney's abortion positions (multiple) to be completely disingenuous, and I find him thoroughly distasteful on account of it. McCain does not help himself by picking Romney from these angles:

*Closer association with damaged Republican brand.
*"Say anything to get elected" politician
*Romney is willing to compromise his core values in his positions.

From my perspective, a VP pick should have a couple of positives and no huge negatives. Romney doesn't seem to fit that bill, IMHO.

[JW]

He's crazy not to pick Governor Palin, even crazier to pick a former rival, and insane if picks another Beltway politician.

[Aaron]

Romney is unquestionably the front-runner, and rightly so:
1- He's the most competent and intelligent
2- He's the only one with turnaround experience
3- He's vetted
4- He's well-spoken
5- He's not P-Huckabee.

The fact is, Romney's flips have come on political positions...not personal. As Governor, he essentially admitted that he couldn't change the opinions of the masses, so he'd support them. But that's drastically different than where he is now. The one thing for sure is Huckabee is an economic nightmare. He's not that bright, and the fair tax is so stupid that no wonder no real economist promulgates it.

Go McCain/Romney!

[J.P. in GA]

Aaron:

Professors David Burton and Dan Mastromarco, University of Maryland and The Argus Group
Laurence Kotlikoff, Boston University
Stephen Moore, The Cato Institute
Professor Dale Jorgenson, Harvard University
Bill Beach (economist), the Heritage Foundation
Jim Poterba, The National Bureau of Economic Research
Professor George Zodrow, Rice University and the Baker Institute for Public Policy
Professor Joseph Kahn, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These are some of the REAL economists that designed the fair tax. I suggest you read up before making false accusations.

It has only been recently that Romney has decided he was wrong on abortion and gay marriage. What's to say he won't change again.

At least with Huckabee, you know where he will and will not stand.

[drsnurse]

Romny with his five sons with other priorities and his own priority of mission work in the wilds of France, rather then serve their country,says it all. Another chicken hawk for VP.

[Al Ramirez]

It was the only logical reason Mitt dropped out so early, he had a chance to win it all but look at what a long fight did to the DEMS.

Picking your toughest rival has worked in history, look at Ike and Nixon, JFK/LBJ, Reagan/Bush and Clinton/ Bore, I mean Gore (not in same race but leadership rivals at DLC). Good counter move against Barry Soetoro who will probably pick his nose before he picks Hillary out of pure hubris.

[Linda]

The people in the field overwhelmingly want Huckabee. He won usa election survey polls McCain/Huckabee did better than Romney, Pawlenty or Lieberman in some 10 swing states. (only Pawlenty slightly beat Huck in Minn), but he did the worst in most all other states Huck even beat Romney in MA (those who know Romney best like Huck better). Why does the media ignore these polls, yet broadcast when Romney wins one of the some 50 internet polls (Huck has won 95% of those polls, was the facebook favorite (along with Clinton for Obama). It is clear Washington is afraid of Huckabee because he is an outsider who "dared" to run for president without their permission. Huckabee, in my opinion, has come out the clear winner this election. Will McCain pick the winner, or the man who spent 105M$ and taught us that money won't help if we don't like what you're selling? One more thing, Pattrick Ruffin of The next right stated yesterday on CSPAN Huckabee's internet group hucksarmy was the BEST online site this presidential election. Yes the BEST!!!! We come along with our guy......

[Brian]

Huckabee, of course. I agree, what's with no media coverage of him winning all the polls?

[ted811]

Romney is Mr. Plastic. Plastic walk, hair, personality, plastic through and through. Yes, there is a healthy appetite in this country for plastic, but don't expect McCain to bow to the ankle deeper's. There is too much at stake. He will put character and integrity at the top of the list of qualifications (sorry Huckabee).
Sorry Politico, put your crystal ball away--twill do you no good.
I say we all put Judge Judy at the top of the list. She'll get things done in 30 minutes or less. Romney next to her--He's a plastic factory...a shallow phony for head-in the sand-people.

[Herb Yood]

The Republican Party in Massachusetts was worse off after Romney's single term. He would not have been re-elected because he was absent an enormous number of days while he was governor. He did not set a good example for state employees.

More to the point, he simply doesn't have it. Not his fault perhaps, but he is a transparent phony, who will say anything he thinks will please the audience in front of him.

His record as a businessman consists largely of taking over companies, some profitable, and gouging the employees by reducing salaries and benefits to make a profit.

That won't sell in the heartland, and is what felled him when he ran against Ted Kennedy for the senate.

Romney is a loser, and a union state like Michigan will reject him. All he has is money. He adds nothing else.

[Kevin Neely]

Huck is a Schmuck (sorry to rhyme...).
Who can fix the economy? The only real choice here is Mitt. He is smart, a great businessman and a moral person. He will fix the economy if anyone can...
I think Independents and Republicans are smarter than to vote for Obama just because they might not like the VP choice.
These people who are saying they are going "to sit it out" if Mitt is chosen are nothing but infantiles having a temper tantrum.
In the end, even these idiots will "flip-flop" and realize they don't want a Socialist President in the White House.

[TVV]

This is the worst possible pick that McCain could make. It will guarantee that the losses in the south will be greater than any possible gains anywhere else. And I question whether or not it would actually help him win Michigan as Romney's supporters suggest. Remember, The Daily Kos told disappointed democratic voters in Michigan to vote for Romney in order to keep the Republican nominating contest going as long as possible.

Also, because all of the Republican Establishment is pushing for Romney, that pick really would hurt him as Obama would be all over it and suggest he has proof that McCain is following Bush's footsteps and seeking a third Bush term.

[Kay]

Why is the media doing a coverup that Mike Huckabee is winning most all polls as the people's choice for vp? He recently won facebook along with Clinton for Obama. He has won 95% of internet polls, yet the ONE poll Romney won is the one that gets media attn!! The survey usa election polls showed Huckabee gave McCain +2.58%. Romney only +.58 and Pawlenty and Lieberman ran him negatively!! Why do these results never get mentioned? Why did the media say one month ago Huckabee was rumored to be at the top of the list, then no mention of him at all? Could it be they are, once again, trying to control America's election away from what the PEOPLE want, and pressure McCain to picke their good ole boy pick? Now I know Huck is not liked by Washington because he dared to run for president without asking thier "permission", isn't bought by them, nor has he paid for their loyalty. Guess he had the audacity to believe the PEOPLE pick the president!!! Hopefully, McCain has enough good sense to go with the people's choice and pick a running mate he can be proud to have standing by his side. That man can only be Mike Huckabee. Russert knew what the outcome would be on May 18 when he kept calling Huckabee vice president the entire show of Meet the Press!!!

[lrobb]

Anyone who wonders whether Obama prays and whether his prayers are answered has only to read this article to know the answer is affirmative. Mitt Romney is the answer to all Obama's prayers for a Democratic landslide in the South for the first time since 1968.

[Stephanie]

Media has been wrong about every prediction they have made and this one will be no different. Why? McCain couldn't possibly pick Romney now, even if he wanted to (which I'm certain he doesn't). Bush/Cheney/Rove have pushed Romney and it made all the papers, tv, etc. The last thing McCain can do is let the Bush admin. pick his choice. No, McCain has to buck Washington and pick a people's favorite if he wants to excite the base and get out the vote. It can't be safe and boring, nor harsh and abrasive . That won't cut it. Choosing someone that Washigton hates would be shear genius!!!! The people and the candidates have said how Washington is broken but Mike Huckabee is the pick that would stick it to Washington in a huge way and really rally this party to victory. Anyone else, look for defeat......

[Granny T]

Huckabee would be the best choice for McCain's VP. Huckabee has 3 years serving 2nd in command as Lt. Gov. and 10 1/2 years governmental chief executive experience. Despite the fact that Arkansas had a Democrat majority so strong that Huckabee's office door was literally nailed shut when he was first voted in as Lt. Gov.; he was still able to accomplish major improvements for the state fiscally responsibly. He proved he is good at managing money by the way he used our campaign contributions. He received the most votes per dollar spent of any of the candidates because of his tremendous grassroots support. Since McCain has signed up for government financing; McCain is going to need that type of volunteer support to combat the Obama money. McCain can count on my vote as long as he chooses a VP that has consistently supported the moral values important to me. If he chooses Huckabee; he will get my vote, money, and volunteer campaign help. If he chooses a moral liberal or flip flopper; he is on his own.

[Ann]

Why would McCain pick Romney? Because he was such a successful Governor of Mass? According to the Boston Globe and the people of Mass (who voted Romney 70% disapproval rating when he left office), Mitt Romney is a flip flopper who said he was pro-choice and pro-gays (even had one in his cabinet, no Christians), and then 2 yrs before Pres. primary, he is all of the sudden, pro-life and against gays. Romney also was behind one of the biggest spending programs in Mass. - mandated health care for all Mass citizens....you know the same program Hillary wants for the U.S. How would McCain ever criticize the health care program from Obama with Romney on his ticket?

BAD BAD CHOICE! iF YOU DON'T BELIEVE EVANGELICALS WILL STAY HOME IF ROMNEY IS ON THE TICKET, JUST WATCH!!!

[Transplanted Lawyer]

Huckabee and Romney both have the same problem -- they lost. I think McCain's choice is between Bobby Jindal or Charlie Crist.

Charlie Crist could put Florida solidly in the GOP's column and is relatively young despite the shock of silver hair and the suave George Hamilton-like tan. There are rumors that he is gay but I don't know if there is any substance to them (or why I should care if they are true).

Bobby Jindal is very religious, the kind of Catholic that evangelicals can reconcile themselves to, speaks with enough Southern lilt to appeal to that constituency, and is not a white face in a campaign where a non-white face is a big plus. The GOP may want to save him for 2012 or 2016 but he may want to bail out of the ungovernable state of Louisiana while he still looks good.

Sarah Palin is not pregnant; she gave birth a few month ago. She would be a great choice if she were the Governor of one of the Lower 48 states; the logistics of running a national campaign and governing a state like Alaska would be overwhelming for nearly anyone, but especially for a parent of a months-old infant.

[WA gal]

Romney is by far the best choice for many reasons; we need his business savvy and experience. He knows world economy and understands cause and effect of different markets. He is a man of personal integrity, and a family man. When actions speak louder than words, all you have to do is look at the children he's raised.........it doesn't get any better than that. I trust the man.

McCain/Romney 2008!

[interested party]

-Transplanted Lawyer-

While I think your on the money with your comments, I don't agree that because the one loses a primary they can't be a V.P. History has shown otherwise.

As to Romney or Huck, my perception is that both have the same problem - in different ways. Huck's strength is the Christian right vote, but he also can be seen as too closely aligned with that group, unable to make secular judgments outside a strict biblical context. Likewise Romney has his religious base, Mormons, but certain voters might feel uncomfortable having a Mormon one-shot from the Presidency.

My personal preference... Mike Hucklebee. He's made a few horrible blunders in the past, all things considered,l I like his style.

[McCain all the way]

Romney is the best and safest pick for McCain. Why? Do not forget. McCain has hinted that he would only run for one term. Just think, he would not be beholden to any special interest group. After his four years, Romney could take over as President and run a full two terms. The man is an economic genius. Just the sort of person McCain needs to help balance out his ticket. As far as what's wrong with Romney. Nothing. If JFK could get elected and Clinton so can Mitt. Mitt is the safest and best pick McCain can make for now and for the future of the Republican party's chances in 2012 and 2016.

[Girl with the bushy armpits]

I promise to shave my armpits if McCain picks Huckabee.
The man is of a rare breed of honourable and dedicated
public servants like McCain. He would make it impossible
for the arrogant elitist to win over the working class in
many swing states and assure victory in the south. Mike
Huckabee realy livens up a campaign with his communication skills and good sense of humour. His moral principles are reassuring and tolerant.The man
would also make a fine president should anything happen
to Sen. McCain. A fine man by any standard and a true
patriot.

[Clay]

Since the Primary election concluded with McCain on top, which of the former candidates was man enough to set aside disappointment and energetically support the choice of the party? Not Huckabee, Actions speak louder than words. Supporters of Huckabee astound me. Mike's a nice enough guy, unless he's running against Mitt. Anyone watching the process had to shake their heads over the tag team approach Huckabee took, taking no shots at McCain, firing all his salvos at Romney, and continuing to take shots even after Mitt withdrew. Huckabee might well consolidate the South, but you folks who love him grossly underestimate the disgust he generates from a very large segment of the party, and I don't see you trying to figure out how to pull it all together. Does anything outside the South even interest any of you people?

[Mrs. P]

I would be extremely displeased (to put it lightly) if Governor Romney was put on McCain's ticket.

Mitt Romney might look presidential but he is plastic. More than that, he is duplicitous. Because he didn't use his full gubernatorial power, Massachusetts became the first state to allow homosexual marriage (yes I know he says he did everything he possibly could to stop it, but other people say otherwise: http://www.wyll.com/blogs/srios/11561276/). He switched his stance on abortion twice (yes I know he says it was from a genuine change of mind. But who says he won't continue the pattern and switch again?).

If McCain gives Romney the VP slot, I will have trouble voting for him in November. I'll probably still do it, but it will only be because I consider him the lesser of two evils. But I won't be anywhere near enthusiastic about it and will definitely NOT do any campaigning for them. And quite a big chunk of this Grand Old Party feels the same.

Here's my prediction: if McCain picks Romney, we Republicans will lose by a landslide.

[alvinels]

There is no way that McCain picks Huckabee. No one takes him seriously except a radical segment of evangelicals. Please pick someone with some honor, intelligence and class.

[nclady]

I'm an independent, Romney is a fine and more than capable man, I'd vote for him.

[Todd Carnegie]

I don't care who is the VP as long as it is NOT Mike Huckabee. What has he accomplished besides being governor of the dumbest state in the US? All he talks about is being an Evangelical preacher. He may get the Evangelical votes, but he won't get the votes of anyone with any common sense. For a good laugh, check out the Huckabee Family Christmas Photo:
http://sammit.freedomblogging.com/2008/01/04/huckabee-family-christmas-card/
Speaking of dogs, one of the junior Huckabees reportedly got in trouble for hanging a dog, slitting its throat, and stoning it to death at a Boy Scout camp. See the following site for details:
http://www.utopiarescue.com/oldsite/stop_animal_torture.htm
This guy should not even be mentioned in the same sentence as other VP candidates.

[Rick Blackham]

It is so funny to see everyone pushing Huckabee here. Mike Huckabee is an inch deep everywhere you scratch.

[Hank]

If McCain picks Romney, I will absolutely NOT vote Republican, as McCain's flip-flops are bad enough without that hypocritical phoney Mormon loon Romney on the ticket with him. The very best that McCain will get out of it all is Michigan, POSSIBLY- not anywhere else though - and he will then lose Virginia (who can't stand Romney), New Mexico, Ohio, and probably even Iowa too. Not only will Democrats NOT switch to vote Romney, but McCain will completely force a lot of his base into not voting at all. Mark my words, Romney is a LOSER - too liberal for Republicans and too conservative for Democrats. He will drag McCain down entirely.

[Shelby]

To Girl with the bushy armpits (Gross!):

Being on the Pres ticket requires more than being a loose-cannon-clown with that “good sense of humour” you mention.

And Huckabeen having “reassuring moral principles”?! That’s laughable! Surely you jest!!!!!!!

[Bob]

To Clay (and others)

1. To suggest that Romney could have stopped gay marriage in MA is either disingenuous or stupid - take your pick. Gay marriage occured in MA just as it did in CA, by judicial fiat based on a supposed interpretation of the State Constitution. The Governor has no veto power and no executive authority over Judicial decisions and, as a conservative Republican, Romney had little or no personal influence with the liberal court or the media on social issues.

2. Romney did not change his abortion position twice, only once, from that held very publicly by his mother, Lenore Romney (personally morally opposed, but the government should stay out of it and not dictate to women) to avidly pro-life, based on personal experience leading to a conviction that "choice" cheapens the whole value of life and leads to atrocity.

For the rest of you who accuse Romney of flipflopping, please note that over the course of his political career, he changed exactly TWO positions - abortion and his position on the role of the Department of Education (used to believe it should be abolished, now sees a limited role for it - I liked the first position better, personally). ALL of the other stuff he is accused of changing on is FALSE. He was NEVER in favor of gay marriage. He was and is still opposed to hatecrimes and discrimination against gays in the workplace. He was never in favor of gun control as some have accused, regardless of whether he did or did not hunt as a kid. Yes, he made a conscious choice not to emphasize some of his positions on social issues when he ran for Governor, and promised to leave those issues alone, because he ran at the behest of those who wished to avert an economic disaster for the State and he could not have been elected without saying "I'll concentrate on these fiscal issues and not a heavy social agenda." That does not mean he changed his positions or that he pandered. He ran to solve a huge fiscal problem (a multibillion dollar deficit) and he solved it. (Unlike Schwarzenegger in CA, unfortunately)

The reason he had a high disapproval rating at the end of his term was because his opinions and positions on those social issues became relevant to any reelection bid, BECAUSE THE CRISIS THAT LED TO HIS ELECTION HAD BEEN SOLVED AND THE STATE IS 85% DEMOCRAT. DUH!! He was not going to get relected. He had solved the problem the liberals trusted him with, and now they had to deal with his conservative moral values. END OF GAME in MA. Far from being a negative, this shows that he is able to set priorities and achieve them, even in extremely hostile environments.

[Shelby]

Kay & Linda,

“……Huckabee dared to run for president without asking thier permission……..”

To the paid Huckabeen bloggers, you need to better coordinate your blah, blah, blah cut and paste posts. Kay and Linda, it looks really dumb when both of you cut and paste the same thing under different names.

[Utah Patent Lawyer]

The best governor California ever had was Mormon, Goodwin Knight. If McCain's straight talk expres tells us somebody besides Romney is a better choice, I'm outta the republican party.

[Steven Rinehart]

Huckabee fails every measure of man compared to Romney. Romney is smarter, more educated, more accomplished, better looking, better family, and even more committed to God as Romney understands him (he just doesn't brag about it like Hic-is-me). What's wrong with us all for hating Romney? Are we the hatemongers liberals say we are?

[Cheryll]

With all respect Mr McCain, Mitt Romney will bury you. Sarah Palin should be your VP. She is brilliant, level-headed and inspiring. Sir, if you choose Mitt you are destined to lose and big....I hope you will not make that mistake.

[nh hiker]

McCain and Romney? They might injure each other while they're busy flip-flopping

[mathman]

as a democrat voting obama, i'm salivating over the pick of romney as the vp. He is horrible with women; seems to be very far to the right, just the type of guy that will send hordes of hillary supporters and independents into obama arms

[Ericmiami]

Romney brings all those polygamists to the voting booth!!!

[Edward]

Romney's only weakness is that evangelicals don't look upon Mormons as true Christians...a case of religious bigotry. He is the only VP choice who has the intelligence and presidential persona to offset McCain's age. Crist looks as old as McCain and Louisiana's governor has, like Obama, slim experience. Would anyone trust a college-student-appearing candidate to lead this country in these perilous times? Abortion is our nation's biggest problem and both Romney and McCain are pro-life. How any Democrat can be proud of their party in its lack of value of life within a mother's womb is beyond comprehension.

[scottwww]

Great. If McCain chooses Romney as his running mate, then he chooses the only one who ran for the Republican nomination and was worse than himself.

[Charles]

Mike Huckabee.

[George Nonothing]

It really doesn’t matter because elections are only held to determine which corrupt politician will get the opportunity to enrich them selves at the expense of the tax paying public.

Put "none of the above" for president, and "none of the above" for vice president on the ticket, and that is the ticket I would vote for.

[Jen]

Romney has never agreed with abortion, he supported peoples rights their agency to make their own choice. The right to abortion was already a law in Mass. when he became govenor, it was what the people wanted and he did not try to change it..He does not believe in gay marriage..the State of Mass. the courts over ruled his veto. he then went to the legislature to try overturn gay marriage in Mass.
McCain / Romney do not hate each other, McCain endorsed him for Governor of Mass. they were friends.
Romney is the best choice for VP...and the biased news can find no skeltons in his closet,because they are not there, he has lived a squeeky clean life, people can lie and make up all kinds of garbage on anybody they want. People use to believe the earth was flat so better be carefull what you believe.
"The only thing that does not change" is the "fact that everything changes."

[benvictor]

I am a Hillary Democrat, and I absolutely love this ticket of John McCain and Mitt Romney. I urge John to ask Mitt to be his running mate. The republican ticket can be assured that Hillary Democrats will wholeheartedly vote this ticket in November.

[Ralph Landow]

McCain needs 3 things from a VP:
- a bulldog to tear at Obama so McCain can stay "above" that sort of thing
- someone who can excite rich conservatives
- someone who won't alienate the independents and Democrats that lean to McCain

Romney's a mixed bag... he is a bulldog and rich conservatives love him, but many rank and file see him as Gordon Gekko and his being a Mormon makes some uncomfortable on the far right and the left.

Huckabee would completely alienate middle of the road indies by being a pastor.

There's no great choice for McCain. So a lot will depend on what the issues are 2 months from now... is it the economy? energy? war with Iran? Will the UFO's finally arrive?

Too early to make picks.

[mc]

I believe choosing Mitt Romney would be a turn off to a lot of folks for various reasons. I personally would be more enthused with Mike Huckabee or Mr. Jindal as VP prospects.

[jerry]

Romney is by far the best of the worst of the worst bunch of pandering clowns i have ever seen. We need a financially astute person in the VP slot to counter Mccain's future pandering to the socialists in congress. I don't want a VP who denies science and believes that cavemen put saddles on and rode around dinosaurs 5000 years ago. I don't want another person in the white house who "g0d" speaks to and tells him to b0mb countries. Mitt turned around Mass. and now that he has left it is going into the toilet again due to poor leadership and too much social services for the undeserving, like California. When the tope earners and businesses leave a state and head to NC for tax relief, you are left with teh dead weight.

[morgan]

I think it is very logical to take Romney. Not only does he help contribute to the Michigan swing state, but he could also help put up a fight in his home state of Mass. He has loads of money and easy ways of getting it. Not to mention, it helps take off the age factor with McCain. Also in terms of politics, people are looking as the economy as a major concern and many think McCain is not up to the task. Romney comes in as this stellar buisness man who has great experience and would be very benifical to the economy.

[swschrad]

McCain is not going to do himself any favors by picking Trouble Pawlenty of Minnesota. his M.O. is to force new costs on cities by cutting state government, then saying he didn't raise taxes, when he did by remote control. and raising the taxes that force grandmothers out of their homes, to boot. and of course, with a horrid economy going and Minnesota's little roadway issues, the campaign slogan could well become "Depression for all, and two bridges in every river."

I bet McCain passes up that opportunity.

[Frank Johnson]

I'm not voting for McCain but I can live with him if he is elected. Romney would be a good choice for VP because of his skills in economics - our #1 issue. If it happens, I hope he suppresses his extremist Mormon beliefs just as I would hope Huckabee would set aside his theocratic desires. The last thing we need is a bunch of religionists interfering with government. We should remember the lessons of England of the 17th century and not repeat those kinds of horrible mistakes.

[Anthony J. Sanginario]

I believe Gov. Mitt Romney to be an honest man and a great business man. The fact that he was elected Governor of a Democrat controlled State like Massachusetts proves how many people admire and respect him. Obviously many Massachusetts Democrats voted for him. He is a man of Faith and a model family man for others to emulate. I certainly would support him if he were to be chosen as Sen. McCain's running mate.

[Michael J Keevis]

The only way McCain is going to win is by picking Condy Rice as his VP running mate.

[Dennis]

The only logical choice is Bill Gates. We need an economic wunderkind to lead us to a better economy. And then he can be president after McCain.

[Pat Rust]

I feel Mitt would be a good choice because of his business experience, but I feel Mike Huckabee would be much better choice. Mike Huckabee might not be as polished a speaker as Mitt, but he could assure the white christian vote which Mr. McCain must have to hold the south. Many of my Republican friends have said they are voting a write-in which is same as a vote against America. Mr. McCain needs a VP like Mike Huckabee.

[Archie Hampton]

Huckabee is to far left and will cost him a large majority of the Independents he needs. Bob Barr is going to cost votes already and may throw one or two states to Obama. He will need some one with a name and possible delivery of a swing state. Romney would be a good choice because he could possible deliver MI and Ma. Pawlenty of Minnesota would be another good choice. I would like to see him pick some one younger and with more economic experience. It may also help to pick a female. Marsha Blackburn from Tenn would help the ticket. Huckabee, Condeleza Rice and any other prominent member of the Bush administration would kill the ticket.

[Jon Hudson]

I'M a confirmed McCain supporter but choosing Romney is the one thing that could lose my vote. If McCain chose Romney, he would alienate millions of conservative voters as the Democrats play clips of Romney's stridently pro-choice statements when he ran for governor of Massachussetts and then his equally strident pro-life statements when he ran for President. Romney has flip-flopped so many times and will say anything to get elected. He has no principles. McCain needs to choose a young, media-savvy and truly conservative running mate like Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

[Fools & PUMAblicans]

I am not a republican - and can not fully claim the democrats. I have been reading the comments on democratic news articles and, folks, it is exactly the same - If people could hear themselves rant about personalities and personal issues while the country is facing no less than the creeping suspension of our constitutional rights, the needless death and expense of war and our own foolish destruction from global warming, on and on. If you could really see yourself squabble about nonsense as the rest of the world must.

I am not here to recommend a candidate - I'm here to recommend more elevated thinking.

[Terry Stanley]

I heard Huckabee's name thrown out early based on the fact that he is a political outsider. If it is to be a true outsider than certainly Ron Paul would be it.

In all respect though he was marginalized by his own party let alone the big wigs in Washington there really is not more an outsider than him. Besides he drew more attention from the Independents (like me!) and Dems in the Republican primaries than the other Rep candidates.

If McCain really really expects to be going up against a campaign that is pushing "change" in politics then Paul would be the choice, after all his ideas are certainly more radical and in-line with the (supposed) values of the Republican party than even McCain himself. Free Trade, small government, constitution first, etc. Certainly begins to sound like the Republican sounding board to me.

Ron Paul also did far better than any of the other Republican candidates (esp. McCain) at raising money in a grass roots fashion. This would be key against Obama, who has shattered all thoughts of how much could be raised in such a fashion and now with his intention to forgo public funds and raise his money that way he will outclass McCain in the funding department hands down. With Paul at his side he may find his coffers far fuller than even any of those other "richie" candidates could offer.

Finally, I saw talk of "flip-flopping" and "sticking to principles" thrown about above, well no one stuck as hard to their guns as Rep. Paul. Even though his ideas were completely unpopular he stood by them and spoke his mind. Even the "Straight Talk Express" cannot boast about the honesty and lack of political flip-flopping and bulls**t displayed by Ron Paul. This does lead me to the one negative, however, and that is the fact that he is (ironically) unpopular within his own party because of his views. This negative may definitely be off-put by the fact of his draw from independents, dems, and even libertarians. Compunded by the fact that he would have more of an opportunity tp get his views heard if he had a stage where he wasn't marginalized and purposefully ignored.

One last final thought is that even if McCain would wisen up and choose Rep. Paul as his running mate I would wonder if he would take it. My instincts tell me no, but he certainly would be the better man for the job than any of the other proposed candidates mentioned.

Verily,

T.

[Rich]

Mitt is the best choice. I won't judge a man solely because he felt differently at one point in his life. Everybody...EVERYBODY changes opinions. Atheists become Christians every day... does that mean they have no core values? Remember, our beloved Reagan changed positions on many issues. Mitt gave his word in Massechusets and kept it, even though it was VERY unpopular. He knows how to fight and govern. If you want someone who has gotten things done and understands what is really broken... Mitt is the best choice. McCain desperately needs credibility, not another politician.

[ricardo moltaban]

My vote is for Colin Powell. Hands down this would be the winning ticket in November.

[Will]

Romney too liberal for republicans? He seems to have been more conservative than McCain has a track record of being. Romney has a great track record of being a financial wizard and keeping things within budget. He's got to understand the economy better than anyone else. I think our country's economy was doomed from getting better again when Romney lost the bid to McCain. I'm afraid Obama, who is proving to be even more of a flip-flopper than Romney ever was, is going to win no matter who's on the ticket with McCain. I fear for our national security if and when Obama takes over, and I'm confident we'll all be standing in soup lines waiting for the government to feed and diaper us all when Obama takes over everything.

[Scott R.]

I am an evangelical and I would love to see Romney on the ticket with McCain. McCain is not getting my vote at this point. I won't vote for Huckabee because I think he wears his faith on his sleeve. Romney is a brilliant man and he has always been socially conservative personally but did what he needed to do to win Mass. I guess the Dems would rather of had us just concede Mass and not have tried. Well, Romney did it and that is amazing.

[Jeff]

Pahliin should be the nominee and McCain should name her now. We already know McCain pays his female staffers more and has more of them than Obama. This would be a great way to get ahead on getting the female independent and demcocrat voters who supported Hillary. Plus, it will put the pressure on Obama to name Clinton to his ticket, something he does NOT want to do. And let's face it, Pahlin's the best candidate. She's got a record of fighting corruption and is an executive. She's not pregnant right now as an earlier poster erroneously said.

[hsmith]

Romney would be the WORSTchoice McCain could make. This year is all about the working class, and Romney does not have a clue how to relate to them. He is the typical establishment candidate, waist deep in special interests and lobbyist's shennighans. He has changed his positions on gay rights and abortion which will send many social conservatives packing. He could not understand that the economy was declining during the primaries, completely brushing off any notion we were in a downturn; later, when a glimpse of reality was unavoidable, he stated it was a great time to buy cheap stocks. He is absolutely on another economic planet than most Americans. He is commonly viewed as much of the economic problem in this nation - a joint venture capitalist making millions while putting corporations out of business and giving their employees pink slips. Jobs shipped abroad - that is what Romney represents. Additionally, he is a Yankee (pure and simple) which does not float real well in the south - remember he came in third and fourth in the southern primaries. This year, the south is truly not safe for Republicans, and Mitt would make it worse. Although I believe Huckabee has the most to offer McCain in this election as VP, I can live with almost any one else, but Romney. I know Romney will cost McCain the White House if he is chosen.

[Jeff]

Not disagreeing with you, hsmith. I too, don't want Romney, but for some reason none of that stopped all those unemployed welders in Michigan from voting for him. The name Romney carries clout there and it's a swing state.

[ERin]

It is too bad that you are all so biased against Romney. I know him and I know him well. He is not a liar. He is honest and hardworking and truly the man for the job. I think that at this critical time in our economy, he truly could be the one person to help change it around. We need him now and long term.

[Eric]

If anyone thinks taking over failing business and turning them around is an easy job has no experience in the business world at all. Sure he may have reduced salaries and cut jobs but that was to save the company as a whole rather than cutting EVERY job. We need someone that understands money like Romney, rather than people like McCain and evn worse Obama that want to increase the size of government. We cant afford the government now, how are we going to pay for a bigger one?

[Chad]

Romney for President

*Best thing for economy and overall republican package.

Sarah Palin (Alaska Governor), Vice President

*Best thing for oil problem and other practical sense.

McCain, General in Iraq

*Best thing for Iraq war.

Huckabee, Preacher

*Only thing he can do: preach for money when the words of Christ's gospel are given freely.

[dwayne]

Regardless of who McCain selects for veep, I'll vote for McCain.

[Lori]

From a source inside the campaign, this college website got some scoop:
http://www.coedmagazine.com/news/10333

[Ralph from Alaska]

Hey Herb Yood:
You said "his record as a businessman consists largely of taking over companies, some profitable, and gouging the employees by reducing salaries and benefits to make a profit." (when a business is failing something has to change. Use a little common sense. If you have more money going out of your household budget than coming in, you have to do something different. If it puts you on the edge of bankruptcy then you have to do something dramatically different. DUH!)

"That won't sell in the heartland, and is what felled him when he ran against Ted Kennedy for the senate. " (That was an idiotic statement. He was running agaisnt Ted Kennedy.....in Massachusetts.....that's what cost him the election. Have you not noticed that Ted's yet to lose one of those things?! DUH!)

"Romney is a loser, and a union state like Michigan will reject him. All he has is money. He adds nothing else"
(Again an idiotic statement. Romney won Michigan's primary and did very well throughout the state, including with union people. He would have easily beat your man OBAMA there as well! Moron!)

[Dennis]

How about Condoleezza Rice? She's tough, can take what the Dems/media throw at her. What flaws?

[Chris]

Romney is a great pick for VP. With an excellent business background, he will compliment the McCain ticket very well. He is also well spoken (something that has been missing from the white house for some time), and has a proven track record of getting broken budgets back on track.

One roadblock I anticipate is a continued effort by his opponents and they’re supporters to present misleading information about Mitt’s background. I am constantly reading false or misleading statements about his business and political background, and his faith
(This issue of faith, for more discerning voters, should be a very secondary issue to the economy, war, climate change etc.)

I am not saying that I am a Mitt fanatic, but give him a fair look and focus on the facts. It is unfortunate to see a good candidate getting bullied in the blogosphere, because some small minds are afraid of his faith.

[JIMBO]

If McCain wants to attract any Clinton democrats to hsi vcampaign he will not pick Huckabee. what a disaster he would be. Total Homophobe, prejudice Religious hypocrite..... He will turn off many Democrats who r thinking about voting for McCain..

[Pedro Gutierrez]

I will vote for McCain as long as Mike Huckabee is not the VP. In that case, I would vote for Obama. I cannot stand Huckabee. He's a complete idiot. In other words, I will be voting for McCain because Huckabee has absolutely no shot at being VP. I shouldn't even waste my time talking about that hick Huckabee.

[arealhillocrat]

My friends,

As an ardent Hillary donor, volunteer, and supporter...I can tell you that millions of us plan to vote McCain...even if Ned the Wino is his VP choice!!! If Hillary somehow gets the nom, we will support her. Otherwise, BO has no hope of getting our vote.

Many of us have no confidence on Obama. His daily flip flops are so astounding, we have no idea of what to believe.

With a democratic congress, most of us aren't afraid of the abortion issue either. Those of you who hate Mitt Romney so much...ought to get to know Obama a little better.

Here in Chicago as of 7/1 our sales tax is 10.25% and rising. Our gas average is $4.62. Complain about Romney all you want...Obama is worse than Mccain, huckabee or anyone in this camp.

Look at the bigger picture...don't get caught up in the hype. Come learn about us. visit: hcsfjm.com

[Carol]

I can't imagine McCain picking Romney simply because when they stand side by side, Romney makes McCain look like a little dweeb. His good looks merely accentuate McCain's unattractiveness. I don't think McCain's ego could tolerate that.

[Carol]

I'll be voting for Bob Barr, but as far as McCain's running mate goes, I prefer Romney, since he has more libertarian leanings.

[Huck]

Who is this Huck guy everyone is talking about? No one cares! If the south loved this Huck guy so much, how come he had a hard time raising money? Maybe the Baptists are cheap? No matter what happens, we can't let Obama win. I don't like the idea of this country turning into China.
Everyone gets helath care? Should everyone get a free home too? Free car? Free food? Free college degree? Obama is dream come true for the poor. The working class and the rich will end up paying for the poor.

[Brian Randall]

If you are the type of person who cares mostly about money (who can blame you?) then voting to line your own pocket is probably your best option. If you are rich, that means once again voting for George Bush's favorite candidate, John McCain. If you are middle class or poor, and are smart enough to realize Obama's healthcare for kids will never pass, Ross Perot's campaign manager and support team say Bob Barr is your best candidate. The entertaining media elite advise you against voting for him right now though. He might fix too many problems.

Everyone seems to imply that you, as an individual, are supposed to toss your principles up in the air for the preservation of the staus quo of the failed two party system that is bankrupting and killing the rights of this great country to the tune of millions, billions or trillions of Chinese borrowed dollars a year. Why change now? Just plant a new money tree and reach for the sky. Yes we can.

John McCain offers more more war and extended tours of duty for our brave embattled men and women and their suffering young families who are left with gas lines and inadequate family units. Maverick John wants to 'listen' and spy on your private conversations to see if you mention an evil one's name. He was tortured so let him do as he pleases to the American Bill of RIghts and US Constitution. According to the now defunct (?) PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE, all US Presidents are supposed to defend and uphold the US Constitution but since psychologically scarred John was tortured let's close our eyes and let him do as he pleases to our liberties and laws. If you don't like it, move to an axis of evil nation. Get lost, it is our country, not yours. This proud courageous nation now stands like sheep for George Bush's "systematic regime of torture" (American General Taguba) and preemptive murder (war). How patriotic.

Romney is the most libertarian candidate mentioned here. If I still believed in the failed GOP establishment, I would push for him as well.

www.bobbarr2008.com

[Brian Randall]

I agree. Mitt Romney is probably the best of the neocons. He will make John McCain seem electable. Go with him.

[TJ]

Romney is without a doubt the BEST choice for vp. I still can't understand why many of the Huck supporters haven't looked at his record enough to see his liberal side. He supported giving in state tuition to illegal immigrants as governor, pardoned thousands of criminals and illegals who were in custody, was famous for recieving private gifts in return for political favors, and of course who could forget his tax happy spending as gov, that he so adamently refused to admit. This is America, and if you are not voting for Romney for his morman beliefs, then you need leave the democracy we take for granted and move somewhere in the middle east where they tell you what to think. Romney is an economic genius, fundrasing expert, articualate debator, and could carry Michigan and possibly Nevada and Colorado. As a christian I am more offended at Huckabee's religious bias than I am of Romney's mormanism. If you want to learn the real Huckster, research all the nasty things he said about Romney, his liberal stances as gov, his comment about Obama being assasinated, and not to mention his son's arrest for animal mutilation. McCain will not let his ego keep him from choosing Romney. The party is in desperate need to feel motivated to vote this Nov. and Mitt is the honerable, family values conservative we all need, and ironically the one who the MSM is afraid of. McCain/Romney 08!

[Mrs. P]

This is in response to TJ:

1)
TJ said: "[Huckabee] supported giving in state tuition to illegal immigrants"

I say: I believe you are referring to the bill known as HB1525. The full text may be found here:
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2005/public/HB1525.pdf
This bill would have given illegal immigrant students the same "tuition rate" as any other students. It would NOT give them special preference above legal students. This applied only to illegals who had already been through at least 3 years of an Arkansas High School. AND IT REQUIRED those students who accepted the lower tutition to file an affidavit stating their intent to LEGALIZE THEIR IMMIGRATION.
What was wrong with Huckabee supporting a bill that gave illegals the same educational opportunities as legals IF THEY LEGALIZED THEIR IMMIGRATION?

2)
TJ said: "[Huckabee] pardoned thousands of criminals and illegals who were in custody"

I say: First of all, they were clemencies, not pardons. Some of these were pardons, others were commutations. Secondly, the number is NOT "thousands" (PLURAL) it is 1,033. Thirdly (and here we get to the meat of the argument) Governor Huckabee denied 86% of all commutation requests over the decade he served. He denied 2/3 of all requests for pardons. He signed off on, and carried out 16 executions while he was governor, which were more than 20 other states that currently had the death penalty in place. And lastly, he was endorsed in the primaries by the man who, above all others, is tough on crime: Chuck Norris (LOL).

3)
TJ said: "[Huckabee] was famous for receiving private gifts in return for political favors"

I say: The overwhelming majority of ethics complaints against Huckabee in Arkansas were regularly dismissed and/or proved to be frivolous. And for the few cases that became "major" issues, in the end there was NOT A SINGLE FINDING that Huckabee ever accepted an illegal gift. If you are referring to travelling he did, and that the Entergy power company paid for, Entergy was regulated by an INDEPENDENT state agency. Therefore he could not have been accepting those gifts in return for political favors.
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/feb/02/gifts-apparently-part-of-running-arkansas/

4)
TJ said: "...who could forget his tax happy spending as gov, that he so adamantly refused to admit[?]"

I say: Unfortunately, Governor Huckabee faced a legislature that was at least 70% Democrat throughout his entire tenure. Spending that he controlled, not federal pass-throughs and programs controlled by the Democrat legislature, rose only about 0.6% a year. Considering that states have to raise spending 5-6% a year just to keep up with the rising costs of healthcare, education, and other services, this is quite an accomplishment. For more information, check out the following articles:
The Club For Growth's initial attack:
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/01/a_report_on_mike_huckabees_fis.php

And a rebuttal:
http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/archives/004053.html

5)
TJ said: "This is America, and if you are not voting for Romney for his mormon beliefs, then you need leave the democracy we take for granted and move somewhere in the middle east where they tell you what to think."

I say: I agree with you, Romney and all Americans have freedom to choose which religion they will follow. And when I choose which political candidate I support, religion has little if any impact. I look at the man's stance on the issues, his consistency on the issues, and his capability to lead. When I did this I decided to support Huckabee.

[straightupneutral]

I caucused for Mitt in Iowa. He really impressed me as an individual. He lost, and I began to throw my support behind Barack Obama. (You can't call me an Obamican because I was a registered Democrat before the caucus.)

I don't think I will vote for McCain even with Romney as VP. I hoped Mitt would win despite his stance on Iraq, but now with McCain as the nominee I think I'll go back to the Dems. McCain is just too much.

Btw: I agree. Romney does make McCain look like an old gnome when they stand together!

[sha]

if romney is anywhere near the GOP ticket or cabinet, I WILL NOT VOTE...THE DEMS WANT ROMENY B/C ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO PLAY ALL OF HIS OLD GOV RUN SPEECHES WHERE HE RANT O THE LEFT OF TED KENNEDY AND INSTANTLY HE WILL LOSE THE SOUTH...HE IS THE BIGGEST FLAKE AND PHONEY HE WILL DEFINANTELY BE THE WHOLE THAT SINKS MCCAINS BOAT...THE PEOPLE SPOKE LOUD AND CLEAR...NO BODY WANTS ROMNEY BUT WALL STREET...I CAN SEE THE ADS NOW, POINTING OUT HOW RICH HE IS THAT HOW DO YOU THINK THAT AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLIN TO TO VIEW THAT...BUT MAYBE IT MAY BE OK AFTER ALL B/C WHEN THE GOP SHIP SINK, WE WILL NEVER HAVE TO LOOK AT OR LISTEN TO ROMNEY EVER AGAIN IT WILL IMMEDIATELY CANCEL HIM OUT FOR 2012 AND THERE WILL BE A HUGE REVOLT IN THE GOP AND THE BIG WIGS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TELL NO BODY NOTHING.....HUCKABEE 2012 PRESIDENT...GO AHEAD BIG WIGS PAVE THE WAY FOR THE HUCKSTER, CAUSE AFTER YOU FORCE MITT FLIP DOWN OUR THOATS AND WE ARE STUCK WITH OBAMANATION...THERE WILL NOTHING YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SAY TO STOP OUR VOTE FOR HUCKABEE...ROMNEY IS LIKE DEADLY VENOMUS SNAKE AND EVERYBODY CAN SEE IT...