Romney tops McCain veep list

Surprising many Republican insiders, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is at the top of the vice presidential prospect list for John McCain. But lack of personal chemistry could derail the pick.

“Romney as favorite” is the hot buzz in Republican circles, and top party advisers said the case is compelling.

Campaign insiders say McCain plans to name his running mate very shortly after Barack Obama does, as part of what one campaign planner called a “bounce-mitigation strategy.”

The Democratic convention is in late August, a week ahead of the Republican convention. That means McCain can size up the opposing ticket before locking in his own.

The McCain campaign declined to comment, saying McCain has made it clear they are not to discuss the matter.

One of the chief reasons the Massachusetts governor is looking so attractive is his ability to raise huge amounts of money quickly through his former business partners and from fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons.

McCain sources tell Politico that they believe Romney could raise $50 million in 60 days. One close Romney adviser said it could even be $60 million.

Romney’s other advantages, according to people involved in McCain’s screening process:

— Squeaky-clean and fully vetted by the national media.

— Has presidential looks and bearing and immediately would be a strong campaigner who could be trusted to stay on message.

— Family’s Michigan roots would help in a swing state that went Democratic in 2004.

But there’s one big problem: Despite the buddy-picture choreography of a McCain-Romney campaign swing, McCain remains less than enamored with Romney.

And it’s not just the candidate. Some of McCain’s closest confidants evince little enthusiasm for Romney, feelings that are owed in part to lingering bad blood from the GOP primary, a genuine skepticism that such a conventional pick could bolster the ticket in a grim year for the GOP and concerns about whether his Mormon faith could imperil McCain in Southern states that Obama hopes to put into play.

McCain sources also say he’ll pick his vice presidential candidate based more on ability to govern than ability to help in the election.

So two other names are in the top tier:

— Rob Portman, a former congressman from Ohio, member of House leadership, U.S. Trade Ambassador and White House budget director.

— Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who would delight conservatives and is at the top of the list of the party’s prospects for the presidential race in 2012 or 2016. He was described to Politico by a McCain confidant as a possible “compromise” if the senator can’t stomach picking Romney.

Then there’s a second tier of candidates who are less likely, but possible: former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who dropped out of the top tier because of recent revelations about his lobbying; Florida Gov. Charlie Crist; Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who is one of McCain’s most energetic and successful fundraisers.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is frequently included in veep news stories but was not mentioned by McCain insiders. Their view is that his youth would accentuate, not mitigate, the age issue.

Especially if McCain is far behind later this summer, he could do something truly unorthodox like pick his strong supporter Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.), who was the Democrats’ vice presidential candidate back in 2000.

Party leaders don’t expect that. But McCain remains, after all, a maverick.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080630/pl_politico/1...SAmpV7WIWFSjv_is0NUE

What is the name of the Gov. of Alaska, I heard her name mentioned.

quote:

One of the chief reasons the Massachusetts governor is looking so attractive is his ability to raise huge amounts of money quickly through his former business partners and from fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons.

Hmmm. I can see why he would look attractive.

Actually, the one area that McCain is weak on overall is the economy. Romney is seen as an expert on economics as well as compassionate in regards to finding a solution to the health care issue.

He would be instrumental in helping McCain win Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and maybe (just maybe) Massachusettes.

If Romney gets the VP Nod I vote for McCain. If not I don't vote. Quite simple isn't it?

I'll vote for McCain no matter what but I'll vote for him quite enthusiastically if Romney is going to be VP.

What happened to Mike Huckabee's on the short list? I thought they wanted to mobilize the Christian Conservative base.

quote:

Originally posted by Duster6:
If Romney gets the VP Nod I vote for McCain. If not I don't vote. Quite simple isn't it?

Me too.

Huckabee is a one trick pony. He NEVER had a chance..but thanks to him, Mitt didn't get the nod.

The real irony? Huckabee was supposedly the spoiler to knock Romney out. (that was the plan according to the Romney supporters.) Yet Romney is supposedly number one on the short list for McCain's VP?

And an added incentive for Romney supporters to vote for McCain now?

That's a helluva plan.

still a better candidate then hildog or nobama.... personally i like charlie crist....

Mitt Romney is a very competent, can-do guy who did a great job with managing the Massachutsets economy.

But his record of flip-flopping on abortion -- from "I'll do a better job than Senator Kennedy of protecting a woman's right to choose" to "Roe v. Wade must be overturned" and other issues made it clear that he'd say and do anything to get elected.

You don't think Obama may have gotten hold of one of his old pamphlets do you?

Does McCain really want to be president? Romney isn't a conservative. I am really beginning to believe he thinks he can win the race by turning his back on conservatives and wooing blue-dog democrats.

quote:

Originally posted by Kegler300:
Does McCain really want to be president? Romney isn't a conservative. I am really beginning to believe he thinks he can win the race by turning his back on conservatives and wooing blue-dog democrats.

Romney isn't a conservative? Really? You've got to be kidding me. He is the only true conservative that ran. The conservative vote hinges on GETTING him.

quote:

Originally posted by threerings:

quote:

Originally posted by Kegler300:
Does McCain really want to be president? Romney isn't a conservative. I am really beginning to believe he thinks he can win the race by turning his back on conservatives and wooing blue-dog democrats.

Romney isn't a conservative? Really? You've got to be kidding me. He is the only true conservative that ran. The conservative vote hinges on GETTING him.

I suggest you do some research, because you are wrong. Romney is a true conservative, only when it has been in his interest to be one.

If McCain chooses Romney, it will pretty much neutralize the right's attacks on Obama's flip-flopping.

Also, Obama will still win Massachusetts anyway and since Romney might suppress the Southern Christian vote, we may very well take Virginia.

As an Obama supporter, I welcome Flip Romney as McCain's VP.

quote:

Originally posted by xavierob82:
If McCain chooses Romney, it will pretty much neutralize the right's attacks on Obama's flip-flopping.

Also, Obama will still win Massachusetts anyway and since Romney might suppress the Southern Christian vote, we may very well take Virginia.

As an Obama supporter, I welcome Flip Romney as McCain's VP.

Yeah, right. When even politically moderate Christians discover your candidate's agenda it won't matter to them if Hillary was McCain's VP choice -- they won't vote for Obama.

quote:

Originally posted by threerings:

quote:

Originally posted by Kegler300:
Does McCain really want to be president? Romney isn't a conservative. I am really beginning to believe he thinks he can win the race by turning his back on conservatives and wooing blue-dog democrats.

Romney isn't a conservative? Really? You've got to be kidding me. He is the only true conservative that ran. The conservative vote hinges on GETTING him.

The only true conservative that ran was Duncan Hunter.

As long as he avoids any interaction with the human species Romney will do just fine. When he campaigned here in FL his rhetoric was starting to make Hillary look pretty good. IMHO Alaska Governor Sarah Palin would make a far better candidate. If nothing else, her selection would be a most welcome change from the usual list the Republicans insist on selecting from.

Oh, that would be the BEST. Romney with McSame? Man, Obama wouldn't even have to debate either one of them. With their flip flops, all you have to do is play tapes of them debating themselves on pretty much EVERY SINGLE issue. Yeah, yeah...pick Romney!