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DEL.ICIO.USThe Republican vice presidential drawl
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s no surprise that Sen. John McCain’s attendance at Monday’s inauguration of second-term Republican Gov. Bob Riley in Alabama has sparked talk that Riley might be a potential running mate if McCain wins the Republican nomination.
Nobody threw Urban Meyer’s hat in the ring when McCain showed up for the coin toss at the BCS championship game. But more so than for a Gator coach, there’s an argument for why the Republican vice presidential nomination next year might gravitate toward a Southern governor.
With former Sen. George Allen by the wayside, no Southerner now looms as a top contender for the presidential nomination of the party which depends most heavily on the South in national elections. The chemistry could change if former Rep. Newt Gingrich or former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee jump in, but if this becomes a race between McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the question of regional balance will loom large.
But, which Southern governor? South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is a longtime supporter of McCain from a crucial state, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a former national chairman, got on board with him early in this cycle.
Romney would likely be looking for a Southerner also. We were about to speculate, but why don’t you have the fun?
(Notice also, in the story from Montgomery, that Gen. Wesley Clark swore in Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.)
Comments
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By John D
January 15, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
I think Georgia has a Republican Governor, but you didn’t mention him. Or don’t you think Governor Sunshine would work on the national stage?
By Rod J
January 15, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
For Mitt Romney, I think a Southern Evangelist would help him get past the “anti-mormon” vote. (Something that shouldnt matter in the first place)
By John D
January 15, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
Dear Rod J … did you mean “anti-Morman” or anti-moron?
By Sam
January 15, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Gov. Funny Sonny aint a real Republican (remember, he’s a Democrat turn-coat) and Ol’ Sunshine would be like a lost ball outside of Jawja. Nah, Ol’ Sonny’s gonna retire to the Perry Fairgrounds.
By Jason
January 15, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Riley tried to enact the largest tax increase in the history of Alabama and has lost the support of the many fringe religious groups. As such, he could try to distinquish himself from the fellow southern governor who now resides in the White House but would the rest of the country buy it? Has Bush so damaged the Republican party that it needs to have a southerner on the ticket to ensure the solidly red south stays that way?
You can count on Clark being in the race again. On the Democratic side of the race, has the war in Iraq so disillusioned the country that an association with the military leadership would be a bad thing for a candidate? Obviously Iraq is not in any way Clark’s fault but broad brushes often paint outside the lines.
By Mark
January 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
The Democrats’ token general is in hot water over his recent anti-Semetic remarks, which will make him more popular with Democrats.
How about Jihad Cynthia McKinney as the Dem VP?
By edwardthompson
January 15, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
I think Romney is going to be the nominee. I’ve been watching him at georgians at romney.blogspot.com. I think he’ll go with Huckabee or Owens as VP.
By GC
January 15, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
John d, Sonny Perdue was recently re-elected Governor under a cloud of ethical lapses, possibly criminal conduct,pertaining to his land deals and associated tax break claims. He’ll be lucky to complete his four year term. I hope his situation doesn’t hurt Georgia economically. It certainly has limited any national ambitions.
By Thank Goodness
January 15, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Sonny will not be on the national ticket… No way… Too many questions about land deals… Just won’t fly… Plus there is no way in this world that he is even remotely capable of stepping in as President if that were necessary.
More likely for McCain is SC Gov. Mark Sanford.
I’ve already decided, I’ll vote Democrat before I vote for a Mormon.
By J Thomas
January 15, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Seeing the machine from the inside out I can say that the Romney camp has a distinct advantage.
Using a calling tree model for viral fundraising and adding a little personal flair.
I’m a bit biased though.
By J Thomas
January 15, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Seeing the machine from the inside out I can say that the Romney camp has a distinct advantage.
Using a calling tree model for viral fundraising and adding a little personal flair.
I’m a bit biased though.
By drjay
January 16, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
former va guv jim gilmore is looking at the race—not sure his campaign will go anywhere but he would be a good “southern guv” to put on the ticket as v.p.
as for romney i would think he needs a senator or cabinet member (maybe an evangelical sweetheart) but also someone w/ d.c. experience to balance his complete lack of the same—saxby?
By Hunter
January 16, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
How about Mark Sanford for President and John McCain for County Commissioner?…
Mark and Mitt would be great!
By Bill J
January 16, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I was wondering about Saxby with Romney too. Makes a lot of sense. AND “Thank Goodness”, read the Hugh Hewitt posting at georgiansforromney.blogspot.com about religious bigotry.
By MrLiberty
January 16, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Wow. No wonder so many people are leaving the republican party. Just look at the list of complete loosers that is being paraded around as possible candidates for president and vice president. Don’t get me wrong, the Democrats are dragging out the same bunch of losers as last time as well, with a few hard core war-loving communists thrown in just becasue they hate their party membership that much.
Thank goodness for America that Congressman Ron Paul (9 terms) is looking at running. He is an unbelievably brilliant man, a doctor by trade, and a true conservative (not like all the neoconservative war criminals that currently run this country - or the rest of you that claim to be conservatives but support the biggest and most destructive government program ever - war). I certainly can’t say who he might pick as a running mate, but rather than being some brown-nose pretty boy it will likely be somebody that actually believes in the constitution and the bill of rights. Wouldn’t it be nice for a change to actually have a president that honors his oath? Imagine freedom if you can. Check out his web site at http://www.house.gov/paul.
By Hunter
January 16, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Dr. Ron Paul PLEASE RUN !!! had not heard this encouraging news…is it true?…when will he know?…
By gc
January 16, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
The Republicans always have many fine candidates…they’re just not always running. The dems always have a hard time finding a decent candidate…so they end up with Obama sin baden and billary.