Veepstakes: the Republicans

Here is my ranking of potential Republican vice presidential possibilities:

1. Sen. John Thune (SD). Yes, most people haven't heard of him. Yes, he's from a small, red state. But he is very popular among conservatives, is young without being too young (I'm talking about you, Gov. Jindal), and is an effective communicator.

2. Gov. Mark Sanford (SC). Of marginal help in the South, but more importantly he has an outsider-ish appeal that would amplify McCain's message. And, he's not coming out of DC (though he used to).

3. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN). I think McCain really, really likes this guy. So do social conservatives. But, he barely won each of his elections as governor of Minnesota (and wouldn't have won in 2006 but for an offensive comment made by his opponent the weekend before the election) and Minnesota seems to be firmly in Obama's corner.

4. Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney (MA). The Great Mentioner is claiming that Romney is at the top of the list which probably only means someone in McCain's camp wants people to think that (i.e., it isn't true). Raises a lot of money, but with only 8 weeks between the Republican convention and Election Day, it's unclear how important that will be. The best case for Romney is that he helps the ticket in MI, CO, and NV. But does McCain like him? Probably not.

5. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX). If McCain wants to make a play for aggrieved Hillary supporters, this is the most plausible female candidate.

6. Gov. Charlie Crist (FL). Might be able to lock up Florida, which would be huge. But will social conservatives rebel?

7. Fmr. Rep. Rob Portman (OH). Popular in the Beltway, but it's doubtful he would make that much of a difference in Ohio, considering he has only been elected by 1/18 of the state.

Names in the News That Can't Be Serious Options

8. Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA). Way too young. Accentuates McCain's biggest problem; doesn't alleviate it.

9. Fmr. Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR). The Huckster would bring some strengths to the ticket, but ultimately, he's too unpalatable for country-club Republicans.

10. Gov. Sarah Palin (AK). Not ready to be president yet. Needs to get to the Senate.

11. Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT). If McCain didn't have problems with his base, maybe. But he has problems with his base.

12. Fmr. Gov. Tom Ridge (PA). Ditto.

13. Gov. Haley Barbour (MS). Maybe if Mitt were the nominee, but Barbour's lobbyist past doesn't work for McCain.

14. Carly Fiorina (CA). Executive pay packages and HP-lawsuits? Cabinet material? Sure. VP? Nope.