VP chatter turns to Tom Perez, a pick that could help Clinton with progressives

[book_worm]

U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez likes to bring up the exact number of days left to take action in Barack Obama’s presidency. Perez even keeps a countdown calendar on his desk identifying Jan. 20, 2017 — the next president’s first day in office — as the day his “weekend” begins.

But Perez might have to wait for his weekend, as there’s growing buzz he could be an ideal vice presidential pick for Hillary Clinton if she wins the Democratic presidential primary.

Most of the early Clinton “veepstakes” chatter has focused on another member of Obama’s Cabinet, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has also generated considerable vice presidential speculation, as has Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., both of whom have been campaigning for her. Yahoo News has heard three other names when inquiries were made about who might be in the mix: Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, and Perez.

Of these men, it is Perez who seems to have the most potential to appeal to the left flank of the party that has rallied around Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/tom-perez-the-dark-horse-vice-presidential-pick-203317556.html

[jmowreader]

1. The only minor problem is he's from Maryland

Hillary will be running out of New York. It's always a good idea to balance your ticket with someone from another part of the country. Given that, Perez looks to be a solid choice.

If you think we could survive a white guy on the ticket, how about Jay Inslee, who's the governor of Washington?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee

Practiced law for 10 years in a city of 7500 residents, so he understands small-town America.
Good civil rights record - especially on same-sex marriage, where he was instrumental in getting such a referendum passed by the voters.
Declared moratorium on capital punishment in Washington State.
Excellent on jobs - specifically, union jobs.
Not afraid to stand down Republicans.
REALLY wanted to impeach Alberto Gonzalez.
Served as both a congressman and a governor, the job he now has.
Grew up in the agricultural part of Washington.

[MSMITH33156]

2. I like all the choices listed here

It's really cynical but if Kane or Warner can give us a bump in Virginia, that might be worth it. McAulife would appoint the replacement too, so we wouldn't lose a seat.

[Laffy Kat]

3. I was really rooting for Castro as her VP choice.

I'm caucusing for Bernie, but will certainly vote for Hillary if it comes to that. I just think Castro would bring a lot to the ticket. Fingers crossed.

[book_worm]

4. I like Castro best too--I think he's young and dynamic and I believe

he would put Texas in play. I think he would be a good pick for Bernie, too, if he were the nominee.

[Laffy Kat]

5. Yep. I could really get beind a Hillary/Castro team. nt

[okasha]

6. Perez is not good geographically for VP,

but he sure sounds like a good SCOTUS nominee..

[book_worm]

7. That's a very good point.

[Godhumor]

8. Still think there is very little doubt that it will be Castro

Especially if Trump wins the nomination. Being able to essentially deny the Republicans any Hispanic support would put a serious hurting on their chances of carrying purple states.

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. I think Trump would be forced to choose a Hispanic running mate, and he has some to choose from.

The governors of Nevada, New Mexico, or even Rubio. I don't know if that will help him though.

[kjones]

9. I don't know who it will be, but better to have too many good options than too few. nt