Veep pool swimming with governors

[babylonsister]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GOVERNORS_VEEPSTAKES?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Veep pool swimming with governors

By LIZ SIDOTI
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican and Democratic nominees are certain to come from the Senate. Thus, the nation's governors seem a ready pool of would-be vice presidential candidates who could provide management experience lacking at the top of each ticket.

snip//




DEMOCRATS:

-Janet Napolitano, Arizona. Age 50, she has proven that she can attract independents and crossover Republicans. In any other year, she could help Democrats capitalize on a changing Southwest. This year that would be tough; McCain is an Arizona senator. But she backed Obama and he might find it advantageous to choose a woman if he wins the nomination.

-Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas. She knows how to win - twice - in a state that's solidly Republican in presidential elections, which could help the Democratic nominee expand the playing field. Age 59, she has a moderate image and is politically savvy. She's another woman who backed Obama and campaigned for him.

-Bill Richardson, New Mexico. He ran for president this year but dropped out after poor showings in a celebrity-packed field. A Hispanic who is 60, he appeals to an up-for-grabs constituency in a politically shifting region. He has foreign policy experience.

-Ted Strickland, Ohio. A big-time Clinton backer, he probably would only be considered for the slot if she wins the nomination. Strickland, 66, had a generally moderate voting record in Congress, and could help deliver the pivotal state for her.

-Tim Kaine, Virginia. He's another Democrat who ran as a moderate and proved he can win in a state that leans Republican in presidential elections. Virginia, too, is a potential swing state that he could help turn Democratic. Kaine, 49, backed Obama early.

-Joe Manchin, West Virginia. This first term governor, 60, is popular in the state, and could help put a state that Bush won twice into the Democratic column. He is known nationally for his legislative efforts following several deadly mine accidents.

[TwilightGardener]

1. The Dem VP won't be a governor. Obama is going to need someone

with foreign policy/defense creds.

[iamjoy]

3. Richardson Has Foreign Policy

Bill Richardson has foreign policy experience, and would help Obama with Hispanics, the one constituency with whom he is weak.

[MethuenProgressive]

4. Take a look at Bill Richardson's "foreign policy/defense creds"

http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/defense

[AnnieBW]

8. Richardson was always my first choice

I'd love to see him get either the Veep or SecState slot. I can see the campaign slogan now:

"Obama/Richardson '08 - Together We Make One White Guy!" :evilgrin:

[babylonsister]

10. LOL! Not likely. nt

[babylonsister]

5. Hmmm. Richardson would qualify, but I don't see that.

Any suggestions? iirc you don't think Zinni would be considered either.

[TwilightGardener]

6. Well, I do like Jack Reed--he's my number one choice now.

He understands the game in Washington, he's smart, he's careful, he's conversant on the big issues of the day (a governor would know nothing about FISA, or Pakistan, or the stimulus package, or military matters, for example)--he knows the tricks McCain/GOP is going to pull, and he's got the defense/economics creds Obama will need.

[babylonsister]

9. I like Reed very much also. That could be brilliant! nt

[MethuenProgressive]

2. Bill Richardson for Vice President!

Bill Richardson for Vice President!

[LiberalEsto]

7. I wonder if Biden and Dodd

are on his list.

[babylonsister]

11. Biden's said he's not interested, I think. Then again, they all say that.

I hope they both stay in the Senate; they're needed there.

[truedelphi]

12. But do we want to lose a vote in the Senate

For our side at a time when we need every Democratic voice and vote there?

And the governor would appoint the new Senator I think. So the other consideration is whether the governor of Biden's state is a repug or a Dem.