This series of file photos show ten possible running mates for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney should Romney win the GOP nomination for the upcoming US elections. Top row from left are: Ohio Senator Rob Portman; Kentucky Senator Rand Paul; Florida Senator Marco Rubio; South Dakota Senator John Thune; Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Bottom row from left: New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez; New Jersey Governor Chris Christie; Wisconsin Representaive Paul Ryan; Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels; and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: afplivefour385812
There are four major contenders in the running for Mitt Romney’s sidekick: Senator Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire; Junior Senator, Rob Portman from Ohio; Florida’s Junior Senator, Marco Rubio; and last but not least, Paul Ryan, Representative from Wisconsin. All very capable of being Vice President; all having fans that would aid Mitt Romney in winning more votes and non-fans who could dent Romney’s campaign.
However, as politics are apt to go, there is baggage needing to be dealt with, history to avoid repeating, and tulips to tip-toe around. For instance a female VP might win over several female voters or it could discourage from voting for Romney, especially keeping in mind a Mrs. Sarah Palin of last election….ouch. Having a Hispanic running-mate could very well benefit Mr. Romney by not only possibly winning Florida but also winning minority group votes. The solid presence and reputation of Rob Portman could be a good way of beginning with a strong and clean slate. Paul Ryan‘s enthusiasm for budget plans is appealing to the Republicans and could help Romney bring Wisconsin around, a feat which hasn’t been reversed since Reagan.
Romney has seven weeks to decide who will be Robin to his Batman. In the meantime potential mates are fundraising for him before the Republican National Convention in Tampa. If left up to Anne Romney it’ll be a match made in Heaven, the running mate must be “capable [and] competent”, and have “the same personality type” and birthstone (just kidding) as her husband. The recent tendency has been to announce running mate a few days before necessary, this could hurt Romney in the long run. Not only would it collide with Olympic game coverage, but it allows the hunt to grow stale; whereas if announced earlier it allows Romney to hone in on his plans for the economy, something he’s been under criticism for. Yes, revealing who will be on the ticket with him, too soon might leave room for more scrutiny but what’s to lose? He’ll be criticized anyway.
To see who Romney is considering as Vice-President check out the photos below and more back at Newscom.com!
House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., holds a copy of his budget proposal “The Path to Prosperity” during a news conference on the FY2012 budget resolution on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Bill Clark/Roll Call Photos/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: rollcallpix058223
Kelly Ayotte. FILE PHOTO/Roll Call Photos/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: rollcallpix048685
Republican candidate and former Gov. Mitt Romney, right, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) meet with reporters before holding a town hall meeting at Mustang Expediting in Aston, Pennsylvania, Monday, April 23, 2012. David Maialetti/MCT/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: krtphotoslive546889
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: April 2, 2012 Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) participates in a question and answer session during a campaign town hall meeting featuring Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (seated at left). It happened inside Moore Oil Company. Several days earlier Ryan had endorsed Romney. Chris Fitzgerald / Candidate Photos/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: cpphotos004057
Jan.19, 2012 – Charleston, SC, USA – Ohio Senator Rob Portman introduces Mitt Romney during a campaign stop at the Romney 2012 headquarters in Charleston. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: zumawireworldphotosfive050452
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