I don’t entirely agree with the last part of posting # 35. If Fred Thompson chooses a well-liked northern running mate, he might be able to pick off one or two Gore/Kerry states. Tim Palwenty could deliver Minnesota to Thompson. His approval ratings are much higher now than they were when he was reelected last year. Norm Coleman would also be a good choice. It’s unfortunate that Tommy Thompson isn’t interested, as he would be an asset in his home state. And I find myself wondering, would Judd Gregg be a good choice? I don’t know much about him, other than his being conservative and a strong vote-getter in NH.
I wish I could believe that, but I just see absolutely zero chance of that occurring. MN has been the single most (currently) consistently rodent states nationwide since 1976 (really, since 1960, with 1972 being a fluke). Pawlenty may have huge approval ratings, but these states and voters compartmentalize the races from state and federal. It's why the "popular" Weld couldn't upend the "unpopular" Kerry for the Senate in 1996. We need to shore up the states that Dubya carried in 2004. Do that first and work on picking up other states, but MN is not a top priority because of its history. MI is far more likely to fall to us, and I'd rather target it.
"It’s unfortunate that Tommy Thompson isn’t interested, as he would be an asset in his home state. And I find myself wondering, would Judd Gregg be a good choice? I don’t know much about him, other than his being conservative and a strong vote-getter in NH."
Gregg ran in the '04 election and did quite well -- but he had zero coattails (couldn't help Dubya or Gov. Benson). Much like the NH equivalent of Dick Lugar, who was unopposed last year, but was unable (or unwilling) to help out all those vulnerable incumbents we lost in the state last year. So at best, Gregg is lackluster. As Billy would say, he's part of the "old guard."