Posted on 10/11/2007 11:11:39 AM PDT by RKB-AFG
Presenting the Next Vice President The GOP should look to Pawlenty.
By Mallory Factor
Ladies and gentlemen introducing the next vice president of the United States: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Although he is not yet appearing on media shortlists for likely Republican running mates, Governor Pawlenty is an obvious choice. Heres why.
For one thing, Republicans still have a good shot to win next year. Consider the enormous disapproval rating for the Democratic Congress, some signs of progress in Iraq, and above all the strong economy. Much of the calculus in the Electoral College will be involved in seeing whether the Republicans can win key battleground states in the Midwest. In 2004, President Bush won Ohio, and consequently reelection, by less than 120,000 votes. This time around, Ohio looks much stronger for the Democrats , which will require a new strategy on the part of Republicans.
One strategy proposed, is to look to the south in selecting a Republican nominees running mate. However, this makes little sense, given that the South is occupied largely by the Republican base, which ought to already be secured (and if it is not, then the Republican nominee is already in serious trouble). Even Mayor Giuliani, the most moderate of the leading Republican candidates, runs well in the south. This is, of course, in part because of his strong stance on national security and his public persona as a leader. Nonetheless, a Republican candidate, even a moderate Republican candidate, can reasonably rely on the votes of his southern base.
Tim could possibly help deliver the Minnesota vote. Especially if he continues to dive to the center.
I'd think twice, Pawlenty desperately wants to be a Rino, we in Minnesota have to work very hard to keep him right of center.
Did NRO endorse Dan Quayle ?
I think I prefer John Bolton.
Wrong time; Wrong place
He should have lived in the 1910’s & 20’s. Then he could have run on a ticket w/ Representative & Secretary of War James W. Good.
The Perfect ticket: Good and Pawlenty.
Everyone loves Goode and Pawlenty.
Snort! LOL, very punny
No thanks, light rail, universal health care are not to my liking of where my taxes go.
Yes, he is appealing from an electoral vote perspective. It really does come down to Michigan or Minnesota if Ohio is lost. Iowa and New Mexico have to be held, however, and Richardson may be on the VP shortlist for the Dems, so NM will be a tough hold.
FR folks need to think a great deal more about tactics. Idealogical purity has no power if one is not in a position to exercise any power in its behalf.
The shaky Bush states upcoming are CO, NV, IA, and NM. The Democrats have poured money in Ohio and they have the governor there to make a difference vs 2004. Bush’s EV total was 286 and without Ohio it becomes 266.
So if the shaky states are held, another 4 EVs have to be found somewhere. The best chances are WI, MN and MI, all of which have more than 4 EVs. MI has 17 and a win there even provides cushion for loss of NM’s 5 to Richardson and Nevada’s 5 to Reid.
Minnesota has 10 and could earn victory via 266 + 10 - 5 (NM) = 271.
Think tactics. They decide victory.
Tactics also mean running a candidate who will force democrats to spend money in states they usually win. Rudy runs well in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and some other states. He may even force the dems to spend money in California. We need to take the gender card out of play which is why we might want to look at the governor of Alaska for a VP. Smart, attractive and has no patience with Ted Stevens. Although I’d like to see Lynne Cheney as VP.
He’s said in the past that he think is IS the government’s job to provide entertainment (subsidizing sports stadiums and other nonessential development). He has also provided huge ethanol subsidies to the local farm lobbies. Again, illustrating his disconnect with the founding fathers regarding the proper role of government.
I can easily picture Pawlenty compromising our sovereignty to the UN and Brussels to show his ‘goodwill’ and come across as a ‘good guy’.
He would do nothing to halt creeping socialism. State power would continue to increase, individual liberties would continue to erode.
Come on!! Mine was first :>( :>)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.