Kasich for Veep?

American Spectator ^ | Quin Hillyer

[WilliamReading]

I would like to see some sources for your accusations regarding Kasich. If he was a bachelor and slept with other single women in consensual relationships, I have no problem with that.

[SuziQ]

Kasich's exit from Congress always seemed a bit mysterious to me.

If I remember correctly, he had only recently married, when he decided to leave Congress. That would be a good reason not to continue that rat race. So he was friends with Gary Condit? Why does that make people suspicious about him? I'm sure he was not the only Congressman who was friends with the man.

[SuziQ]

I dont believe Romney is electable as president.

After four years as a visible and active VP he might just well be.

[WestSylvanian]

Here’s some states Romney can help McCain with—Michigan, Utah, possibly some New England states, western states with large Mormon populations. I also think he could help McCain in Pennsylvania. Romney is so obviously the right choice, I don’t know why there’s any debate about it. He’s proven he can raise money, that he can easily handle himself in a debate, that he knows economic issues, that he can give an inspiring speech, and that he’s probably smarter than anyone else out there. No question he could step in immediately and be president should something happen to McCain. He also put forward a major effort to be president and did well, something Crist, Pawlenty, Portman, and the other gray little nobodies mentioned for V.P. haven’t done. He would be an excellent candidate should McCain announce he’s only serving one term. Romney’s also a classy gentleman with a beautiful family that would be a credit to the White House and certainly wouldn’t disgrace it in the manner of a Bill Clinton and his shady connections.

[Rep-for-real]

Wow, I've been saying this (Kasich/VP) for months!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1988283/posts http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2029320/posts

[WilliamReading]

Let’s not forget, Romney ran a very poor campaign for the nomination. He outspent McCain 3-1 in many states and was unable to beat a person most Republicans didn’t particularly care for.

He became Governor of Massachusetts only by hiding his so-called “conservative” beliefs.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Romney would hurt the ticket very much . . I don’t think he will help very much either.

Romney’s biggest booster appears to be Karl Rove, which also raises some questions. Rove is the genius who helped destroy the Republican brand (him and Tom DeLay, I should say.)

[hedgetrimmer]

Were you not following politics in 1999? You never heard of Gary Condit, Chandra Levy and the DC Madam?

[kevkrom]

There isn't a "perfect" choice for VP out there. The ideal candidate would be someone who is/provides:

1. Younger. The left will make McCain's age and health a factor, even if only indirectly. This is not to say that he should pick a 35-year-old, but someone who is youthful and energetic in appearance.
2. Somewhat conservative. To keep the GOP base from drifting too far, he will need to pick someone who is at least perceived to be more conservative than he is, but who still agrees on salient issues (likely WOT and energy policy); a "fire-breathing" conservative is unlikely, as it will alienate the "mushy middle" McCain is depending on.
3. Experienced executive. Ideally a governor or former governor, but failing that, someone who has run a decent-sized business or similar enterprise.
4. Limited ties to the Bush Administration. The left is already trying to run against McCain as just "Bush's 3rd term"; no need to give them more ammo.
5. Proven vote-getter. Many candidates otherwise acceptable above may not have the electoral track record to prove that they're "serious" enough.
6. Non-controversial. Again, to keep the "mushy middle" from darting back to Obama, McCain will want to choose someone who's not already vilified to the point of being a "bogeyman" (such as Gingrich).
7. Geographic help. A VP who may be able to tip the balance in a swing state (or two!) may be worth it, regardless of any other weaknesses he or she brings.
8. Demographic "diversity". Nowhere near as critical as anything above, but if an otherwise qualified candidate is from a "minority" (female and/or non-caucasian), it will offset some of the "affirmative action" vote Obama will receive.

There's no one out there that fits all of those bills. The best choice is probably Palin of Alaska, and the choice may make more sense if it is also implying a connection to opening up ANWR for drilling as part of McCain's differentiating from Obama on energy policy.

[WilliamReading]

I am not up to speed on that.

Was it John Kasich who murdered Chandra Levy? If so , I would have to reconsider my support for him.

Please tell me more.

[WilliamReading]

Palin wouldn’t be a bad choice . . obviously, McCain would have to flip on ANWR for that to happen.

[hedgetrimmer]

What I would like to know is, why are there no honorable candidates that the Republican party is willing to put up for office?

[Doc Savage]

Toilet bowl please! AAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhg!

[MozarkDawg]

Oh well, if the San Francisco Chronicle tells me so, it must be true . . .

It is true, Kasich made a big deal about it, complaining at the time.

[MozarkDawg]

Watts is the man!!!

Except he says he plans to vote for Obama.

[WilliamReading]

by Congressman J.D. Hayworth (of Arizona)

At the risk of spoiling their fun (and jinxing the chances of the candidate who is best suited for the second spot), allow me to place the name of John Kasich in nomination for John McCain’s careful consideration.

Simply stated, here is “The Case for Kasich”:

1) Electoral votes: To win the presidency, the GOP needs to carry Ohio and/or Pennsylvania. Kasich as the number-two man puts both in play, since he was born in Pennsylvania , then graduated from Ohio State and represented Ohio for eighteen years in the U.S. Congress. In other words, there are 41 good reasons to put Kasich on the ticket–the total of electoral votes from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

2) Record in Government: John Kasich served as the Budget Committee Chairman when I served with him in the House as part of the first Republican Majority there in 40 years. He wrote budgets that balanced, and was a key player in making the tough decisions required to restore fiscal sanity–so he can rightfully claim the title of “Proven Budget Hawk.” He also led the fight against “Corporate Welfare,” and was an unabashed foe of favored trade status for China.

3) Conservative Compatability: As McCain’s running mate, John Kasich would help bring back the GOP’s Conservative Base. His appeal is not limited to fiscal conservatives–he is also embraced by social conservatives. And, he is unafraid of professing his Christian faith, which makes him very popular among evangelicals–a key group that the GOP ticket needs for success.

4) Compliments the “Ticket Topper”: John Kasich and John McCain were both elected to the House in 1982. McCain became “Freshman Class President,” while Kasich was the only Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent in what was a tough year for the GOP. (Sound familiar?) Even though they share that common political background, Kasich enjoys a youthful
perception among voters…and that can help the “chronologically endowed” McCain.

5) Independent Appeal: Kasich’s youthful appearance, the passion he brings to politics, and his “mini-maverick” stands against “Corporate Welfare” and China trade will appeal to Independents and “9/11 Democrats.” Those credentials are burnished by the “post-partisan” quotes that can be found on his website, www.johnkasich.com and in his best-selling books.

6) Effective Communicator: Kasich has been invited into millions of American homes “electronically” as a Fox News Contributor and substitute host for Bill O’Reilly. He is “in demand” on the professional speaking circuit, and is an accomplished author.

Of course, there is no perfect candidate…and the political landscape is always changing. But the Republican nominee-designate could do his campaign and the GOP a world of good by having John Kasich, his wife Karen, and their twin daughters join the McCain Family on the podium at the Republican National Convention.

McCain-Kasich, 2008.

You heard it here first.

[Mikey_1962]

It wil be Mitt: The Romney name is still BIG in Michigan (and then, of course, there is the fundraising)

[Dems_R_Losers]

Works for me. I always liked John Kasich. He is a sunny, optimistic, can-do person. The greatest thing about him in contrast to Obama is that he actually DELIVERED change for the American people, by writing and passing a balanced budget for the first time in 40 years. He is also very well-versed about the economy and what the federal government can actually do about it.

[Steve_Seattle]

I was touting Kasich for VP more than a year ago. The Reps need to regain their old sense of fiscal responsibility, and Kasich has credibility on that issue.

[Salvation]

You hit the reason Kasich wouldn’t be a VP pick.