The names mentioned in this article are U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia, and Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico. All are good choices in many ways, but they have liabilities as well.
The biggest liability for Marco Rubio is that he’s only held his office for a year. He has great potential, but it’s too soon.
Nikki Healy- a new governor whose made some controversial decisions, albeit it out of necessity. It’s also too soon.
That liability is even more pronounced for Susana Martinez. Great lady, give her time to make a record.
Bobby Jindal has much to offer. His only problem is that he isn’t a good public speaker. But that can be overcome with proper training.
Bob McConnell would be a good choice, and a safe one. Perhaps too conventoinal and his popularity in Virginia has slipped lately.
I’ll add a few names of my own.
Chris Christie- popular in a liberal state and would give Republicans a chance of winning it, but a real government-cutting reformer who has celebrity and presence. However, if Mitt Romney is the nominee, he might not be conservative enough. Also, he seems to have health problems.
Eric Cantor- conservatives are irked with him over meddling in a Congressional primary in Illinois and they’re right to take him to task for it. But his overall record is good. He would help in Virginia and might appeal to Jewish Democrats who are weary of Obama.
Tim Pawlenty- not an exciting or inspiring choice for conservatives, but acceptably conesrvative, would appeal in the Upper Midwest, and he would put Minnesota in play, perhaps take it out of the Democrat column.
Mike Rounds- not exciting, but a successful governor, solid, and would reassure conservatives if Mitt Romney were the nominee.
Anyone who endorsed Romney is not qualified. So that rules out Haley, Cantor, Christie, McDonnell and Pawlenty.
Allen West should be the top choice after he gets a few more years under his belt.
My guesses:
Rubio. A Republican Enrique Inglesias. Women will love him. Is he Constitutionally eligible? Plus FL has a GOP gov. that would name a GOP replacement should the ticket win.
Randy Paul: A nod to the Ron Paul faction of voters. KY has a Rat gov. I think, so his replacement would be a Rat.
Huckabee: Mittens ain’t winning in the Southern Red states. Huck helps Milt out with that problem. Too bad Huck is a RINO.
Marco Rubio, Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley are not Constitutionally eligible. Of course you probably know that already.