Since the GOP nomination’s been wrapped up for almost three months, now, the question “Who’ll Mac pick for VP” has been gurgling about the place.<\/p>\n
Governor Pawlenty, of course, has been a key contender for a long, long time; young, great approval, decent if not invincible record of success as governor and legislator, conservative enough to not spark a rebellion in the provinces, and he supported Mac when it wasn’t cool to be in the McCain camp.<\/p>\n
But as Gary Miller at TvM notes in reversing his own prediction<\/a>:<\/p>\n The\u00a0problem is that the GOP has a a dearth of talent in both our gubernatorial and congressional ranks.\u00a0I couldn\u2019t help but read this<\/font><\/strong><\/a> Redstate roundtable on possible veep choices\u00a0and feel discouraged \u2014 much like those who participated in the discussion.\u00a0 The most likely choices all have significant electoral or\u00a0ideological shortcomings…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Which takes out Sanford, I think, as well.\u00a0 South is out in the GOP.<\/p>\n Miller:<\/p>\n My\u00a0reptilian brain stem has been working on finding someone who meets the following seemingly impossible criteria: 1) palatable (if not exciting) to conservatives; 2) satisfactory name recognition; 3) geographic advantages; 4) able to\u00a0reaffirm McCain\u2019s maverick creds; 5) able to assume the presidency should tragedy strike; 6) not necessarily currently in politics.<\/p>\n