United Liberty

After going through a drawn-out primary, Mitt Romney announced yesterday that his campaign has started its search for a running mate:

Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP nominee, said Monday that his search for a running mate has officially begun.

Romney’s longtime adviser Beth Myers, who was his chief of staff when he was governor of Massachusetts, is leading the vice presidential vetting process.

“She’s begun that process and is putting together the kinds of things you need to do to vet potential candidates,” Romney told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an interview airing Monday night on “ABC World News” and “Nightline.”

Romney said he plans to have made his pick by the time of the GOP convention, which begins in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 27.

There has obviously been a lot of speculation about this, even before Romney secured the nomination. Pundits have been making their predictions or offering up short-lists that Romney may choose from. And much like other pundits, the question of who Romney will choose has been something I’ve been thinking about for the last few weeks.

Paul Ryan: While many conservatives would like the idea of Ryan on the ticket, it doesn’t make sense. Sure, Romney has expressed support for budget passed by House Republicans, but picking Ryan would offer up more because he would be picking a member of Congress, of which Americans have a very low opinion.

Marco Rubio: You’ve no doubt heard Rubio’s name mentioned frequently, or even predicted to be the VP pick. Rubio has said he’s not interested, but it’ll be hard to resist if he does get the call. Some in the media have anticipated Rubio being a favorite and have hit him hard with misleading stories or outright distortions of the truth. There is no doubt that the road to the nomination goes through Florida, so Rubio would seem like a good fit; assuming the media doesn’t assassinate him.

Pat Toomey: In some respect’s Toomney fits the bill. He’s been a House member and is currently Senator from a swing state (Pennsylvania) where Republicans have had luck recently. He’s also had success in the private sector. But while I’m a huge Toomey fan, his Wall Street background probably (and unfortunately) disqualifies him for the nod.

Rick Santorum: While he and Romney certainly didn’t act like they liked each other on the campaign trail, some have floated him Santorum as a potential VP pick. That may ease the fears of social conservatives, but Santorum has showed a habit of digging himself in a hole over certain issues. Having that sort of time-bomb on a ticket is a disaster waiting to happen. Moreover, Santorum doesn’t exactly appeal to fiscal conservatives, which is who the Romney campaign should be trying to please.

Rob Portman: If there is a “safe pick” for a running mate, Portman probably fits the bill. He’s served in the House, as George W. Bush’s budget director, and is currently a Senator. He’s also from Ohio, an important swing state in almost every election. Probably most important is that he’s not particularly controversial, unlike other possible picks.

Chris Christie: While he may be somewhat of a rockstar among Republicans and his appeal coming from a traditionally “blue state” may make him attractive to Romney, Christie, who is known for his back-and-forths with protesters, is probably too bold to get the nod.

Rand Paul: There has been talk of a deal between Romney and Ron Paul, which could have included Rand Paul. The move may bring some of Ron Paul’s supporters to the table that may have otherwise not been willing to vote for Romney. However, Rand Paul was elected less than two years ago. He’s just too green to be included on a ticket.

Herman Cain: I only mention Cain because he said last week that he’s willing to talk about being the vice-presidential nominee. I’m sure that Romney campaign took note, but Cain probably shouldn’t expect a call.

So, who do you think Romney should pick, someone above or is there someone I didn’t list that you think could be his running mate?