Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty: Pawlenty was the first major contender to drop out of the presidential horserace, but VP might turn out to be more his speed. Pawlenty has a solid conservative track record and is liked by nearly everyone in the GOP and in the conservative movement. His demeanor is agreeable and pleasant, with a warm Midwest charm that did wonders to cleanse the palates of Minnesotans from the memory of pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura (no small public service). Word is Romney feels very comfortable with him, though some wonder whether our nominee should reward a state that never voted for Ronald Reagan by picking a running mate from its ranks. In all seriousness, the nearly 68,000 60 Plus supporters in the Land of 10,000 Lakes would be happy indeed to see their former governor lead a Republican resurgence in America’s Scandinavian beltway.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels: Like Portman, Daniels is a “bland, boring white guy.” Well, if presiding over a growing economy and socking away surpluses while neighboring states drown in debt and job losses (yes, we’re looking at you, Illinois and Michigan), then okay, Governor Daniels is very boring. Indiana may be a GOP lock this year, but Daniels brings a walking, talking advertisement for the success of conservative governance. The 145,000 Hoosier supporters of 60 Plus say he is not flashy, just wildly successful at his job. The country sorely needs more leaders like the “Blade,” the nickname President George W. Bush gave Daniels for his deftness at trimming bloated budgets.
Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey: Okay, Romney-Toomey sounds a little like Richard Nixon’s “Laugh-In” line, “sock it to me,” but the potential of this ticket shouldn’t be disparaged because it doesn’t roll off the tongue. Senator Toomey is a solid conservative with business and job-creation experience, a Harvard degree and a working-class background, making him a hero to our 740,000 senior supporters in the Keystone State. Many don’t know he was a charter member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (his mother is Portuguese). Pennsylvania is within reach for the GOP this year, and Toomey’s regular-guy appeal and Catholic upbringing could play big in the Midwest.
House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan: No one is pulling more for Ryan to get the VP nod than a certain unknown actor who tossed an old lady off a cliff while portraying Ryan in that well-publicized political (and despicable) ad. If Romney names Ryan, that actor will get more work than Gene Hackman, and Democratic ads will undoubtedly have him doing increasingly horrendous things to seniors as the election approaches. This only underscores how much the powerful and thoughtful Ryan scares Democrats, who have no answer to his bold and sober plans to save Medicare. Wisconsin is very much in play this year. Could Ryan, who represents its southeastern corner, help deliver the Badger State to the GOP column? The nearly 87,000 Wisconsin supporters of 60 Plus say yes!
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal: Choosing Governor Jindal would energize the GOP base, and as a representative figure will help affirm something about America that our current president forgot (or never learned) — that America’s stunning success over the course of the last 230 years is the aggregate result of millions of individuals who combined their initiative with their talents and DID build that. The youthful Jindal (only 41) comes from humble roots and succeeded through his own hard work and smarts, and this is a message dependency-loving Democrats detest but residents of the Pelican State love, including 110,000 60 Plus supporters. An added bonus will be the VP debates. Given Joe Biden’s views on Indian Americans, things could get awkward if the vice president congratulates him openly on his successful chain of Dunkin’ Donuts franchises.
