RedState's Veepstakes Rules for McCain

by Dan McLaughlin, RedState: The hottest topic in Republican circles, ever since John McCain iced the nomination, is who he should pick as his running mate. There are many interesting names floated, and McCain will have good reason to make a show of talking to a bunch of candidates for the job, as a way of courting different groups and party leaders and feeling out people who might end up with other jobs in his Administration.

But realistically, there are a number of constraints on what kind of candidate McCain can or should pick. The Vice Presidency isn't like other appointments, since he or she is independently elected and can't be fired. And McCain's choice will be of particular significance for a few reasons. First, because of his age, voters will want more assurance than usual that his running mate is ready to step into the job at a moment's notice. Second, also because of McCain's age, he's seen as less likely to serve two terms; his running mate, win or lose in 2008, will have a leg up to be the heir apparent in 2012. And third, many conservatives are unhappy with McCain as the party leader, and want to see that the moderates have not taken permanent control of the party.

Let's start with the Don'ts . . .
1. No Senators . . .
2. No Bushies . . .
3. No Old Retired Guys . . .
4. No Rookies . . .
5. No Novice Politicians . . .
6. No Pro-Choicers . . .
7. No Iraq War Opponents . . .
8. No Democrats . . .
9. No Closeted Gays . . .
10. No Lobbyists . . .
11. No 2006 Losers . . .
12. No Perennial Short-Listers . . .
13. No New Mothers . . .
14. No Dynasties . . .
15. No Affirmative Action Candidates . . .

Now, the Do's - none of these are as litmus-test critical as the Don'ts, but they are also important . . .
1. Executive Experience . . .
2. Outside the Beltway . . .
3. Swing Stater . . .
4. Yes, It's The Economy . . .
[Read Dan McLaughlin's rationale for the above dos and dont's]
Who do you think satisfies or is out as a choice based on the above criteria?

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