Short list for McCain running-mate.

(Bob has submitted to me his list of people he would like to see as John McCain's running-mate. I like the fact that these are not necessarily the names I hear being thrown out in the media right now. Some are more likely than others, but they are all people I would give serious thought to. Especially Powell, but I think he's pretty much enjoying his retirement these days.)
Short list for McCain runningmate
By Bob Wells
Ok here is my short list of possible runningmates for Senator McCain I will give them in order of preference first through five. Later I will give a list for both the Democrats but it is becoming more apparent that Senator Obama is likely to be the nominee.
1) Lt Governor Michael S. Steele (R-MD) Age 49He is my first choice because his brings the most benefit to the ticket. He is young and vibrant, he is from a blue state and has been a proven vote getter. While he lost his 2006 Senate race I would point out that he took nearly 45% of the vote in a very Democratic state in one of the worst years for the GOP since 1974. He will not only appeal to conservatives and help sure up the base but he may also put Maryland into play, at the very least he forces the Democrats to spend money there instead of in a swing state. He may also appeal to minority voters him being an African American. He would if necessary make a fine President.
2) Mike Pence (R-IN) Age 49He is again very young and vibrant ( this is an important issue because of McCain's age), he is from Indiana which while a solidly conservative state could be in play if Evan Bayh is the V.P. nominee of the Democrats. He is a favorite of the conservative base, he is also a very principled conservative who is a fine speaker and is a champion of a return to small government, low taxes, balanced budgets, and less intrusion into peoples lives. Finally I just like the guy, he has good political sense and midwestern sensibilities I think he would make a fine Vice President.
3) Former Congressman J.C. Watts (R-OK) Age 51He too is young in political terms, he is a very good speaker ( important after the Bush years) he has always been a great champion of conservative ideas and thought. He would bring energy and excitement to the McCain campaign. He would also again help McCain to appeal to minority voters. One of the other major benefits of Watts as a runningmate is the fact that while he has political experience he has for the last six years been out of elected office. He has worked in the private sector and is untouched by the current brand-tarnish of the GOP. He would make a fine Vice President and would I believe be able to if necessary set in and fill the Office of President if need be.
4) Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) Age 44She is young, articulate, attractive, and so far very affective. For the record I am not picking the Governor simply because she is a pretty women, while it helps there is substance there. Her appeal would be I believe to younger voters, to young upwardly mobile women many of whom are not as the media proclaims all raging liberals. She is from a very conservative state and is herself a respected conservative, although her appeal to independent voters is still unknown. She is also a relatively fresh face and would help a great deal to rebuild the Republican brand. She would also be an important voice on the importance of domestic exploration for oil. I believe that Governor Palin would do well under President McCain she would not only be a good Vice President and champion for the administrations agenda but would also be a possible successor for the Presidency in either 2012 or 2016 should McCain decide to serve only one term.
5) Former Secretary of State Colin Powell While he is of the same generation as John McCain, a more moderate Republican then John McCain he makes the list for one reason. HE IS COLIN FREAKIN POWELL. His record as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not to mention the fact that he has nearly universal name recognition and his integrity is second to none. While Secretary Powell would not help McCain with conservative he would more then make up for it with the massive amounts of Independent and even democratic voters he would bring to the ticket. I believe to spite the harpings of a few on the far right a McCain/ Powell ticket would amount to a perfect storm in politics and would give McCain this election by at least 15 points.