RateItAll: The Opinion Network

If I were McCain, this guy would be on my short list. He's smart, relatively young (50 or so) would appeal to economic and some social conservatives, and is a "big tent" guy, more inclusive than exclusive.

He'd also be valuable in the key battleground of Ohio, which both parties will be pouring money and resources into this election.

Who? Yeah...this is the guy to get across to the average American.

Rob Portman might be seen as a little too close to the Bush's, which might not be a good thing in this political environment, but I think that Portman would be a solid pick for McCain nevertheless. His name isn't out there in terms of media speculation, but a lot of people, especially in Ohio and in GOP circles consider him an up and comer with bi-partisan appeal and technical competence in budgetary matters. He can help shore up McCain among social and economic conservatives, but he's seen as someone who can get along well. He's not dogmatic in any sense of the word. A lot of people consider Portman to be Presidential material, with experience in Congress and in the Executive Branch. That should all be very helpful to McCain and to the party as well. Portman's relative youth (he's 20 years younger than McCain) will also help to estabish him as the heir apparent to McCain when he retires in 4 years. Strategically, Portman can help the Republicans carry Ohio, a state going through difficult economic circumstances and one that is critical to the ticket's success in November. In fact, no Republican has ever won the Presidency by losing in Ohio. They need the state and Portman is a strong enough candidate to deliver it.

If I were betting on who would win the VP nomination, I would say that it would be Portman. Tim Pawlenty, Mark Sanford and Sarah Pallin, all Governors that are also seen as rising stars within the party are also possibilities. But in terms of qualifications, competence, and electoral strategy, Rob Portman makes the best sense to me.