MITT ROMNEY FOR VICE PRESIDENT

What role does a Vice Presidential candidate play? How much does a running mate matter? In typical years, a VP pick tends to be motivated by loyalty, friendship or simple electoral math. The VP nominee, historically, has had a nominal effect on the general election. This election will be different. Most Americans are not happy with the direction the nation is going. Both President Bush and the Democratic Congress have historically low approval ratings. Obviously, the American people are fed up. The source of that frustration, in my view, is the negative tone and hyper-partisanship that has typified the last 16 years of American politics. People want something different, for better (McCain) or for worse (Obama). Why is a pissed off electorate relevant to a discussion about John McCain's running mate? Let me tell you.

John McCain is the last of the Reagan era Republican politicians. His career has been one of achievement and controversy. Senator McCain has never been a guy to bend to party orthodoxy if he felt it was wrong. This willingness to take chances is the main reason he is the GOP's nominee. He is, by far, the most popular Republican politician outside of the party. Centrist Democrats and independents respect John McCain because he has, on occasion, worked with them to get things done. This "reaching across the aisle" is one reason why some conservatives are wary of him. In a typical "rally the base" election year, like 2000, he would not be the nominee. The Presidential election of 2008 will not be about rallying bases, it will be about new ideas and a more conciliatory tone towards the opposition. For McCain to win the Presidency he needs to do two things, convince conservatives that he will represent their interests and, more importantly, reposition conservatism as a positive political force. The easiest way to accomplish these tasks is to make Mitt Romney his running mate.

Mitt Romney is a remarkable man and politician. His discipline, economic acuity and status as a Washington outsider complements John McCain perfectly. Like McCain, he has a proven track record of working with Democrats and the combination of McCain and Romney will prove that the GOP is ready to move past the era of partisanship. Obama and whatever clown he chooses will have no track record of anything. They will talk about change and cooperation but won't be able to demonstrate the ability to accomplish it. Mitt Romney has an established track record of successes in business, management and as Governor of Massachusetts. One of the major assets Romney brings to the table is his extensive knowledge and understanding of economics. When he talked about the economy during the Republican debates he ran circles around McCain, Huckabee and the rest. He will embarrass any Democrat in a VP debate. He would serve as the pitchman for the economic platform which would free McCain to concentrate on the talking points he excels at like freedom, patriotism, duty, and foreign policy.

Another important reason why Mitt Romney should be chosen as VP is the Electoral College. In a matchup with Barrakh Obama, it is clear that some of the western states like Nevada and Colorado are up for grabs. The chart below shows Nevada's large Mormon population.

You can also see from this chart that most of the Western states have significant Mormon populations. Nevada will be a shoo-in for McCain/Romney. Colorado is not quite on this chart but does boast nearly 100,000 Mormons. It is reasonable to think that these folks will be enthusiastic about the prospect of a Mormon in the Oval Office. Washington is another stronghold of the Mormon church with over 150,000 members. If a good number of them show up to vote for the McCain/Romney ticket it is plausible that the GOP can steal Washington. Washington did elect a Republican governor in 2004 (only to have the election stolen by heavily Democratic King County).

Mitt Romney can also help McCain in Michigan where his father was governor. Polls show that Michigan is in play this year and if the McCain/Romney ticket can win Michigan it would virtually assure their victory. Romney's can also help in the "Rust Belt" (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana). These states' economies are struggling and Romney's positive and powerful economic message will help in this important region. It is no secret that the four states mentioned above are critical for Republican victory and considering Obama's weakness in these states in his matchup against Hillary Clinton, I believe Romney can help the GOP lock up these states. Make no mistake, if McCain/Romney can hold Ohio and win Pennsylvania OR Michigan they will be heading to the White House.

Another important asset that Mitt Romney brings to the table is his disassociation with Washington DC. With GWB's approval ratings in the low 30s and the Congress' approval ratings at 18% it is obvious that the current ruling troika is unpopular. McCain and Obama are both involved, knee deep. Romney's ability to talk about being a successful executive in a politics and business is a welcome departure from the two insiders running for President. It is safe to assume that the Democrats will not nominate a former governor/business leader...they simply don't have anyone in their party who can match Romney's experience.

Mitt Romney's most important asset is his outlook. Everyday we hear about how horrible everything is from the Democrats and how things are pretty much fine from the GOP. Both parties are wrong. America is not in horrible shape in any aspect. That being said, things are not just fine either. This nation does need to change gears in a few distinct ways. In order to get a nation to change its collective outlook you need optimism. Ronald Reagan delivered us from the malaise of the 70s with a vision of hope, optimism, toughness and national pride. John McCain is outstanding at talking about national pride and toughness, however, he does not engender optimism. He is a bit crotchety and stiff. Romney's confidence and demeanor gives people hope for the future. Why? Somethings are just intangible, could be his comic book looks, perfect life and family or his voice, I don't know but he does.

Mitt Romney solidifies this tickets' conservative credibility, bring millions of Mormon votes to the table, offers hope, optimism and youth, and gives us a clear heir apparent as leader of the party. Forward this article on amongst your circles in the conservative movement. We need Mitt on the ticket, now it is our job to help make sure it happens.

Dear Senator McCain,

As an early and ardent supporter of yours I encourage you to nominate Mitt Romney as your running mate. I know that the primary season was a tough one and you and Mr. Romney fought a hard nosed battle. Unlike Mike Huckabee, Mr. Romney withdrew from the race when he knew he could not win and pledged fealty and support of the Republican party and for you. He is a uniquely talented man and will help you become the President of The United States. Please nominated Mitt Romney to be your Vice President.

Thank you

Arthur

-arthur@arthurshall.com