 eep-wise,
George W. Bush says he has two requirements. The first could be called the
"30-feet test": He wants a compatible colleague down the hall for the next
four years. Second, he's looking for someone ready to assume the presidency.
A key question is whether Bush wants to choose an heir, who would expect
to run for the top job in 2008 (if all goes according to rosiest plan).
The GOP's rank and file will respond more warily to a young, ambitious
candidate than to someone capping his political career with the number-two
spot.
The most important political consideration in veep-selection, everyone
agrees, is to do no harm. It would be nice if the candidate could deliver
a critical state, but that hasn't happened since 1960. Some in Austin
think a Catholic pick could be Bush's saving grace.
Finally, of course, the prospective veep must be willing. Bush has shown
no interest in persuading anyone who has already declined the honor —
unless his name is Colin Powell. Bush apparently would be willing to meet
almost any condition to get Powell on the ticket: One Austin insider has
even argued that the general wouldn't have to campaign in the fall.
What follows is our own rundown of the most mentioned candidates, along
with their pluses and minuses. Keep in mind, however, that Bush may surprise
us all. A dark-horse gray eminence like Indiana senator Dick Lugar? The
GOP's "other woman" (i.e., not Elizabeth Dole), Rep. Jennifer Dunn of
Washington? Almost anything is possible.
Rep. Chris Cox of California
+ Young (47), telegenic, and quick on his feet. A pro-life Catholic with
a policy portfolio that excites conservatives. Could help GOP congressional
candidates in California and force Gore to spend time and money there.
- Unlikely actually to deliver California, and not well known outside
conservative policy circles. Bumper stickers would have to read "George-Chris!"
Liddy Dole of The Watergate
+ N/A
- Bob Dole without the Viagra — dull campaigner, ideologically nondescript.
Ticket would lack a certain freshness: Bush-Dole? How about Bush-Ford?
Or Bush-Hoover? Flunks both 30-feet and ready-for-presidency tests.
Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico
+ The quintessential establishment Republican, so it figures that he's
Trent Lott's candidate for veep. Domenici is a pro-life Italian Catholic.
Smart and aggressive. Picking Domenici would also save taxpayers billions
by making him give up the gavel at the Senate Budget Committee.
At 68, he could make Bush seem like George and Barbara's "boy." And
does Bush want to associate himself with Congress and the budget wars
(and surrenders)?
Gov. John Engler of Michigan
+ The reformist governor of a battleground state — and a perennial
conservative favorite, despite his recent opposition to a school-choice
referendum.
Support for Bush didn't translate into a win in the Michigan primary.
Also, his controversial deferment during Vietnam would certainly weigh
in Bush's considerations.
Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska
+ Popular with the media. A McCainiac who is also a Vietnam combat vet.
A recognized spokesman on foreign policy, and a pro-lifer.
Popular with the media — sometimes at the expense of fellow Republicans.
Senate colleagues regard him as McCain Lite (not a compliment). Nebraska
is in the bag.
Rep. John Kasich of Ohio
+ From battleground state, Ohio, with Pennsylvania roots. Young (48) and
energetic, an effective performer both on television and the stump. Few
Republicans arouse as much enthusiasm, especially from Reagan Democrats.
Good chemistry with Bush, a fellow jogger and father of twin daughters.
Invites Dennis the Menace comparisons, when Bush needs more gravitas.
Gov. Frank Keating of Oklahoma
+ A pro-life Catholic, who actually speaks out against divorce and illegitimacy.
He supported impeachment while other Republican governors looked at their
shoes. A solid, reassuring figure: a former FBI agent, who performed gracefully
after the Oklahoma City bombing. Staunchly loyal to Bush.
A Texas-Oklahoma ticket? An obstreperous Democratic legislature has
blocked much of his agenda. State GOPers worry about a shoot-from-the-hip
problem.
Sen. John McCain of Arizona
+ The media would swoon — at least initially. Probably would help
Bush on the West Coast and in the Northeast. Pledged to "beat Gore like
a drum." Would accentuate the campaign's association with patriotism and
reform — and make Bush look large-minded.
Bush would have to give White House press conferences behind bulletproof
glass. ("Has Jonathan Alter been thoroughly frisked?") Flunks Bush's 30-feet
test. Nothing personal — McCain doesn't seem to like most Republicans.
Gov. Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania
+ Pennsylvania's 23 electoral votes are worth having. A Vietnam vet, and
a Catholic. He's got state and national experience. Very likable.
A liberal record on defense issues in the House. Pro-choice. The media
would be off and running with stories on the schism in the GOP —
not least because his selection could actually provoke one.
Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee
+ Hollywood glamour, media favorite. Former prosecutor and McCainiac who
would put Gore in the line of fire on fundraising abuses. Gore could no
longer afford to be absentee landlord.
Pro-choice. And pro-blonde — a bachelor with a very active social
life.
Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio
+ Former governor, popular in Ohio. A pro-life Catholic (are you noticing
a trend here?) who has been a leader on school choice.
Not earth-toned, just beige. His fights against tax cuts and gun rights
have angered some Republicans. "He's the only guy Bush could pick where
the pro-lifers would stay in the hall, and everyone else would leave,"
says one Republican strategist.
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