Top Likely Republican Running Mates

Mitt Romney has the Republican nominaton all but sewn up, which makes it time for a single of
Washington's favorite parlor online games: veepstakes.
There are a slew of managing-mate choices for Romney to think about, despite the fact that most of
them are publicly professing disinterest appropriate now. It's an critical determination that can help
spherical out a ticket or be seemed again on as a monumental disaster.
Below are some candidates from, in our impression, most to the very least probably.
The Triple Danger -- Latino Roots, Florida Home, Tea Get together Bona Fide
Vital Stats
Age: 40
Birthplace: Miami
Loved ones: Jeanette Dousdebes (spouse) Young children: Amanda, Daniella, Anthony and Dominic
Faith: Catholic
Current job: U.S. senator for Florida
Prior experience: speaker of the Florida Residence of Representatives, member of the Florida
Residence of Associates
What They have Mentioned: "I'm not likely to be the vice president."
What's not to love about Rubio. He's youthful. He's wise. He is adored by the Tea Social gathering
but also has cross-above appeal to Latinos. Oh, and he also signifies a swing state with 29 electoral
votes. The draw back: He's young and untested.
Basic from the Plains
Essential Stats
Age: 51
Birthplace: Murdo, S.D.
Household: Kimberly Weems (spouse) Children:
Brittany and Larissa
Religion: Evangelical Christian
Recent work: U.S. senator for South Dakota
Prior expertise: chairman of the Senate Republican Meeting, member of the U.S. Home of
Representatives for South Dakota's at-huge district
What They've Stated: He is not intrigued.
The safe decide. He's a Midwesterner. He is youthful(ish). He is attractive. He will not really alienate
any person, but can he inspire anyone?
The Inside Gentleman
Important Stats
Age: 56
Birthplace: Cincinnati
Family members: Jane Portman (wife) Kids: Jed, Will and Sally
Religion: Methodist
Current task: U.S. senator from Ohio
Preceding knowledge: director of the Office of Administration and Price range, U.S. trade
representative, member of the U.S. Home of Reps
What They have Mentioned: "No, not for me."
Like Thune, Portman is some thing of a "risk-free" choose. He is smart and properly-revered. But for
a campaign striving to act more, ahem, "unzipped," Portman is about as buttoned-up as they come.
The Firebrand
Vital Stats
Age: 49
Birthplace: Newark, N.J.
Loved ones: Mary Pat Foster (wife) Kids: Andrew, Sarah, Patrick and Bridget
Religion: Roman Catholic
Recent work: governor of New Jersey
Prior knowledge: U.S. lawyer for the District of New Jersey, member of the Morris County Board of
Chosen Freeholders
What They have Mentioned: "If Gov. [Mitt] Romney were to arrive and chat to me about it, I would
hear, since I love my party adequate and I really like my nation sufficient to hear."
The colourful New Jersey governor would inject some energy into a campaign in want of a choose-
me-up. His straight-speak, no-holds-barred design performs nicely to an voters that has grown weary
of pandering pols. The threat, of training course, is that he gets a minor "as well colourful" and
distracts attention from Romney's information.
GOP's Budget Wunderkind
Essential Stats
Age: forty two
Birthplace: Janesville, Wis.
Loved ones: Janna Ryan (spouse) Young children: Elizabeth, Charles and Samuel
Religion: Roman Catholic
Present job: chairman of the Residence Committee on the Budget
Earlier expertise: political speechwriter for 1996 vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp, legislative
director for then-Sen. Sam Brownback
What They've Said: "I would have to contemplate it, but it is not anything I am even thinking about
appropriate now simply because I believe our work in Congress is rather important."
The GOP base Loves him, as does Crew Obama -- for distinct reasons, of training course. GOPers see
Ryan as a straight-talking deficit buster, although Democrats like President Obama evaluate his
funds strategy to "social Darwinism."
Swing Condition Polish
Important Stats
Age: fifty seven
Birthplace: Philadelphia, but moved to Fairfax County, Va., at 1 yr previous
Household: Maureen Gardner of McLean, Va. (spouse) Youngsters: Jeanine, Cailin, Rachel and twins,
Bobby and Sean
Faith: Roman Catholic
Present job: governor of Virginia
Earlier encounter: 21 several years in U.S. Army, like time on reserve, 7 conditions in the Virginia
House of Delegates, a few years as Condition Lawyer Common, two many years as governor
What They have Explained: "I might be really intrigued. It is a swing condition. I'm not asking for the
get in touch with. I am not searching for the contact."
A well-liked swing state governor ought to be large on the list. But, his fumbling of the "ultrasound"
issue earlier this spring is a big liability, specially as Romney attempts to shrink the gender gap and
broaden his appeal to suburban independents.
The Unwilling Politician
Important Stats
Age: sixty two (63 as of April seven)
Birthplace: Monongahela, Pa.
Family: Cheri (wife) Youngsters: Meagan, Melissa, Meredith and Maggie
Faith: Presbyterian
Recent task: governor of Indiana
Previous knowledge: chairman of the Countrywide Republican Senatorial Committee (1983-eighty
four), chief political advisor and liaison to President Ronald Reagan (1985-87), president and CEO of
conservative believe tank the Hudson Institute (1987-90), director of the Place of work of
Administration and Price range (2001-03), governor (2004-present)
What They have Mentioned: "I don't know, I have constantly felt that no citizen should say in
progress, 'If asked to serve, I will not.'"
He chose household above a run for president, but will those identical loved ones ties hold him from
accepting the veep slot? In an election about the economic climate and employment, Daniels has a
very good story to explain to about his tenure in Indiana. But, if Romney is nevertheless searching
for an individual to attractiveness to people extremely conservative Republicans who've however to
warm to him Daniels isn't that dude.
As soon as Favored
Vital Stats
Age: fifty
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, La.
Family members: Supriya (spouse) Young children: Selia Elizabeth, Shaan Robert and Slade Ryan
Faith: Roman Catholic
Recent occupation: governor of Louisiana
Earlier encounter: director of Louisiana Well being and Hospitals Section (1996-98), executive
director of the Nationwide Bipartisan Commission on the Potential of Medicare (1998-99), president
of the University of Louisiana system (1999-2001), principal policy advisor to the secretary of Overall
health and Human Services (2001-03), U.S. congressman (2004-2006), governor (2008-present)
What They have Mentioned: "No, I will not be V.P."
Because profitable his 1st phrase as governor in 2007, Jindal has been pegged as a potential
presidential/v.p. prospect. Even so, he's obtaining significantly less play this 12 months. Maybe it
truly is due to the fact he selected to back again fellow southern Gov. Rick Perry of Texas in the
primary.
Gender Hole Buster
Crucial Stats
Age: 40
Birthplace: Bamberg, S.C.
Family members: Michael (spouse) Young children: Rena and Nalin
Faith: Elevated Sikh, attends the two Sikh and Methodist providers
Existing occupation: governor of South Carolina
Previous knowledge: state agent (2004-10), governor (2010-present)
What They have Mentioned: "I would say, 'Thank you, but no.' I produced a guarantee to the folks of
this point out. And I think that guarantee issues. And I intend to hold it."
Haley was one southern governor who did again Romney. Regrettably, her endorsement was not
sufficient to help Romney get over South Carolina voters. Haley has Tea Get together appeal but her
minimal approval rankings in the state recommend she'd be a polarizing determine on a national
ticket.
Minnesota Good Dude
Vital Stats
Age: 51 - Born Nov. 27, 1960
Birthplace: St. Paul, Minnesota
Family members: Mary Anderson (spouse) Youngsters: Anna, Mara
Religion: Baptist
Present occupation: Lawyer
Preceding encounter: Governor of Minnesota (2003 - 2011), Greater part Chief of the Minnesota
Home of Reps (1999 - 2003). What They have Mentioned: "No, I've taken my name off that listing."
The former Minnesota Gov. has a normal-Joe profile that Romney desperately requirements
(Pawlenty famously encouraged his social gathering to attain out to "Sam's Club Republicans").
Additionally, he is been a tireless surrogate on the campaign trail for his former rival. Even so, with
weak acceptance ratings in his property state, Pawlenty just isn't considerably of a geographical
asset. His reduced-important type indicates he will not likely incorporate much of a spark to the
ticket possibly.
The Nevada Gamble
Vital Stats
Age: 48
Birthplace: Redding, Calif.
Loved ones: Kathleen (spouse) Kids: James, Madeline, Marisa
Religion: Roman Catholic
Existing work: governor of Nevada
Earlier knowledge: condition representative (1994-ninety eight), member of Nevada Gaming
Commission (1998-2001), chairman of Gaming Fee (1999-2011), legal professional basic (2003-05),
district court choose (2005-09), governor (2011-current)
What They've Explained: "I am very honored that my title has come up but I love the task I have and
I intend to hold it."
Romney's not acknowledged to be a big threat taker, and choosing a first term governor would be a
threat. Even so, Sandoval delivers with him a great deal of positives: He's a popular Hispanic
governor in a key swing condition. And, as opposed to Rubio, Sandoval doesn't bring the baggage of
a Washington, D.C., handle.
Wildcard Triple Menace
Essential Stats
Age: 52
Birthplace: El Paso, Texas
Loved ones: Chuck Franco (spouse) Young children: Carlo (stepson)
Faith: Roman Catholic
Present job: governor of New Mexico
Earlier expertise: district attorney for 3rd Judicial District in New Mexico (1996-2010), governor
(2011-present)
What They've Mentioned: "I'm totally, entirely targeted on currently being governor and fulfilling my
claims. It is humbling, but I'm not fascinated."
A Hispanic female from a essential swing point out, Martinez checks a whole lot of bins. Even so,
there is certainly tiny doubt that the media would be compelled to evaluate her to another 1st-term
governor from a tiny state who was picked as a Republican vice presidential nominee.
Swing Point out Mom
Important Stats
Age: 48
Birthplace: Nashua, N.H.
Family members:Joe Ayotte (spouse) Youngsters: Katherine &amp Jacob
Religion: Roman Catholic
Recent occupation: U.S. Senator for New Hampshire
Earlier knowledge: N.H. condition lawyer general (2004-2009), U.S. senator (2010-current)
What They've Said: "I just received elected to the Senate by the good men and women of New
Hampshire and that has been and will continue to be my only target," Ayotte informed the Nashua
Telegraph.
Wildcard
Vital Stats
Age: fifty nine
Birthplace: Midland, Texas
Loved ones: Columba (wife) Children: George P., Noelle, John Ellis (Jeb, Jr.)
Religion: Roman Catholic (since 1995)
Recent Job: co-chairman of the Barbara Bush Basis for Household Literacy
Earlier experience: launched consider-tank The Foundation for Florida's Future, governor of Florida
(1999-2007)
What They have Explained: "There is a robust subject to pick from, but Marco Rubio, to me, would
be the best choice."
The former governor of Florida would incorporate some political and policy heft to the ticket, but
you will find tiny indicator that Bush desires to be a 2nd fiddle. And then, there is certainly that very
last-identify issue...
The Unlikeliest of VPs
What They have Explained: Santorum: "I will do whatever is essential to aid our place."
Gingrich: ""No, I would not say no... I cannot picture him supplying."
Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are a few of individuals from the heated Republican main who do
not seem to be to be concerns for VP. There is certainly little adore among Romney and the
Santorum/Newt Gingrich camps. Jon Huntsman has primarily abandoned the get together. Herman
Cain is too controversial. Rick Perry's debate performances by itself very likely disqualified him from
the blend -- that and the simple fact that Romney trashed the Texas governor's place on immigration.
The only previous prospect that appears like a plausible match is previous Minnestoa Gov. Tim
Pawlenty, who acquired out of the race early, endorsed Romney, and has labored for him on the
marketing campaign trail is the 1 exception.
The Perfect Loved ones
Essential Stats
Age: ?
Birthplace: Swing Point out
Family: Noncontroversial
Faith: ?
Current task: It really is a query mark -- possibly outdoors of politics.
Preceding experience: A person who can provide a balance to Romney's attributes.