The clock is ticking. John Kerry, who added Illinois’ Democratic delegates to his growing number Tuesday, is in the market for a running mate.
The search for a vice presidential nominee is much like planning an arranged marriage. What’s it worth financially? Does it boost my chances for success? Americans generally vote for the top of the ticket, but an appealing VP candidate can attract campaign dollars, carry a battleground state or balance out the views of his running mate.
Meanwhile, potential candidates have to play the game too. Those in the running aren’t supposed to be overeager about it, even if they’re staying up every night by the phone waiting for Kerry’s call.
So far, Washington insiders have floated dozens of names, including these favored contenders:
Hillary Clinton, 56
Pro: The New York senator and former first lady is a superstar in the Democratic party. Pundits say Clinton would energize the campaign and fill the campaign coffer. Plus, she’s likely to attract female and suburban voters.
Con: Not interested. She said Sunday that she would refuse the nomination if offered. More to the point, Clinton would eclipse the top of the ticket, and Kerry doesn’t need her to pocket New York’s electoral votes.
John Edwards, 50
Pro: The North Carolina senator and former trial lawyer raised his profile with a strong second-place finish to Kerry. Building from his own campaign, Edwards could attract Southern, independent and Republican votes. Good looks don’t hurt either.
Con: Scene-stealer. Edwards is more charismatic than Kerry and could overshadow him. Also some doubt he could carry his own state in the general election.
Evan Bayh, 48
Pro: Balancing act. The Indiana senator and former governor is centrist, with more conservative views on social issues than Kerry. Could swing his typically Republican state over to the Democrats. Easy on the eyes too.
Con: Bayh voted for the Senate version of Bush’s 2003 tax cut. Although he did not support the final bill, the position still puts him at odds with Kerry. And if Kerry wants a moderate, young (and attractive) running mate from outside the Northeast, he’d probably opt for Edwards, who brings a legion of supporters with him. (This paragraph as published has been corrected in this text.)
Dick Gephardt, 63
Pro: The Missouri congressman’s blue-collar roots appeal to the labor vote. As a Midwesterner, Gephardt could help Democrats compete in Ohio, Michigan and his own state. Experienced policymaker–he has served in the House since 1977.
Con: Thud. That’s the weight of two failed presidential bids. Plus, what says Washington insider more than 25 years working in the Capitol?
Bob Graham, 67
Pro: It’s Florida, stupid. The state’s two-time governor, three-time senator could help Kerry win this major battleground. Graham says he’s retiring from the Senate, which means his calendar is pretty free for the next four years.
Con: A wee bit dull. How does he get anything done with those minute-by-minute personal notebooks? Plus Florida primary exit polls favored Edwards over Graham as VP nominee.
Bill Richardson, 56
Pro: Bring it. As governor of New Mexico and a Hispanic, Richardson is a big draw for Latino and Southwest voters, key gets for the Democrats. Rare state official with foreign affairs experience–was Bill Clinton’s ambassador to UN.
Con: After the botched prosecution of scientist Wen Ho Lee, fingers pointed at Richardson, then Clinton’s energy secretary. Lee, who was accused of mishandling classified information, is suing him for defamation.
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Also in the mix
Wesley Clark, 59
Four-star general brings military cred, but ran an awkward campaign.
Dianne Feinstein, 70
California senator is well-respected, but the state’s already in the bag.
Mary Landrieu, 48
Moderate female senator from Louisiana. Add it up: vote-getter.
Janet Napolitano, 46
Arizona governor brings crime-fighting resume, regional appeal, but no buzz.
Bill Nelson, 61
Junior Florida senator might help swing the state, but his name recognition is zip.
Ed Rendell, 60
Effective Pennsylvania governor, former Philadelphia mayor from a battleground state.
Tom Vilsack, 53
Many credit the Iowa governor for helping Al Gore carry the state in 2000.
