Romney I discount almost completely. Yes, he bolsters the ticket’s social conservative creds on the surface, and he brings very significant financial resources to the table… but after his antics over the winter, I think his “win at all costs” baggage detracts from McCain’s “change, hold the liberalism” path to victory. His administrative skills would make him an excellent choice for a cabinet position. But a veep he’s not.

Jindal is perhaps representative of one possible future of the GOP. In a sense, he could be the Republican Obama. I think his best use this campaign cycle is to give him a primetime speech spot at the convention, and then let him mature in Baton Rouge for 4-8 more years. While the ticket would be helped this year with his preference a loss would damage his brand. Keep him in the wings for 4 more years; with work, he could be a superstar in the bullpen for 2012 or 2016.

Crist would be an interesting choice. He’s got conservative credentials, and he comes from a potential swing state. He also has some problems brewing at home, due to the economy, property taxes, and insurance issues. I don’t think he’s too tarnished yet in the eyes of Floridians, but he has a rocky future ahead as Governor. If the party is trying to protect and develop its assets in the current challenging climate, it might be in the GOP’s best interests to have Crist help out the McCain ticket, possibly removing him from upcoming local turmoil in Tallahassee.

Missing from the invite list is Huckabee. He’d be a fine VP choice, strategically. Putting him on the ticket would help bandage McCain’s relationship with the conservative wing of the GOP. And, even though I can’t stand Huckabee’s positions, I have to admit that I enjoy listening to him. He’s a great campaigner, and would round out the ticket nicely. Plus, he’s at his prime now. An argument could be made for keeping him in the bullpen for 2012, along with Jindal….but frankly, I think Huckabee’s at his peak now; take advantage of that, since he’ll likely be somewhat too tarnished for easy use in future election cycles.

This doesn’t in the slightest mean that we are down to three.

I know. I never said these are the final three. But of the three who would you pick? Sounds like you’re in favor of Romney, although you don’t really detail why.

Also, what’s Crist’s baggage?