Who Will Be Number 2?

A pause from the examination of who will top the respective party tickets. Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball is speculating on who might be a good choice to round out the tickets for the Republicans and the Democrats next year.

Sabato starts with what the VP choice should bring to the ticket:

• Disciplined, relatively scandal-free, and cause no major problems at selection time and throughout the campaign.
• Should be able to carry his or her home state. This is important especially if the choice is from a state that would go to the other party otherwise.
• They should complement those talents / experiences of the presidential nominee
• Help to (re)unite the party by being from another faction than the presidential candidate. Sorry, Joe Lieberman, don't wait for the phone to ring.
• If the presidential nominee is too far left or right, then the VP choice should be a centrist.
• A regional balance can be helpful, but it has not proved essential (Clinton/Gore).
• Symbolism - a woman, African-American, Hispanic/Latino, etc., could translate to voters and money
• Personal chemistry between the ticket-mates. Again, good, but not essential (Kennedy/Johnson).
• Finally, is he presidential?

Of course, as the article continues, the number 2 slot often goes to the person who comes in second in the delegate count. They are known quantities but with this field unlikely. Obama is a likely choice, if he can hold on to second. Same for Bill Richardson. Hillary would not be satisfied with number 2 and Edwards has already been there, done that. For the Republicans, Rudy's ego would disqualify him, McCain's age, and Romney brings nothing to the party except things people don't want.