MSNBC floats idea of Napolitano, Sebelius, Richardson, Strickland, Kaine & Manchin as possible VPs

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Governors seem a ready pool of would-be VPs
Pluses: Management experience, money-raising networks

By LIZ SIDOTI
Associated Press Writer
updated 9:55 p.m. PT, Sat., Feb. 23, 2008

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23310223/

Democrats

* Janet Napolitano, Arizona. Age 50, she has proven that she can attract independents and crossover Republicans. In any other year, she could help Democrats capitalize on a changing Southwest. This year that would be tough; McCain is an Arizona senator. But she backed Obama and he might find it advantageous to choose a woman if he wins the nomination.
* Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas. She knows how to win _ twice _ in a state that's solidly Republican in presidential elections, which could help the Democratic nominee expand the playing field. Age 59, she has a moderate image and is politically savvy. She's another woman who backed Obama and campaigned for him.
* Bill Richardson, New Mexico. He ran for president this year but dropped out after poor showings in a celebrity-packed field. A Hispanic who is 60, he appeals to an up-for-grabs constituency in a politically shifting region. He has foreign policy experience.
* Ted Strickland, Ohio. A big-time Clinton backer, he probably would only be considered for the slot if she wins the nomination. Strickland, 66, had a generally moderate voting record in Congress, and could help deliver the pivotal state for her.
* Tim Kaine, Virginia. He's another Democrat who ran as a moderate and proved he can win in a state that leans Republican in presidential elections. Virginia, too, is a potential swing state that he could help turn Democratic. Kaine, 49, backed Obama early.
* Joe Manchin, West Virginia. This first term governor, 60, is popular in the state, and could help put a state that Bush won twice into the Democratic column. He is known nationally for his legislative efforts following several deadly mine accidents.

[Radical Activist]

1. They sure like moderates don't they.

[lligrd]

2. Ugh! nt

[Johnny__Motown]

3. That is an AP writer not MSNBC, they just posted it on their site

[TomClash]

4. Not impressed though I like Napolitano and Kaine nt

[TexasObserver]

5. None of the above. Sorry.

[Tarheel_Dem]

6. I know what you mean...but, strategically who else could Obama

use to possibly put a couple of red states into play? I think Richardson would be a real asset. I know they're all moderates, but won't we need someone moderate to offset what some would consider Obama's "liberal" voting record?

I'm not sure, I haven't given it a lot of thought, but my heart tells me it should be a woman.

[LonePirate]

7. Sebelius may be my governor but ...

Kaine is the best choice from this list. He will make Virginia competitive and he might even help turn the state blue which would pose all sorts of problems for the other side. Sebelius won't shore up the female or modeerate vote across the country and she will have a tough time turning her state blue. Napolitano would be a good choice in any year in which McCain is not running. Strickland would be a bold choice if he can help carry his state. The Rethugs cannot win without Ohio. Richardson won't help attract any voters who would not already be voting Democratic and Manchin is a non-entity from a small state that probably won't turn blue.

[PaDem]

8. Only two on here I'd even consider...........

Richardson and Kaine. Both flip their states into the Dem column, VA being much more important than NM. But, Richardson gives you a leg up with Latinos. The women are total non-starters and it would be lunacy to go with either of them. The million dollar question for the Obama camp will be, can he get away with a VP who has limited foreign policy credentials.

[Occam Bandage]

9. Let's take a look-see:

1. Napolitano? Egh. McCain has AZ locked up, and she's not a particularly strong choice.
2. Sebelius completely flubbed her SOTU-response "audition." If she's gonna be that weak on the trail, she doesn't belong anywhere near the trail.
3. Richardson I like.
4. Next.
5. Kaine I like.
6. Unfamiliar with Manchin. I should read up on him.

[dansolo]

10. Don't we then risk losing the governorship to the Republicans

A lot of these seem to be Dem governors from Red states. There is no guarantee that we can re-elect a Dem governor as a replacement in any of them. This seems like a bad idea to me.

[tokenlib]

11. Sorry, we need a General to neuter McCain the war hero n/t

[TheZug]

12. Webb, Zinni, Powell, Clark or maybe that Montana governor dude

[democrattotheend]

13. Richardson is my first pick

Although I am a little worried about the womanizing rumors. This needs to be cleared up. If the allegations are false he would be the ideal VP choice for Obama. He has both executive and foreign policy experience, and he would help with Latino voters.

[Dems Will Win]

14. It's going to be Tim Kaine, you heard it here first.

No Senators allowed, you must have a governor or a general. Wesley Clark is unfortunately not a great campaigner or speaker. Edwards won't endorse so he's out it seems. No other general or senator is good enough or YOUNG enough.

This is a youth revolution and having an old guy or gal is not going to cut it, although George Mitchell is cool and I think that would be OK.

But think about Kaine. Out of all the governors, only he is popular, a great speaker and can deliver a swing state - Virginia. When he spoke on MSNBC he was fantastic. He endorsed Obama a YEAR AGO.

And Kaine cannot run for governor again in 2009, and there are no Senate seats left to win if Warner gets in. Winning VP would mean the Dem Lt. Gov becomes Gov and then the Lt. Gov can run as an incumbent!!

So to pick Kaine is WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN for Obama. Plus they really like each other and just worked well as a team to win VA!