Could a Virginian end up on the GOP or Dem ticket?

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 29, 2008

Over the past few weeks, more and more news sources have been speculating about the possible vice presidential picks for Sens. Clinton, Obama, and McCain. A lot of names have been floated, including at least five Virginians: former Gov. Mark Warner, Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Jim Webb, former Sen. George Allen, and retired General Anthony Zinni. In fact, Thursday NBC’s The Today Show ran a story throwing out some options for Senator Obama including Webb and Zinni.

So, does any Virginian have a real shot at getting on the ticket? The short answer is yes and only because when it comes to vice presidential picks, the conventional wisdom is rarely right. But that would likely be the only reason.

The conventional wisdom would say that Sen. Obama needs a running mate with extensive government experience, possibly someone with a military background, and most likely a gray beard of the party. Webb has a strong military background but his elective experience is even less than Obama. Gov. Kaine was an early supporter of Obama, advises the campaign regularly, and has campaigned extensively across the country from him. He’s also a popular governor in a red but trending purple state. There’s no question Kaine will likely have a spot in an Obama Administration (at some point), but I doubt it will be as vice president. If Obama is looking for a leader with a military affairs background and a lot of elective experience, Tim Kaine doesn’t qualify. Plus, he’s pro-life which could hurt Obama with the pro-choice base of the party.

The same CW would say Sen. McCain needs someone who will be seen as the heir apparent to the Republican Party… a young, dynamic, conservative leader who is possibly a woman or minority. George Allen would seem a natural for all of that. He is charismatic, conservative, and youthful acting (even though he’s over 50). If not for one word uttered 18 months ago Allen would be close to, if not at the top of the short list. In fact, I wonder if Allen wouldn’t be the one picking his own running mate. But, “macaca” changed everything and makes him a very, very unlikely option.

The CW would say Sen. Clinton needs someone outside DC and the US Senate who can help her sell a message of change. Former Gov. Warner would be a natural fit. He’s strong on economic issues, was very popular in a Republican state, flirted with a presidential bid, and he is from outside the Capital Beltway (barely). But, Warner’s decision to run for retiring Sen. John Warner’s seat seems to eliminate him from all consideration for either Clinton or Obama. Sen. Webb with his military background could be a reasonable pick for Clinton, but it would make a ticket of two senators. That could be a tough sell in a change election.

That leaves Anthony Zinni. He’s a wild card pick for either Clinton or Obama, but he shouldn’t be overlooked. Watch him closely.