What Does Sanford Bring to the Ticket?
Lee Bandy at Southern Political Report asks "What does Sanford bring to the ticket?" His answer: Nothing. Let's consider his reasoning:
- South Carolina offers a mere eight electoral votes McCain can easily capture on his own
- Sanford's six-year record is mixed and controversial
- Time Magazine called Sanford one of America's "worst" governors
Let me tackle each of these points. First, electoral votes is only one reason to pick a VP, and a small one at that. Of the other big names mentioned, few offer a guaranteed electoral gain. Romney isn't going to win Massachusetts for McCain. Bobby Jindal--the latest VP favorite--isn't needed to win Louisiana. And even Tim Pawlenty's chances of winning Minnesota for McCain are slim.
Second, many people in and out of SC are rather pleased with Sanford's refusal to spend taxpayers' money willy-nilly. In fact, 55% of voters in South Carolina must disagree with Bandy because they reelected Sanford in a year when most Republicans lost or barely squeaked by.
Third, Time Magazine called Mike Huckabee one of America's best governors--enough said.
Then Bandy goes on to list the qualities one should look for in a VP nominee. These are: Scandal-free; able to win his home state; experience that compliments the presidential nominee; able to reunite the party; brings regional balance; chemistry; appears potentially presidential.
There are legitimate reasons why Sanford might not be picked, but it is hard to argue that Sanford would bring "nothing" to the ticket when he fulfills many of the essential qualities Bandy lists.
