With the Chesapeake primaries over, we can now focus on the new Republican front runner and nominee, John McCain and who should he pick as his Vice President.   There have been several names floating around (like bait for John McCain), and he needs to pick a good running mate, who has strong conservative credentials along with solid leadership capabilities. 

    Here are some potential candidates for Vice President:

    Mark Sanford-Governor of South Carolina:  Sanford has a great conservative rating and has managed his state well by showing good leadership.  He has cut taxes and spending in South Carolina.   This would be a great pick for McCain, since he is a rising star in the Republican party.

    Senator Jim DeMint-U.S. Senator from South Carolina:  It must be Carolina on my mind, but Senator DeMint is one of the best conservative senators to come from this state since Strom Thurmond.  He is pro-life, pro-military and of course, someone who advocates for fiscally conservative policies.  Aside from the fact that he is young, he has the charisma to be a fine running mate.

     Rick Perry-Governor of Texas:  No doubt about this, Perry is a rising superstar in politics.  After assuming the governorship from current President George W. Bush, he has remained tough on crime, improved education within the Lone Star state and has remained a fiscal conservative.  Texas also gives McCain increased electoral votes and this could be a great combination.

    Tom Coburn-U.S. Senator from Oklahoma:  Coburn would rally the conservative vote behind McCain, because he has been a thorn in the side of those who sneak ridicilous earmarks into appropriations bills.  He is definitely an advocate for taxpayers everywhere fighting to eliminate unnecessary government spending and lowering taxes for working families.  Additionally, he is a social conservative and this will definitely appeal to many who want a candidate to balance McCain’s moderate views.

     Jeb Bush-former Governor of Florida:  This might be a detraction for many Republicans who have been angry at President Bush’s record.  However, Jeb is more conservative than George W. Bush.  He is a fiscal conservative who also watched government spending like a hawk, and he would definitely have a different outlook on the illegal immigration issue. 

    These five men would be a stellar addition to a McCain ticket.  However, the running mate needs to add strength to McCain by adding more conservative values.  This will only rally conservatives behind McCain.  McCain needs to take a more conservative tone in his proposals to fire up the base, and this will be the chief determiner for his success as a candidate for the Republican party.

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