The veepstakes

Last update: February 23, 2008 - 7:13 PM

The Republican and Democratic nominees are certain to come from the Senate. Thus, the nation's governors seem a ready pool of would-be vice presidential candidates who could provide management experience lacking at the top of each ticket.

The names of more than a dozen governors have been floated as potential running mates on the Republican and Democratic tickets, including Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty, a close ally of Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is assured the Republican nomination. Democratic Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York are continuing to battle for the Democratic nod.

In addition to Pawlenty, sitting governors likely to earn at least a look from their party's nominee include:

REPUBLICANS

Sarah Palin, Alaska: The state's first woman governor, 44, is an up-and-comer who has had remarkably high approval ratings. But she lacks a national profile. She's also from a far-flung Republican-leaning state that isn't an electoral prize.

Charlie Crist, Florida: His last-minute endorsement was widely credited with helping McCain win the Florida primary and putting Crist, 51, on the national stage. Florida is certain to be in play this fall, but Crist has a centrist agenda that may rankle the GOP base.

Haley Barbour, Mississippi: The 60-year-old was lauded for his leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He could give McCain a boost in conservative Southern states. But he's also a Washington insider; he's a former national GOP chairman who founded a lobbying firm.

Mark Sanford, South Carolina: While in Congress in 2000, he endorsed McCain in his first presidential bid but was neutral this year as governor. The two remain friendly. Sanford. 47. has an independent streak that sometimes conflicts with the establishment.

Jon Huntsman Jr., Utah: He has been a loyal McCain backer since early on. Huntsman, 47, comes from one of the country's most Republican states and is a Mormon. But he's also solidly conservative, and that could help McCain tremendously.

DEMOCRATS

Janet Napolitano, Arizona: She has proved 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 Napolitano, 50, 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. The 59-year-old 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 be considered for the slot only if she wins the nomination. Strickland, 66, had a moderate record in Congress and could help deliver a pivotal state.

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 into the Democratic column a state that Bush won twice. He is known nationally for his legislative efforts following several deadly mine accidents.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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