Wall Street Journal's Jacoby writes that ex-Hewlett-Packard CEO/McCain economics adviser and fundraiser Carly Fiorina "has never run for public office." But in a 4/22 interview, ex-McCain official/dep RNC Chair Frank Donatelli "didn't rule her out" as a running mate for John McCain. Donatelli: "I am so impressed with her. We could do a lot worse than Carly." "There's been a low-level buzz among conservatives" in DC about Fiorina's prospects "apparently spurred by a private lunch Donatelli attended with" Grover Norquist. At the lunch, Donatelli "talked up" Fiorina's "conservative positions" against abortion and gun control. Donatelli "confirmed the lunch conversation." But, he acknowledged, "she would not be a traditional pick." Fiorina's negatives? "She's not a party figure with obvious ability to unite" GOPers, "she doesn't bring a state with her, and she carries baggage from her time at H-P, where she was ousted over performance issues. In addition, she approved a controversial plan to gather information on journalists suspected of receiving company leaks." McCain spokesman Brian Rogers "declined to comment" (4/23).

Yes, We Cantor

Richmond Times-Dispatch's Rayner writes that Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) "could make the perfect running mate" for McCain. The first reason cited: Cantor's 44. McCain's 71. Also, as a Ways & Means Cmte member, Cantor "brings experience" on economic and tax issues "that many believe McCain lacks." He "would energize economic conservatives in a way that McCain has not, and he possesses the skill and expertise to attack" Dems' "high tax, anti-trade," big gov't platform "as precisely the wrong medicine for a struggling economy." "In this year of group firsts, Cantor would be the first Jewish nominee" on a nat'l GOP ticket. He would keep VA and FL in the GOP column and "could help" McCain in northeastern states, such as NJ, where McCain "appears to be running better" than recent WH GOPers. "Most people who know Cantor believe that his ultimate goal is to become speaker." But with GOPers likely to lose seats this fall -- perhaps a lot of seats -- Cantor "might best serve party and country by joining the McCain team" (4/23).

The Thune Swoon

Argus Leader's Kranz picked up on MSNBC's Matthews speculation that Sen. John Thune (R-SD) "might be a good bet" to get McCain's VP nod. "The Thune conversations also got some mention" among "eastern" GOPers arguing for his candidacy. "Yet there is also some competition" (4/23).

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