From The Hotline for Thursday, July 31, 2008

GOP VEEPSTAKES

When No News Is News

Thu. Jul 31, 2008


While in Chicago for a convo of "business-friendly state legislators," MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) "preached a message of global economic competition" but "took no questions about his interest in the vice presidency." Still, he was introduced to the convo "as a possible candidate" (Pallasch, Chicago Sun-Times, 7/31).

During his speech, Pawlenty said of visiting Sam's Club: "I want to get the best value for my money. That's missing in government in dramatic, dramatic measurement." About the education system, Pawlenty said: "We do not have the level of quality, rigor, subject-matter mastering, preparation and effectiveness in the teaching corps that we need, particularly in areas of concentrated disadvantage" (Pearson, "The Swamp," Chicago Tribune, 7/30).

The Old White Guy Dream Team

MS Gov. Haley Barbour (R) appeared on "Hannity & Colmes" last p.m., and he was asked if he is being vetted for VP.

Barbour: "If John McCain doesn't carry Mississippi, he's not going to carry five states."

FNC's Hannity: "I didn't ask that. That's a cute answer. I'm going to hold you to this. Do you know if you're being vetted?"

Barbour: "Not to my knowledge. I don't expect to be. You know, Senator McCain is not going to pick a lobbyist to be a running mate. I used to be one and a pretty good one, for that matter" (FNC, 7/30).

When Dems Attack

New York Sun's Berman breaks down how the Dems might attack several potential McCain VPs.

If Mitt Romney: Dems "are likely to feature a greatest hits collection of the attacks the two lobbed at each other during their primary battle." Dem consultant Daniel Gerstein: "Mitt Romney is the ultimate target-rich environment for Democrats. I think a lot of Democratic political types are praying that McCain picks him."

If Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT): "no pick would be more awkward."

If Pawlenty: Dems "are likely to argue that the selection of Mr. Pawlenty, an ally of the Christian right, indicates that Mr. McCain is worried about his standing with conservatives."

If ex-DHS Sec./ex-PA Gov. Tom Ridge (R): Dems would "probably pick on" Ridge's record at DHS "and his ties" to the Bush admin.

If McCain Victory Chair Carly Fiorina: Dems "are likely to seize both on her occasional missteps as a McCain surrogate on economic issues and on her record at Hewlett-Packard." A Dem dossier labels her an "elitist, out-of-touch CEO" and cites the loss of 18K jobs under her watch and the $42M "severance package she received upon being ousted by the company's board" (7/31).

The Anti-Romney Campaign Continues

Consultants Dick Morris and Eileen McGann write the New York Post, McCain should "take dead aim at this demographic, perhaps by selecting a female running mate." Romney "does him no earthly good with these folks, and Romney's Mormonism is likely to be a big turnoff." But McCain could choose Sec/State Condi Rice or any number of other GOP women "and attract these dissident women" (7/31).

Trail Blazer

FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R) "was looking a lot like a candidate" on 7/30 -- a "candidate for governor, that is."

Crist "visited the same Orlando soul food restaurant where he campaigned two years ago and the events were nearly identical." Crist "posed for pictures, kissed little girls, sat and talked with diners and handed out his cell phone number." But Crist also "did what he does best -- worked the room and made a connection with voters." He "talked to customers about smothered pork chops and corn bread, sat down with Eatonville town lawyer Joseph Morrell, ordered some mustard greens to go" (Farrington, AP, 7/30).

Wake Up People

Mike Huckabee will "headline" the Christian Coalition's God and Country Gala 8/16 in Orlando, FL, in an effort to "wake up social conservatives in FL." Christian Coalition Exec. Dir. Dennis Baxley: "Him primary message will be to protect the definition of marriage" (Smith, "The Buzz," St. Petersburg Times, 7/30). Huckabee will also to to "pump up support" for FL's "proposed gay marriage ban" (Bender, "One more question," Palm Beach Post, 7/30).

The Lady Of The North

AK Gov. Sarah Palin (R), once one of the "bright new stars" in the GOP, "has suddenly become tarnished." The pending investigation into her firing of the state's public safety commis. is "the first real chink" in her armor. State Sen. Hollis French (D): "This is a governor who was almost impervious to error. Now she could face impeachment in a worst-case scenario" (Carlton, Wall Street Journal, 7/31).

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