To Run with W - Brief Article

National Review, July 17, 2000

Veep-wise, George W. Bush says he has two requirements. The first could be called the "30-feet test": He wants a compatible colleague down the hall for the next four years. Second, he's looking for someone ready to assume the presidency.

A key question is whether Bush wants to choose an heir, who would expect to run for the top job in 2008 (if all goes according to rosiest plan). The GOP's rank and file will respond more warily to a young, ambitious candidate than to someone capping his political career with the number-two spot.

The most important political consideration in veep-selection, everyone agrees, is to do no harm. It would be nice if the candidate could deliver a critical state, but that hasn't happened since 1960. Some in Austin think a Catholic pick could be Bush's saving grace.

Finally, of course, the prospective veep must be willing. Bush has shown no interest in persuading anyone who has already declined the honor-unless his name is Colin Powell. Bush apparently would be willing to meet almost any condition to get Powell on the ticket: One Austin insider has even argued that the general wouldn't have to campaign in the fall.

What follows is our own rundown of the most mentioned candidates, along with their pluses and minuses. Keep in mind, however, that Bush may surprise us all. A dark-horse gray eminence like Indiana senator Dick Lugar? The GOP's "other woman" (i.e., not Elizabeth Dole), Rep. Jennifer Dunn of Washington? Almost anything is possible.

Rep. Chris Cox of California

+ Young (47), telegenic, and quick on his feet. A pro-life Catholic with a policy portfolio that excites conservatives. Could help GOP congressional candidates in California and force Gore to spend time and money there.

- Unlikely actually to deliver California, and not well known outside conservative policy circles. Bumper stickers would have to read "George-Chris!"

Liddy Dole of The Watergate

+ N/A

- Bob Dole without the Viagra-dull campaigner, ideologically nondescript. Ticket would lack a certain freshness: Bush-Dole? How about Bush-Ford? Or Bush-Hoover? Flunks both 30-feet and ready-for- presidency tests.

Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico

+ The quintessential establishment Republican, so it figures that he's Trent Lott's candidate for veep. Domenici is a pro-life Italian Catholic. Smart and aggressive. Picking Domenici would also save taxpayers billions by making him give up the gavel at the Senate Budget Committee.

- At 68, he could make Bush seem like George and Barbara's "boy." And does Bush want to associate himself with Congress and the budget wars (and surrenders)?

Gov. John Engler of Michigan

+ The reformist governor of a battleground state-and a perennial conservative favorite, despite his recent opposition to a school-choice referendum.

- Support for Bush didn't translate into a win in the Michigan primary. Also, his controversial deferment during Vietnam would certainly weigh in Bush's considerations.

Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska

+ Popular with the media. A McCainiac who is also a Vietnam combat vet. A recognized spokesman on foreign policy, and a pro-lifer.

- Popular with the media--sometimes at the expense of fellow Republicans. Senate colleagues regard him as McCain Lite (not a compliment). Nebraska is in the bag.

Rep. John Kasich of Ohio

+ From battleground state, Ohio, with Pennsylvania roots. Young (48) and energetic, an effective performer both on television and the stump. Few Republicans arouse as much enthusiasm, especially from Reagan Democrats. Good chemistry with Bush, a fellow jogger and father of twin daughters.

- Invites Dennis the Menace comparisons, when Bush needs more gravitas.

Gov. Frank Keating of Oklahoma

+ A pro-life Catholic, who actually speaks out against divorce and illegitimacy. He supported impeachment while other Republican governors looked at their shoes. A solid, reassuring figure: a former FBI agent, who performed gracefully after the Oklahoma City bombing. Staunchly loyal to Bush.

- A Texas-Oklahoma ticket? An obstreperous Democratic legislature has blocked much of his agenda. State GOPers worry about a shoot-from-the- hip problem.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona

+ The media would swoon-at least initially. Probably would help Bush on the West Coast and in the Northeast. Pledged to "beat Gore like a drum." Would accentuate the campaign's association with patriotism and reform-and make Bush look large-minded.

- Bush would have to give White House press conferences behind bulletproof glass. ("Has Jonathan Alter been thoroughly frisked?") Flunks Bush's 30-feet test. Nothing personal-McCain doesn't seem to like most Republicans.

Gov. Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania

+ Pennsylvania's 23 electoral votes are worth having. A Vietnam vet, and a Catholic. He's got state and national experience. Very likable.

- A liberal record on defense issues in the House. Pro-choice. The media would be off and running with stories on the schism in the GOP- not least because his selection could actually provoke one.