True North

I’m already on record saying I believe Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will be John McCain’s choice to share the ticket — even if the notion doesn’t quicken the pulse of conservatives.  I base this on Senator McCain’s penchant to reward loyalty (T-Paw has been nothing if not loyal) and the fact that many beltway establishment Republican types like Vin Weber, pollster Tony Fabrizio and fmr. RNC chairman Ken Mehlman seem to be grooming the Governor for the national stage.

The problem is that the GOP has a a dearth of talent in both our gubernatorial and congressional ranks. I couldn’t help but read this Redstate roundtable on possible veep choices and feel discouraged — much like those who participated in the discussion.  The most likely choices all have significant electoral or ideological shortcomings.  Meanwhile, two of the more exciting prospects, Bobby Jindal and Sarah Palin, are long on vision but short on experience.

My reptilian brain stem has been working on finding someone who meets the following seemingly impossible criteria: 1) palatable (if not exciting) to conservatives; 2) satisfactory name recognition; 3) geographic advantages; 4) able to reaffirm McCain’s maverick creds; 5) able to assume the presidency should tragedy strike; 6) not necessarily currently in politics.

Allow me to offer the name of MSNBC host and former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough.

Scarborough boasts a rock-solid lifetime ACU rating of 95.  Even so, he does not shrink from criticizing Republicans when events warrant so he would help brandish the McCain maverick brand.  He does not harken from, or have any association with, the unpopular Bush Administration or current congressional GOP leadership as he left the House to spend more time with his children in early 2001.  His name recognition is not off the charts but would still probably exceed that of many of the other contenders.  He is obviously telegenic and well-spoken.  His 3 terms in Congress and his daily appearance on MSNBC have made him well-versed in all the major issues of the day.  And he served Florida’s 1st congressional district, a McCain-leaning state but one we can not win without.

Whaddya say?

Cross-posted at Truth Vs. The Machine. Comments welcome.