Perdue for Veep?
Speculation grows:
One name that’s begun to surface on various media lists making the rounds is Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue. He’s received at least two mentions in the Washington Post and several plugs from the army of pundits that populate the cable news channels.
Could the governor who made fishing tourism the centerpiece of his legislative agenda last year really be a vice presidential contender? Some political experts say it’s not out of the question.
McCain will need to bolster his support among social and religious conservatives, especially in the Bible Belt. As a senator, McCain might want to turn to someone with executive experience, like a governor. And the proven ability to raise large sums of money would be a plus.
On paper, Perdue fits the profile almost perfectly. A Southern governor who led a prayer service for rain on the steps of the state Capitol, Perdue was also at the helm of the Republican Governors’ Association last year as it shattered its previous fundraising record.
His national star rose among Republicans when he coasted to re-election and solidified the GOP hold on Georgia in 2006, a year dominated by Democratic victories elsewhere.
Perdue’s also got a friend who has McCain’s ear. Former Georgia Republican Party Chairman Alec Poitevint is Southern co-chairman of McCain’s campaign.
Seems to have a lot going for him, and he would probably help McCain lock down the South without much effort, thus allowing McCain to try a bit of poaching in the light blue States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, eg). As for me, I have to admit that Perdue has been off my radar - I just don’t know much about him at present to form a solid judgement. But this is not the first mention I’ve heard about Perdue for Veep.
What do you think?
17 comments February 17th, 2008
