Political rumors abound about Mitt Romney's vice presidential pick -- especially with public backing this week of Condoleezza Rice from high-profile conservative voices. Whom Romney will choose between now and the Tampa convention is anyone's guess. But who is No. 1 on some GOP voters' wish lists? Here's one Republican's perspective:
COMMENTARY | My favorite pick for Mitt Romney's VP is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. As a stay-at-home mother, I am focused more on economic issues. A better economy would benefit my household, and Christie has worked economic wonders here in New Jersey.
"He might be able to convince me," Christie told a group of students in April. "He's a convincing guy, but I really love this job. I really want to stay in this job."
Christie has a no-nonsense attitude that could resonate with GOP voters in November. He could be an ally to Romney because of his experience as a prosecutor and as a governor of a blue state; he could help Romney get more middle class voters on his side.
Should Christie not be picked -- or decline -- two alternates would be fine:
The presence of Olympia Snowe, a Republican senator from Maine, on the ticket could lessen accusations of the "war on women" lodged against the GOP. Planned Parenthood has been targeted for defunding in several states and Mississippi has tried to prevent abortions in its state by making it hard for doctors to perform them. If Romney places a woman on his ticket, this might lighten the rhetoric on this issue. She, too, could excite independent voters.
Ron Paul could help Romney secure independent voters and the youth vote. His message of less government and more power to the states could help Romney.
