As I stated in my analysis piece, I have thought quite a bit about McCain's potential VP selections. Assuming he doesn't go with a real wild card like JC Watts, I think out of the standard figures that it should come down to three people:

Condi Rice
Mitt Romney
Mark Sanford

I got to those three "finalists" after doing a little bit of a "primary" among the several groups. Get me the best governor, best national figure, and best former candidate/official. I explained that in my previous blog entry.

After analyzing the three finalists, my initial reaction was to go with Condi Rice. I think it would be an historic pick, and to me, to be honest, makes the most sense. Who could deny that Condi has the experience? The knowledge? She's not politically ambitious yet perhaps a run for VP would give her some. I think she would bring women, moderates, and some minorities.

That said, she is so tied to Bush and I think in the current climate I'm not sure if all the above qualities could overshadow that enough, particularly given Obama's focus on trying to make McCain Bush III.

Sanford is an attractive choice because of his credentials as a conservative, but I don't think he brings you anything (McCain will win SC), and I think McCain needs more of a national figure. I think the public would spend a lot of time getting to know Sanford, and I'm not sure that's wise.

So that brings us to Mitt Romney.

Prior to Fred getting in the race last year, I was going to be in Romney's camp. Though he has a very moderate history with his flip flops, I find him a genuine person with a great family and a real grasp of the economy. Also, I sense that he really is trying to understand conservative principles and that's important to me.

He's not perfect by any means but to be honest, this is an imperfect year. Fred didn't win, Jeb can't run, and Condi brings too much baggage as I said, and those are the three I'd prefer. Romney is no slouch though, as a governor and businessman.

Given the issue of the economy, I think Romney's presence on the ticket would be good...he has a real grasp of such issues and could help the nation with innovation in the areas of energy and jobs and overall economic growth. He also , like McCain, really truly believes in America and is an optimist, which I think is important vs. McCain, who can seem dour at times.

Mitt is also a national candidate. HE could help in states like Colorado and Nevada, key states that McCain needs. If we can hold on to CO and NV, all McCain needs is Ohio, assuming we don't lose a state like Virginia or Missouri. That's important. He also represents a potential inroad into Michigan, which polls show might hold some real potential for McCain -- more so than Pennsylvania, for example, and could hold the key for a win if we were to lose a state like Colorado.

Also, I think it's important when looking ahead to the future for McCain to pick someone who is ready to step into the job of President, and if he only serves one term, is ready to run in 2012. Romney would be, and I think the GOP does best when we have someone ready to run.

So, I said it first -- McCain/Romney '08 -- Romney/Palin 2012!! :)