Kent Conrad...

[Sam Spade]

Remember the last time the Democrats ran a candidate from the Dakotas? 

Anyway, seriously, he wouldn't flip North Dakota as a VP.  VP's typically only bring 5-7% from their home state maximum (normally 3-5%).

He'd help protect Minnesota a little maybe, except if Republicans run a Minnesotan on the Prez or VP spot.

Might help a little among rural voters, depending on who the Democrats nominate, and who the Republicans nominate

[Sam Spade]

Is this a joke?

Next thing you know, Dirk Kempthorne will be a GOP contender.

I mean, I know some people have too much time on their hands, but let's be a little more serious around here.

I was mostly thinking about the VP slot.  Why is it so far fetched that he land the VP slot?

It isn't necessarily.  I did say he was a long shot, though, and I stand by that.

There's certainly no way he could come close to securing North Dakota's EVs for the reasons listed in my post above.

Other than that, I only see effectiveness in breaking in to the rural vote in the upper Midwest, maybe.

[Sam Spade]

Conrad on the ticket would probably help the Dems hold on to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and possibly get Iowa. 

the vast majority of people in those states mentioned have no idea who kent conrad is.

Agreed. 

Maybe Conrad helps with 0.5% boost in Minnesota if no Republican is nominated for VP or Prez from Minnesota, but that's probably stretching his boost, imo.

Any boost in Iowa and Wisconsin would be much less than Minnesota (geographical distance)