Most likely running mates for Hilary and Rubio?

[socaldem]

1. Gov. John Lynch, D-NH
Pros: Governor of a swing state who maintained record popularity. He has business experience and a solid, technocratic record. He is a safe choice whose centrist-progressive sensibilities fit well with Clintonism and would appeal to the suburban swing vote. He stayed neutral in 2008 until Obama had clinched the nomination. He is a no-drama technocrat.
Cons: Boring (would that be bad?); he's currently 60 and unlikely to run for Prez.

2. Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-MD
Pros: A rising star and under 50, he is a progressive darling who would be an aggressive and charismatic campaigner. He was an early Hillary supporter in 2007 and could potentially succeed HRC. His wife is a judge and has a history in politics, so they would be a power couple.
Cons: He's a former big-city mayor from the NE and is somewhat popular but not overwhelmingly so. By picking him, Hillary would be signalling a successor--she may not wish to do that.

3. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH
Pros: Ohio; demographic appeal to rust-belt union voters and with HRC could make a dent in traditionally dem areas like PA, WV, etc., where Obama under-performed; waited until late to endorse Obama in 2008; his wife would also be a political asset on the campaign trail.
Cons: Wasn't always a supporter of Bill in congress and their would be tension with the top of the ticket on some labor/trade and social safety net issues. He's currently 60, though he certainly looks younger.

4. Ambasssador/Secretary/Governor Gary Locke, D-WA
Pros: He provides regional balance to the ticket and additional foreign policy experience. He's Asian-American. He supported Clinton and co-chaired her WA campaign and worked under her in the state department as China Ambassador.
Cons: Lacks charisma. No swing state help. More likely to be a Secretary of State pick in the new Clinton Admin.

5. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL
Pros: Young rising star in the party with national prominence. She is from Florida and has national prominence as DNC chief. She was an early supporter of Hillary in 2007.
Cons: Lacks support from progressives and has been criticized for how she has run the DNC. She is a regular on TV but hasn't always been effective...Is America ready for a double double-x ticket?

6. Gov. John Hickenlooper, D-CO
Pros: Popular governor of a swing state. He provides regional balance to the ticket and is known as a competent technocrat.
Cons: Recently divorced--HRC would not want any personal drama in a running mate; he is quirky and not a traditional or polished politician and may not be a good fit with the Clinton's campaign and governance style.

No chance:

Brian Schweitzer--He's very personable and funny, but he's also a bit of a gaffe machine because he's too honest...he would not tread lightly on sensitive issues and would have tension with HRC and the Clintonistas...there is no reason for them to make such a risky choice and he would be emboldened as VP and would be a headache for them throughout the term bc HRC would want control and he wouldn't be controllable...

Deval Patrick--He's too associated with Obama. He isn't particularly popular in liberal MA and would risk overshadowing Clinton because he is more charismatic and may be more of a darling to the progressives...it could cause problems during the campaign and during her term.