Some likely short listers include:
John Thune
Rob Portman (if he wins that race in Ohio)
John Kasich (if he wins that race in Ohio)
Yeah, I'm thinking the GOP's VP pool is going to be fairly shallow in 2012. Though if they do well in 2010, they might have some good people ready for 2016 or 2020.
As very often, you're right (or at least, I agree with you):
A "new" face: Thune (with a "plus": good for the right of the GOP) or Paul Ryan or any star rising in Nov 2010.
Or someone from a strategic state: Ohio, of course, will be the most important one (Florida is still there, but you can't be sure to influence every part of Florida with only one name... !). Kasich more than Portman, because of the past and because of the way you look on TV.
I'd add Pawlenty, because he isa pretty "new" face for many voters, he's good for arch-conservatives and he can avoid criticisms on the rich and posh and golden Mitt...
