Despite McCain's protestations that he was not vetting potential running-mates this weekend, the barbecue guest list is widely considered to be his "short list" of possible veeps.
McCain appears to be zeroing in on a candidate, and with Sen. Barack Obama announcing the formation of a team to shore up a potential Democratic ticket (provided, of course, that he wins the nomination), McCain's decision can't come a moment too soon. Who it will be and what McCain is looking for in a running-mate is a little more clear when the invitations to the Sedona ranch are analyzed more closely.
- The one prominent figure not in attendence -- former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- was invited, but declined to attend McCain's barbecue. The very fact that he received an invitation, however, indicates a willingness on McCain's part to mend fences with Christian and social conservatives.
- It is no surprise that Independent Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman was there, but it is important not to read too much into it. Lieberman has been a staunch ally of McCain's and McCain has relied heavily on Lieberman's support in the Senate to get legislation passed. Undoubtedly, Lieberman will have a place within the McCain cabinet, but it won't be as vice-president. As a running-mate, Lieberman (a former Democrat who ran for vice-president with Al Gore in 2000) would disenfranchise an entire bloc of Republican voters, and is therefore an unlikely choice for inclusion on a Republican ticket. It's possible, however, that Lieberman is among the small group of people advising McCain in his search for a VP.
- Mitt Romney's presence in Sedona comes shortly after the former Massechussetts governor's decision to not only endorse McCain but announce he's willing to do whatever it takes to help him get elected in November. Before he dropped out of the race in March, Romney's candidacy deeply divided the party and as one of the more prominent names to linger in the GOP primary, his inclusion on the 2008 ticket would heal those wounds and provide a platform for McCain to reach out to conservatives who may have written him off with Romney's exit.
- South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, the state's senior Senator, is a respected member of Congress and holds important positions on the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services committees. His political savvy, prestigious reputation and strong conservative credentials would ensure the campaign no unpleasant distractions. He is conservative, but doesn't march in lock-step with the party.
- People sometimes forget Sen. Sam Brownback was an early presidential candidate in the 2008 GOP race. His withdrawal last year and his friendship with McCain have proven to be valuable. His presence on the GOP ticket would provide religious conservatives with a powerful voice, however his allegiance to President Bush could become a detriment.
- Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is a highly visible and likeable possibility for vice-president, and McCain owes much of his early momentum to Crist's delivery of the all-important swing-state. Politically, he's not aligned tightly with Bush (he opted out of a PR appearance with Bush during the 2006 gubernatorial race) and he has consistently shown himself to be a pro-life and pro-family conservative. His presence on the ballot would offer McCain a like-minded candidate who could also mend fences with conservatives.
- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is perhaps the most intriguing name on McCain's "short list." As only the second Indian-American to ever serve in Congress, Jindal is a popular governor and offers McCain a multi-racial option for the ticket. This, of course, isn't Jindal's only attractive quality. A politically savvy conservative, Jindal has both youth and experience on his side -- he was born in 1971, yet has served in public office since 1995. He ran an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2003, but bounced back quickly, however, and served in Congress from 2004 to 2007. He was elected the country's youngest-ever governor last year.
