Upside: As a popular former Pennsylvania governor and Congressman, Ridge would have an inside chance to win over one of the most volatile swing states in the country. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran, who has cabinet-level political experience. As the former head of Homeland Security, Ridge offers security credentials without controversy. Besides his public service, Ridge is also a successful businessman who runs an advisory firm in Washington, DC. At 66, Ridge would be neither too young, nor too old to campaign in 2012, and his experience at both the state and federal levels more than qualifies him for the job.
Downside: As a pro-choice Republican, Ridge might present social conservatives with a difficult choice, making it difficult for him to win in the primary and/or shore up the base in the general election. Although he is an accomplished two-term governor from Pennsylvania, he is most widely known for his work with the Homeland Security office and for his friendship with George W. Bush. Although these direct ties to the Bush administration are what lost the 2008 election for McCain, Ridge might not be as harshly affected. Nevertheless, merely accepting the first new cabinet-level position and the corresponding billions of dollars worth of discretionary spending could be a significant downside for him.
Downside: As a pro-choice Republican, Ridge might present social conservatives with a difficult choice, making it difficult for him to win in the primary and/or shore up the base in the general election. Although he is an accomplished two-term governor from Pennsylvania, he is most widely known for his work with the Homeland Security office and for his friendship with George W. Bush. Although these direct ties to the Bush administration are what lost the 2008 election for McCain, Ridge might not be as harshly affected. Nevertheless, merely accepting the first new cabinet-level position and the corresponding billions of dollars worth of discretionary spending could be a significant downside for him.