Paul_Yates's Blog

Sen. John McCain is to be in the company of potential running mates this weekend, namely governors Charlie Crist of Florida and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, along with former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The two southern governors and Mr. Romney may be the recipients of a gesture that has more to do with outreach than serious vetting. But the southern nod is indicative of the region's continuing importance to Republican chances.

Other potential GOP contenders are said to include Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and former congressman Rob Portman. While he does not appear on any short veep lists, Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia may be a possibility for high-ranking Washington work if Republicans can come up with a way to retain the White House. Gov. Perdue has received good marks for management skills as he moves through his second and last term.

What if, by chance, Gov, Perdue left office early? The keys to the governor's mansion would go to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a likely candidate for the office in 2010. Currently, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is the only announced candidate for the Republican governor's nomination. But, with the announced intention of Sen. Johnny Isakson to run for a second term in Washington, the Republican governor's race is wide open.