How about a McCain-Romney ticket? Okay, I know that Hugh Hewitt and others are clinging to the idea that Romney is going to be the nominee, but let’s face it, Hugh has a history of failing to face reality (eg, his laughable claim in ‘06 that Santorum would beat Casey, among other absurd predictions). So, if McCain is the nominee, I think this would be a powerful ticket.

First, I know that there is no love lost between the two. But McCain buried the hatchet with Bush eventually, so stranger things have happened. Reagan picked Bush in 1980 after a nasty campaign where Bush had blasted Reagan for his "voodoo economics."

Here are the reasons why I think a McCain-Romney ticket would be a winner.

1. Stature.

Because of McCain’s age, voters will justifiably be concerned about his health and his ability to finish his term. So McCain must have a veep who appears... Presidential. Someone who voters will comfortable seeing as a potential president. I may have some disagreements with Mitt, but no question, the guy seems more Presidential than anyone else in the field. He will give voters that comfort.

2. Economic Issues

Conservatives have real concerns about McCain’s record on economic issues. Mitt’s record and business experience will make a lot of us much more comfortable, and will also attract non-partisan voters with real economic concerns.

3. Wall Street support/ Campaign funding

Mitt will provide his own money, and also has a great fundraising base of his own in both the Mormon community and on Wall Street, thanks to his work at Bain. McCain desperately needs money to compete with Hillary or Obama.

4. Social Conservatives like Mitt

I think Huckabee is more popular than Mitt among social conservatives (but see below) but Mitt has made some inroads among social conservatives, as shown by endorsement by Paul Weyrich and others.

5. Mitt’s been vetted.

As someone who has already been a candidate, Mitt’s been vetted and tested. No fear of skeletons in the closet, or a Dan Quayle-type "new face" disaster.

6. Mitt’s not a Washington insider

In a year when people are clamoring for change, McCain would be wise to pick someone who is not seen as part of the Washington establishment.

Mitt is a superior choice to others who have been mentioned. Here are some of the other potential running mates, and why they would not be as good a selection.

Huckabee- Economic conservatives have real and understandable doubts about him, he has no money, and, given McCain’s age, people need to be comfortable with a possible President Huckabee, and they aren’t.

Thompson- If McCain chose Fred, the ticket would instantly be dubbed "Grumpy Old Men." Fred had his shot on the national stage, and failed miserably.

Rudy- Too much baggage, too liberal on social issues. The base needs to be comforted, and Rudy won’t get that done.

Jeb Bush- A great man, but the wrong last name for 2008.

Tim Pawlenty- A good governor, socially conservative, young and attractive. But he fails the stature test. Watch his video clips on YouTube, he doesn’t sound presidential at all, and the media will turn him into the next Dan Quayle.

Bill Frist- A southerner, socially conservative. But too much of an insider, he was a disaster as Majority Leader, and his short-lived campaign was a total dud.

Haley Barbour- Former tobacco lobbyist, it’s the wrong year for the consummate insider like Haley.

What do you all think? Any other names you would consider?