With rumors that VP Cheney will resign (Presumable under the pretense of 'health problems') after the midterms, who is in the running to replace him? A few short list criteria:
- Must be a senator, governor or high level cabinent member. To pick a member of the house, even a better know one, would be a wasted opportunity for Rove and co., and he knows this.
- If a senator, must be from a state with a republican governor (Even if Dems take the senate in November, Rove is not giving up even one seat to a Dem appointment, lord knows I wouldn't if I were in his shoes)...This would seem to eliminate Frist, Santorum, Allen, McCain, Brownback
(Of course, similar to #6, Rove may be able to wait until a governor-elect becomes governor, but its hard to see any Dem governorship losses, plus confirmation may then have to go through a more Democratic Congress)
- Must be a serious 2008 contender, preferably younger with future potential. Sorry to Condi Rice.
- Must be someone Neocons are comfortable with. So no McCain, Guiliani, Collins, Snowe, Hagel
- No one in the Bush family. Sorry Jeb.
- Democrats might control 1 or both chambers of Congress after the midterms. Knowing this, Cheney would resign between Nov 7 and Jan 3, a Hastert/Frist and partners in crime would force vote before new congress takes effect. Hard to say if this eliminates anyone.
- Must be eligable to serve as President. Sorry to Ahnrold!