2012 GOP Veepstakes Finals: Rubio vs. Portman… 'Exciting' vs 'Safe'

The two Senators both have compelling cases as to why they should have the edge in the Veepstakes, but in the end Romney can’t pick them both and there is no candidate who is the “perfect mix” of the two… otherwise that’s who I’d be writing about now. How does one decide between the two? Well in all honesty any individual can make the argument in any fashion they choose, but the way that I have come to my decision is to lay out exactly what one brings to the table over the other… and the risk that one carries over the other. In nearly all aspects, the advantage lies with the same Senator.

Experience Factor

Senator Portman has experience at the federal level that spans more than a decade and carries in both the US Capitol and the White House. Senator Rubio is in his first statewide held office and has zero experience in a White-House capacity.

Senator Portman is experienced in issues on the economy and jobs that go back to his days as a congressman from Ohio all the way through his years in the Bush Administration as Trade Rep and OMB Director. Senator Rubio’s experience and actions in the U. S. Senate thus far seem to suggest an emphasis for other important issues such as Foreign Policy and Immigrationn policy.

Risk Factor

Senator Portman has been vetted twice before by the US Senate, and there is nothing in his background of concern. Senator Rubio has not been vetted at this point and there are things in his political past that may give pause to the Romney campaign as we near a decision for VP.

Senator Portman can face not a single question about his preparedness to be President of the United States should something unforeseen take place if Mr. Romney is elected. Senator Rubio has not yet made the case that he is prepared to assume the Presidency if such a need occurred.

Senator Portman’s real risk lies in his ties with the Bush Administration and while many have said this may be what will doom his chances, I take an entirely different approach to this argument. No matter whom Mr. Romney chooses, the Obama campaign is going to try (as they already have) to tie the Romney ticket to Bush. So Portman or no Portman, the “Romney is Bush” message will be a part of the Obama strategy and it is highly likely that voters who would buy such an argument… have already made their decision anyway.

Electoral Strategy

Senator Rubio doesn’t guarantee Florida, but he certainly increases the chances that Mr. Romney will be able to flip the state back to the GOP column after President Obama won there in 2008. Senator Rubio also may help to put other states in play just enough to flip them to the GOP as well; those being Nevada and Colorado.

Senator Portman may certainly help Mr. Romney in flipping the state of Ohio considering in his 2010 Senate victory he carried 82 of the 88 counties in the Buckeye State. He also helps in that he can have an appeal to neighboring Midwest states that will be in play including Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania… which all went for President Obama in 2008.

The Messagee

Senator Rubio would send the message that Mr. Romney feels the most important aspect to winning would be to excite the base while making a slight demographic play.