Another possible vice presidential choice popular in conservative circles is fiscal hawk Rob Portman, 52, a former Ohio congressman who served for 14 months as President Bush's director of the Office of Management and Budget.
"Portman probably brings a lot to the table -- congressional experience, executive experience, somebody who has been focusing on the economy [who is] from a swing state," said Jennifer Duffy, senior editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. But a drawback for Portman and a number of the candidates mentioned, she said, is that none are "known quantities."
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 2 inches; 64 words Type of Material: Correction
John McCain: An article in Saturday's Section A on Republican presidential candidate John McCain's possible running mates quoted GOP consultant Scott Reed as saying, "By the time this election gets around, everyone is going to know he [would] be the oldest president ever sworn in." McCain, at 72, would be the oldest first-term president. President Reagan was 73 when sworn into his second term.
On several occasions, McCain has been asked if he might consider Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison as his No. 2.
"She's attractive and well-spoken, but she's not got much executive experience," said Bruce Buchanan, a government professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Hutchison, 64, is thought to be interested in running for governor in 2010: "I think that would be, in her heart of hearts, her first choice," Buchanan said.
One disadvantage McCain has in narrowing his list of possible running mates is not knowing who his Democratic opponent will be. Behind the scenes, the campaign will be doing a great deal of research and polling to weigh the drawbacks of various candidates.
But at this early stage, Reed said, it's "premature for McCain and team to really know what they need."
One of the most daunting tasks will be vetting the candidates to avoid any surprises.
"You have to look around every little corner and in every nook and cranny," Duberstein said.
It will be important for McCain, he said, to choose a search leader who's "been around the track several times and who knows where skeletons usually are -- what to ask and how to ask."
McCain strategist Charles Black said the campaign planned to "drag the net widely" and to keep the process secret to avoid "humiliating" candidates who weren't chosen.
"You just don't want to start talking names and just sort of shoot from the hip," Black said. "It's more important to take your time and do it right."
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maeve.reston@latimes.com
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Contenders in the GOP veepstakes
If John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, wins the race for the White House, he would be the oldest president ever sworn in. For voters, many analysts say, that makes his choice of a running mate especially important. Here are some of the possibilities being talked about:
