The most surprising frequent mention was for
SEC chairman and former California congressman
Christopher Cox. Most Cox supporters skip the prose and just list his very impressive resume. “Joint MBA/JD from Harvard (and editor of
The Harvard Law Review), partner at a respected law firm, senior associate counsel to Pres. Reagan (’86-’88), nine-term congressman from Orange County (lifetime ACU rating of 98), where he authored the Internet Tax Freedom Act.” A well-known free-market conservative, Cox was confirmed to head the SEC with little opposition. “He is so brainy, and so solid on conservative issues across the board — and so well and deeply versed on so many issues. On top of it, he comes out of the Reagan White House — a direct tie to the conservative movement’s happiest days.”
Chris Cox
is fabulous. He should be president. The only negative — alas, a big one — is that he has never managed to generate real excitement, even when running what should have been sexy hearings on big issues. He is obviously very smart, and a true policy wonk — the sort of guy who usually runs big, serious, difficult government institutions or departments. Is he a vote getter?
Former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele got many very enthusiastic votes. He is solid, intelligent, and articulate — and black. Unfortunately, he lost his last election for a Senate seat. He certainly has potential, and lovely as it would be to scramble the race issue by putting a black conservative on the ticket after Hillary defeats Obama (think about that, for a second!), I think Steele could use another term in high office — or a Cabinet position — first.
Former
Oklahoma congressman J. C. Watts, another solidly conservative African American, also got a lot of votes. He’s intelligent, a former athlete, and a successful businessman. Watts has made the point many times that the GOP does not reach out to black voters in a serious way — and he is right. While I think it would be good for him take another run at elective office before putting him on a ticket, he too would likely benefit from high-level appointment.
Like me, several of you remain loyal to the vision of former
Texas senator Phil Gramm in high office. “I’d be pretty psyched at the prospect of Gramm having a strong hand in domestic policy, and I think it would be a choice that demonstrates that McCain thinks he can win and is getting ready to govern.” Gramm is the first candidate I ever wrote a large check for. Unfortunately, he was the Rudy of his year; lots of very smart policy, tough enough to whip Washington into shape — and no voter appeal. If McCain wins, a Cabinet position for Phil.
The GOP needs Ohio to gain the White House. With that in mind, several readers suggested former Ohio congressman John Kasich — who is articulate and smart, and who could help deliver the Buckeye State. (I think he is likeable but lacks magnetism.) Similarly, some suggested Congressman John Boehner of Ohio. (I say that he is needed desperately where he is.)
A few die-hard votes for Jeb Bush, and, similarly, for Fred Thompson. (Loyalty is nice, but get over it, guys.) And another few for always smart and interesting uber-pundit and former secretary of education Bill Bennett. Bennett has been highly successful as an author, radio-host and TV talking head — in fact, he’s indispensable in that role. He’s likely content exactly where he is.
Two to watch: Tennessee congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, a staunch budget-cutter, social and fiscal conservative, and attractive — with a slick website, to boot. Wisconsin congressman
Paul Ryan, who is young, Catholic, handsome, conservative, anti-amnesty for illegals, and from a swing state (Wisconsin). Great on domestic policy — entitlement reform, earmarks, you name it.
A few Corner readers voted for Texas senator John Cornyn — though one of you would rather have him on the Supreme Court, if not providing leadership in the Senate, which is also important. Votes came also for Oklahoma senator Tom Coburn (not counting Tom Delay’s endorsement on Fox News last Thursday), who is as hardcore a conservative as there is, but counts as an “old white guy.” Retired general Peter Pace got some consideration — and he should be recruited to run for the Senate from Virginia. Whoever is in charge of these things should get on it now.
I don’t know about the rest of you — but this little exercise has cheered me up considerably about the post-2008 future of our grand old party, and our nation. Now let’s see what John McCain decides to do.
— Lisa Schiffren is a writer living in New York.
< Back 1 2 
