Thune On Short List For Vice President?

by Tom Hanson, Anchor
January 04, 2012 10:52 PM


On Wednesday Mitt Romney accepted the endorsement of Arizona Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican Presidential Nominee. However, it's another endorsement that probably helped Romney clinch the win in Iowa on Tuesday. Senator John Thune backed Romney early in the campaign process, and now political experts like Dr. Joel Johnson of Augustana College in Sioux Falls say Thune has put himself in a good position.  

"Thune may be on short list for VP, short list for other prominent posts. He’s been working his way up through the senatorial leadership, things are looking good for him. He's picked the right person to get behind in this one. We'll see where it goes.” Said Johnson.

Dr. Johnson says Thune's Work in Iowa and the fact that he's from a neighboring state probably helped Romney in the close race. Johsnon also says Thune can help Romney in areas where Romney is weak or perceived as weak.

“Romney has experience as a Governor of a liberal east coast state, Thune gives him some midwestern balance that way. Thune is well respected by social conservatives. He's got a good track record by all the groups that rank conservative representatives and senators, so he's got solid unquestionable conservative credentials. Where Romney is perceived by many conservatives as not conservative enough. That's a good move for Romney to have Thune on his side, so they balance each other out pretty well.” Said Johnson

But what would Thune's Weaknesses be if Romney were to look his way?

“He doesn't have the same national profile as some of the other republicans that are currently in the race. Said Johnson.   

As for Thune’s reaction to the speculation? He says it's premature to talk about being Romney's running mate, because there's a long way to go in the battle for the GOP presidential nomination. Thune also says, he never rules out any opportunity to serve his state and country.