How likely McCain running mates would affect the youth vote

Tim Pawlenty is a name relatively unknown outside of Minnesota. A fairly popular Republican governor in a traditionally Democratic state, he is considered a strong candidate because of his potential to deliver his vital swing state in the presidential election. Minnesota hasn't voted Republican since 1972, and it's likely it won't change this year. Pawlenty narrowly won reelection in 2006 and has since faced increasing budget deficits and the I-35 bridge collapse. Among my friends in Minnesota, he is as well-liked as any Republican: not much. But my Republican friends find him somewhat of a rock star and an inspiration, in part because of his youth. His ties to Minnesota along with his moderate stance on the environment and promotion of alternative energy may draw a number of undecided voters in the election.

Mitt Romney's name has been thrown around a lot seems to be leading the veepstakes now. This chouce could be setting McCain up for attacks as McCain pounced on Biden's anti-Obama comments in the primaries, and Romney has said much worse when talking about McCain. His strong business background is a huge asset to a candidate seen as weak on the economy and he would go far in reducing voters worries about McCain's economic prowess. This is especially pertinent to young voters as many of us will graduate into an economy that the coming administration will play a key role in shaping. Romney is another younger man, and young conservative voters may be swayed by his ability to balance the Internet use on the ticket.

Joe Lieberman would be a risky choice that could pay off big for McCain. A former Democrat, Lieberman left his party to be an Independent, but has still voted a liberal line. The largest problem with this pick is that it adds another old guy to McCain's ticket. There is no better way to alienate youth than to have the election be between the two old guys facing off with the inspiring young guy. Additionally McCain's age may lead to greater scrutiny than ever of the vice president's potential as president. Lieberman touts the liberal line almost all the way although he has a progressive view of affirmative action --- that is, to ban it -- that is popular among youth. Having a liberal independent as your backup won't bode well for McCain among many conservatives. But young people tend to be more liberal, so this choice may sway some young people.

Bobby Jindal and Sarah Palin, 37- and 44- years-old respectively, both hold strong conservative credentials and would bring fresh blood into the campaign. Despite their thin resumes, both would effectively counter the McCain campaign-as-Washington-insiders view. Palin has experience with energy, which is especially important because her home state holds a little thing called ANWR. Jindal has been proven as an effective money-manager and would be the second-youngest vice president ever. Beyond their youth however, there is little to specifically attract the youth vote. Palin could push the female vote to McCain. Jindal could attract the minority vote.

Tom Ridge is a conservative, pro-choice politician. That is probably the biggest concern McCain faces in regards to Ridge. I believe the youth vote is about as evenly split as the older vote in regards to abortion. Ridge would alienate many conservatives on this issue and would make it more difficult for pro-lifers to vote for McCain. True, the president would set the policy, but again, McCain is 72 tomorrow. Outside of this, Ridge only serves to back up McCain's strength which is defense.

Charlie Crist is a strong conservative governor and mimics McCain on many issues. However, he is 52 and isn't really an attraction to young people. McCain may choose Crist in order to lock up Florida, a state McCain is already leading. .

Finally Eric Cantor is a conservative congressman, is young, 45, and could play a key role in holding on to Virginia for McCain. But his lack of support for Palestine may alienate some young supporters and he doesn't hold much across the board appeal.

Phil Aubart is a columnist for The Dartmouth and a junior at Dartmouth College.