disagree. at this point, i'd be very surprised if it wasn't Rubio.
I would be, too.
However, when you play around with the delegate calculator. There are many scenarios which could have the Repiblicans win despite losing FL (which could be very likely).
Most involve concentrating of the economically hurting states in the North. IA was once a Repub stronghold. IL has a devastated economy, and many wish they had the leadership of their neighboring IN (whose Gov. would make a nice pic). Michigan's economy is hurting, and even despite GM's recovery, the economy is still hurting there as bas as anywhere. Ohio, as always is a key swing state, but one the Republicans can definitely win on the economy. PA is crucial, and likely a Democratic state, as a result of the Black vote in the Philadelphia area which goes almost 100% to the Democratic Party, but that doesn't mean they should concede it. NJ also once a Republican stronghold has switched, but Christie is popular there and has been an adamant supporter of Romney.
So the choice of Rubio, if he doesn't carry FL, would be lost. Where Romney also should look is to sure up the mid-Atlantic states, and focus on the North heavily. FL's 29 delegates are a key prize, but many of those northern states have 15-20 in far less geographic area, with a lot of the same problems they're encountering. If you pack 2-3 industrial states together that'd being more weight than FL.
I'd definitely bring SEVERAL people in on a shortlist
IN Gov. Mitch Daniels, whose economic reform and conservative following could help in IA, IL, MI, OH, and PA.
NJ. Chris Christie, whose loud mouth attack battle w/ Biden could be classic theatre, plus he's adamant on Romney, and could bring NJ, PA, OH
Former MD Lt. Gov. and RNC Chairman Michael Steele, who could split up enough of the Black vote in the mid-atlantic, PA, NJ, MD, VA, NC...
FL Sen. Marco Rubio, who brings with him a potential to tap into the Hispanic vote, which would help mostly in FL, but AZ, NM, TX, CO, IL, NY, NJ, PR
Former NY Mayor Rudi Giuliani, who'd alienate some conservatives, but would make a strong case for the Jewish vote in NY, NJ, FL and sure up Romney on defense (remember how weak the president looks in his defense of Israel and this Iran threat).
Former AR Gov. Mike Huckabee, I'm not sure he's interested (seems set at FOX), but he brings the conservative & cool factor Romney doesnt have.
I'd also consider one of the many of the moderate business focused conservatives, which Forbes would've been a nice grab if he hasn't been so critical of Romney at the moment. However, there is Bloomberg, and many others. I don't have a definite person to pick at the momebt, but there's gotta be a Lou Dobbs / Neil Cavuto favored candidate that appeals to moderates and centrists everywhere.
He may want to consider bringing in a Female Candidate. Barbara Bachmann brings the hot factor that Palin had, with just as much baggage (ducking behind the hedges at that rally would be tough to side-step nationally). However, her fiscally conservative principals are strong at the moment. She'd sure up conservatives. I'm not so sure she could effect the "women's vote". Still would make to bring her in for an interview. (or two, or three,
)
Now, he's gonna have to ultimately pick based on strategy, and how interviews with them are recieved... but just the fact that you bring someone in to be considered brings enough press with it, so as long as the Republicans want to keep the focus on them, I'd drag that decision out, and bring in people, bring them in a second time, and prolong the focus.
I still think he's gonna chose Rubio in the end, but then again people thought McCain would've picked Romney or Huckabee, and instead he made the stupid choice to take Palin from small-time to.
