The GOP needs a sober choice for VP

Sarah Palin was a glamour pick for VP.

She could wow an audience. She was charismatic. But her resume was thin, somewhat comparable to Barack Obama’s.

Republicans need a serious VP pick this time. There are some very good possibilities. You’ve heard them all. This blog has discussed the merits and demerits of Congressman Paul Ryan, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Senator Marco Rubio.

The latest name that has emerged is former Minnesota Governor and presidential candidate, Tim Pawlenty.

I met Mr. Pawlenty at a small gathering of Republicans last year. He was impressive. He accomplished quite a bit as governor of Minnesota working with, and at times, against, the opposition party.

Executive experience is good experience for a presidential (or vice presidential) candidate to have. We’re certainly paying the price for Mr. Obama’s lack of experience in this regard.

Here’s what stood out about Pawlenty: someone asked him about his early embrace of the cult of global warming. He simply acknowledged his honest concerns on the issue and changed his mind once he more closely studied the science behind it.

In other words, he was driven to change his position by a sober analysis of the issue, not the politics of the issue.

That’s the kind of leader we need. As Mitt Romney makes his own sober assessment of potential VP candidates, Tim Pawlenty should certainly be considered. Unlike Paul Ryan or Marco Rubio, the GOP wouldn’t lose a Congressional seat with his selection.

I like Tim Pawlenty. The GOP would be well-served by a Romney/Pawlenty ticket.