The ultimate Western Democrat ticket Arizona, Governors, New Mexico, Presidential Politics, Regionalism, The Big Strategy

Awhile ago, this was mentioned here.  (I'm extending off the good idea..thanks Leo!) Summary? 

That presidential tickets are often either one of two combinations - balance or reinforcement.  Kerry picked Edwards to balance him out, both regionally and personally.  Clinton chose Gore to reinforce him, both regionally and issue-wise.

There is only one serious Western Democrat in the race for president and that is Bill Richardson.  Now, I'm going to admit I'm a big fan of his but that isn't my point.  It is that in 2008 we could have potential to deliver a knock-out blow to the entire Western GOP and paint the way truly for progressive western dominance allied with the traditional Democratic bloc (coasts and upper midwest).

The key is reinforcement.  Instead of picking a easterner to balance him (if he was the nominee for that matter, IF) Bill Richardson should take Leo's advice and pick Janet Napolitano, the governor of Arizona.

You may say never!  But look at this great poll that Kos pointed out today:

A new statewide survey shows that if the Senate election were held today, the Republican incumbent would be defeated by Gov. Janet Napolitano – that is, if Napolitano would choose to run for the seat. The Democrat governor cannot seek a third term.

Not surprisingly, the poll by the Behavior Research Center shows Napolitano the favorite of 78 percent of Democrats, versus 11 percent for McCain. But the governor also would pick up 20 percent of Republicans and 47 percent of independents who make up nearly 28 percent of Arizona’s registered voters.

If they went head to head, Napolitano would get 47 percent of the vote, compared to 36 percent for McCain, according to the poll.

Now, that head to head match up result is pretty damn astounding. 

Think about it again.  A Richardson/Napolitano ticket (even against McCain possibly) would take both New Mexico AND Arizona.  That's not where it ends, either.

Napolitano is considered to be a very successful Governor, in fact she enjoy sky high approval ratings.  So does Richardson here in New Mexico.  That combination of two extremely popular red state (!) Democratic governors could have crossover appeal like nothing else. 

Also - the Hispanic/Woman factor would provide an immense amount of change additive to the ticket itself.  Contrast that against the possible GOP combinations shows a pretty clear sense of America.

Western electorate - that's putting all the Western swing states on the map (including possibly Montana and Wyoming) and maybe making Texas competitive.

If we really try and imagine a new electoral future for the Democratic Party we could do it with one swift blow. 

Now, there is the ultimate Western Democratic ticket.

Landon Mascareñaz | August 22, 2007 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: The ultimate Western Democrat ticket Arizona, Governors, New Mexico, Presidential Politics, Regionalism, The Big Strategy

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