VeepStakes

Taking a look at the RNC Speakers schedule I have to honestly say that it appears highly doubtful that Governors Palin, Jindal or Pawlenty, Sen. Lieberman or former Governors Romney, Ridge or Huckabee will get the VP nod as they are already scheduled to speak at other times during the convention. So who does this leave us?

Rep. Eric Cantor of VA. Pro he could bring Virginia back into the red - especially if blue collar Democrats in VA stay home (as suggested yesterday). Another pro is that the DNC already has an attack site up dedicated to him which means they fear him just a bit. However, if all they can come up with is "he's Jewish you know..." they are really stretching their already thin credibility. I mean how many "next Cheney"s are out there?

Another name I have heard bandied about is former Michigan Governor John Engel. That could certainly help keep Ohio in the fold and flip Michigan to the red column. It could help him in parts of Pennsylvania.

Speaking of Ohio another name mentioned is former Ohio Congressman John Kasich. Kasich is young enough to be tapped as the "heir apparent", conservative enough to make the base happy as clams and because of his roots could keep Ohio and possibly flip Pennsylvania.

Obviously we are in prime dark horse territory here. As the speculation heats up it will be interesting to see what other dark horse names pop up here.