I totally agree.
Unfortunately, as you follow this thread, you will see very little consensus on our side. It is sad that we are doing this to ourselves....again!
My personal choice is Gov Scott Walker
1)He has articulated and implemented sound conservative policies.
2) He has beaten the liberal hordes three times despite their best efforts...this means he is tested by fire and not likely to have skeletons in his closet
3) He is a Governor. We can debate this ad nauseum, but the masses want a proven LEADER, not a Senator, Congressman or unknown doctor....those may make good VP candidates, but this nation craves leadership.
4) He does not come from a safe state that covers for his conservatism....like Ted Cruz. I love Ted Cruz, but it is far, far easier to be an outspoken conservative from Texas than an outspoken conservative from Wisconsin.
5) Walker delivers a blue state in the electoral college....very important in light of our recent close electoral elections.
6) Walker is soft spoken, unlike Palin or Cruz, he appears to be anything other than "rabid" in the eyes of the masses. It will be more difficult to paint him as "wild-eyed" by the media, who will support anyone on the left.
Why do I refer to the "masses"?
Because we need to attract large numbers of people who still feel the sting of being let down by Bush & Obama. We still need to attract a wide audience and siphon blue-state votes with a clear, layman's message.
Car enthusiasts love to talk hp, torque, performance, etc. But they do not keep a car company in business. You still need the "masses" who buy appliances. Those masses still want great initial quality, good fuel economy and reliability. That is why there are base Mustangs, Chargers and Camaros....to attract the masses and justify the investment.
Good points in your #14. I notice that the R candidate who most scares the leftists is Walker.
I am leaning that way. My question is "Does he want it?" We do not need another Fred Thompson.