I would like to see the nomination won by a good Republican governor who has governed at least for two terms or even a a strong Republican Senator but my preference is for the experienced governor.Other than Haley Barbour (who would have more problems than Sarah Palin appealing to voters outside the base, IMO), who else fits your criteria?
Tim Plawenty, Rick Perry, Mitch Daniels, Jim DeMint.
My dream ticket would be DeMint/Daniels, but the reverse is also tolerable to me. Mitch is a man of substance and competence, and the best governor Indiana has had in decades. Minnie Pearl should host her own talk show, or replace Cathy Lee Gifford on that morning show with the Egyptian chick.