I echo your opinion and I can only hope more people feel the same if we ever want to truly challenge the GOP status quo and not fall for their “but look! Obama!” tricks...
That being said, how would you feel if Governor Nikki Halely or Senator Marco Rubio — two supposedly “real” conservatives were Romney’s runningmate?
Does the VP suddenly assume control of the party, as is traditional for the President to do so? Does the VP make White House policy, or sit upon the President to keep him from making stupid decisions over and over again? I don't care how solid the conservative credentials are of a running mate second to Romney - If Romney wins the nomination, I won't be voting for them. I will do whatever I can to nullify that nomination.
We've seen how Romney's people operate; the purge of conservatives from the Republican party by a Romney leadership will be swift and vicious. The RINOS will protect their own, and get rid of the disruptive elements in the party.
It is not a negotiable point for me.
Both are extreamly good conservatives, but look what they did to Perry on immigration and Rubio's position is EXACTLY the same. Won't work. As for Nikki, she's great but doesn't have the excitement factor that Mitt would need. The only person who could put him even close to winning the general is Sarah and she won't do it, not with Mitt.
I do believe Senator Rubio would run with Romney. Halely is too new.
As Texan and VP to FDR, John Nance Garner supposedly said, the Vice Presidency is not worth a bucket of warm _____ (fill in the blank).
So, it would not make a bit of difference to me.