I agree...but I think McVain will lose the primary to either George Allen or even better...Rick Perry. I don't know why he hasn't been mentioned for a possible White House run...ditto Marc Racicot, former two-term MT governor. It's early yet...and both of these governors have an excellent chance to consider running. I don't want McVain to even think about it. He's too old (will be 72 in 08) and he's had malignant melanoma twice. I don't like or trust McVain and he's got to go.
You forgot gov Sanford.
I understand that Racicot wanted to go off into the private sector to provide financial security for his family. You can't blame the guy for that, but he could have beaten Max Baucas and chose not to run, and I think many in the party will remember that if he were to run for President.
I like George Allen, and though I need to read up more on him, my gut reaction to the early stable of possible contenders is to favor him over the rest.
The thing about Rick Perry that worries me is the fear that he would be as bad as Bush on immigration. And there may be a Texas-fatigue factor that would work against him. He should focus on winning relection next year, and then running for Senate if Hutchinson should retire sometime after that.