Dear HairOfTheDog,
I'm sympathetic to your plight. Frankly, I really can't stand listening to Mr. Bush speak, but I gave money to his campaign and voted for him four times - twice in the primaries, twice in the general election.
I think that Sen. Allen would overcome that handicap, because he's had a successful experience as a governor, and knows how to turn on the "execu-speak."
Having watched him since he was a congresscritter from across the river, I believe that it is possible that given the limelight of the national stage, he would do well, and could win the nomination and the election. He is smart, personable, easy-going, affable, moderately conservative, and not scary.
I'm not exactly thrilled by his candidacy, personally, but might scratch out a small check to his campaign, and I could certainly vote for him, as would most social conservatives. He is way far better than most of the alternatives.
He might also wilt under the national exposure, and that's what the nominating season's for - to separate the men from the boys. But at this point, he seems to have as good a shot as any.
Sen. McCain is also a fellow who knows how to mimic straight-talk. I don't think he could win the general election, as he has abdicated leadership of much of the base of his own party over the past 10 or so years. I personally could hold my nose long enough to throw the lever for him (although most days, I'd rather throw the switch on him), but I think I might be in the minority of social conservatives.
Rep. Pence seems also to be a possible exception to your general rule, although my own feeling is that for him, '08 would be a trial run. I'd like to see him run and get elected governor of his own state, and come back in '12 or '16 as a guy with a few terms in the House, a couple of terms as governor, and maybe part of a term as US Senator.
sitetest
I agree with you about McCain and his ability to talk, and though I don't detest him as much as some do, he's such a maverick neither side trusts him.