I think the only other Conservative Republican in the 1980 GOP Primary was Illinois Congressman Phil Crane, but he was hardly a household name, so his utility in enhancing the GOP ticket was doubtful to the party faithful.
Your point about the selection of Jerry Ford to the ticket in 1980 is very interesting and thought provoking. I agree that Ford would probably have been a one term VP, and thus would have paved the way for Reagan’s ability to tap a real Conservative to round out his ticket in 1984.
Who do you think Reagan would have invited to share the 1984 ticket, assuming Ford had been the sitting VP up till 1984, and had bowed out after the first term?
My first and probably only choice would have to be Jeane Kirkpatrick.