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>> Thompson should choose Duncan Hunter as his VP candidate

I can understand the appeal on this board to a Hunter VP nomination ... but, honestly, Hunter makes zero sense on a strategic or political level. Nobody knows who he is - so his name-recognition value is zero - and he doesn’t bring any segment of voters that Thompson couldn’t caputure.

Personally, I’d prefer J.C. Watts as a VP candidate. Watts is younger, has name recognition, and is an up-and-comer in the GOP ranks. He’d be a fine President, and would have a good shot at the WH in 8 years. Plus - his race would mute any effects Hillary could get by choosing Obama as a running mate. I’m not sure his state of origin would be particularly helpful, though.

Other names I’ve heard that might have some merit ... John Cornyn (Senator, TX), Gen. Peter Pace, Mitt Romney (might help in the Northeast), Rudy Giuliani (I’d prefer him for DHS, though), Ron Paul (just kidding). None of these are perfect candidates, but their name recognition and/or popularity in areas of the country that wouldn’t necessarily be Thompson’s strengths seem more helpful than Duncan Hunter might be.