The Candidates
Want a sleeper pick for Sen. McCain’s potential running mate?
Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.
Here is Keating on Sen. McCain’s Pro-Life credentials:
For those unfamiliar with Gov. Keating, here are a few snippets:
-Governor Keating set out with an impressive agenda for the state under his administration, with many of his initiatives passed, despite an often hostile Democrat controlled Legislature. Many of Keating’s proposals were polices designed for growth and reform for Oklahoma. These included education reform, environmental protection, tax relief, road building, economic development, public safety, and tougher law enforcement. Keating also lead the charge in privatizing the state’s teacher hospital system, created a public-private partnership to assure care for the indigent as well as a stronger medical education program.
-Keating’s first major success was the passage of the first welfare reform law in the nation in 1995. The law, by 2001, had reduced Oklahoma’s welfare rolls by over 70%. The success of the law served as a model for President Clinton’s welfare reform act of 1996, the first major reform of Social Security since its institution. Keating even managed to improve road and highway conditions throughout the state without raising taxes through his policies.
-A law and order politician, Keating used his career in law enforcement to serve Oklahomans. He implemented tough parole policies and introduced the landmark truth-in-sentencing legislation. Keating also showed little amnesty when handling death sentence criminals, allowing many of those sentenced to death to be executed. Keating also raised the salaries of Oklahoma’s state troopers from the lowest in the nation to the 24th highest.
-Keating’s greatest success of his first term come in 1998 when he become the first Governor in 50 years to achieve a tax cut in the state’s income tax. This combined with reduction in the sales tax, estate tax, and unemployment tax formed the largest tax break in the state’s history until that point. Keating’s policies and tax cuts created the greatest era of prosperity Oklahoma had ever seen, causing the creation of over 130,000 new jobs for Oklahomans.
-Along with the agenda set forth in his inaugural address, Keating also tackled out-of-wedlock births, substance abuse, and child abuse. Enlisting state government, community groups, and faith organizations, Governor Keating organized the statewide initiative to strengthen marriage. The executive branch agencies that dealt with health issues were reorganized by Keating in 2000 amid a purge of legislative patronage to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
-Next on Keating’s list was a reform of Oklahoma’s antiquated worker’s compensation system. Keating, a staunch proponent of right to work laws, struggled to get his reforms passed while the Democratic legislature debated his measures. In reasons, Keating adjusted polices, made new appointments to Oklahoma’s Worker’s Compensation Court, and other measures to control Oklahoma’s rising worker’s compensation costs. Despite his works, Keating would have to wait two years to see his vision fulfilled. In 2000 when Republicans gained many seats within both the Oklahoma House and Oklahoma Senate, the Legislature decided to put right to work laws to a referendums to be held in 2001. Keating’s six year battle came to an end when, on September 21, 2001, Oklahomans approved the measure into law.
-As he had done in first term, Keating sought to grant broad-based tax cuts. To further reduce taxes, Keating won passage of an income tax break and of the creation of Oklahoma’s earned income credit system to benefit the poor. Also, under Keating’s auspices, both Democratic and Republican leaders in the Legislature launched studies to examine Oklahoma’s tax system, with the purpose of overhauling the entire system. During the study, the complete elimination of Oklahoma’s income tax was proposed.
-Also continuing with his tough crime policies, Keating signed a major criminal justice bill that reformed Truth in Sentencing (TIS) to Oklahoma. This legislation extended TIS of previous administrations to insure that violent and repeat offenders would remain in jail. To represent this to Oklahomans, Keating issues very few pardons or paroles to individuals sentenced to long detentions or capital punishment.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
eh….
I don’t know a ton about him, but a wiki search shows that he is sixty four now, and not exactly an image of youth and vigor.
I think McCain has to pick a VP who could be a strong contender in four years in another open primary.
Keating might be a good conservative, but…I’m not sure he is what McCain needs to be looking for.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Seems to have the same problem as Engler, Tommy Thompson, and Tom Ridge, i.e., he was in his prime about 10 years ago.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I still think it is Sanford, Pawlenty, Coburn, Romney, Blackburn and Crist.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I doubt McCain will pick anyone with the last name Keating. Just a hunch.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Take Crist off that list, add Thune and Ensign, and you have yourself a list.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
In theory the potential McCain VP list is fairly long. He has a number of weaknesses to shore up, or possible strengths to reinforce, and different candidates help in different areas. But, I’m beginning to think the practical list, those who’d be considered “good” fits or better, is considerably shorter. I continue to believe that the only way McCain select a VP older then 60, is if he’s “doubling down” on national security. I.e, if he selects a former general or someone of that stature. Then the ticket might potentially look “seasoned” or “serious” instead of simply old. So Keating probably doesn’t work, even though he’s a solid guy. How many options do we have for folks under 60? Not so very many. It gets even narrower once we exclude sitting Senators and sitting Congressman (who I think need to be excluded). If we include every GOP Governor in the country who fits this profile, we’re left with this wonderful list: Linda Lingle, Mitch Daniels, Dave Heineman, Tim Pawlenty, Charlie Crist, Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Matt Blunt, John Hoeven, Mark Sanford, Mike Rounds, Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman Jr., and Jim Douglas. Who are the most likely prospects among this group? Pawlenty, Sanford, Heineman, Daniels, Hoeven, Perry, and Rounds- in that order probably. And both Perry and Rounds are liabilities (Perry for being George Bush’s successor and Rounds for signing a total abortion ban). Daniels and Hoeven would be potentially solid choices, but both have already announced they’re running for re-election. That leaves Pawlenty, Sanford, and Heineman. I actually alot on reflection, since it adds a military man to the ticket without sacrificing executive experience. In fact, if I had to bet, I’d guess he ends on the very short-list. But still, if we dig up past Governors, we’re stuck with wonderful choices like Bill Owens. Not exactly lots of options here.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I actually like Heineman alot on reflection*
February 17th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Dave,
John Engler and Keating left office in 2003. That’s not that long ago.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Too old - Romney 61 (wash off the black dye-he would be pure white)
Keating 64
February 17th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Matthew #7,
Heineman endorsed Romney in the primaries.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Question off thread: What do you know about McCain having melanoma cancer of the face? I just came back from Phoenix and the people there believe that his cancer is returning due to the lump on his jaw. It seems to be common knowledge that it was removed once. ???
February 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Kavon,
I’ve never understood why this is a problem. If you’re trying to unite a party, is it reasonable to expect that you’ll be promoting only your supporters? As far as I know, Heineman is no Rick Santorum; he hasn’t publicly raged about McCain’s “liberalism”. Nor is he a long-time Romney backer; does endorsing an ultimate loser less then a month before the first caucus forever exclude you from VP consideration? McCain’s a fairly vindicative guy, so Heineman might really be off the list for endorsing Romney, but if so, it’s a testament to one of the biggest difficulties alot of folks have with McCain; his inability to “play ball”, do the “right thing”, and leave his ego at the door.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Heineman is also 60 years-old.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
grandma T - So you read the National Enquirer !
How intelligent.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
We all saw that story in the Enquirer Grandma T.
That is exactly where YOU saw it too.
The timing is too perfect.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Matthew,
I guess I can’t figure out why Heineman would be a better choice than Keating (not that I am advocating Keating as Veep, only bringing up the possibility).
Keating is only four years older than Heineman, and his conservative resume as Governor of Oklahoma is so impressive that people have mentioned him as presidential contender in his own right.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Kavon,
But, he’s also a former military man, which was my additional caveat. McCain could potentially select a slightly older VP, if it was perceived as creating a ticket of “gravitas”, “seriousness”, or “seasoning”. I’ve never even heard Heineman speak, so I have no idea if he can project that. But, he did graduate from West Point, and he was a Captain in the military; a rank he apparently achieved remarkably quickly (my dad left as a Captain after 15 years, while Heineman was one after 5). So he’s potentially beneficial in the gravitas department.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
#14 No I do not read the Enquirer!!! but thanks for the insult.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Stop worrying so much about age and gender/ethnic group. McCain will pick someone who is qualified and competent enough to be President, and who would continue McCain’s policies after he leaves office.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Kavon,
I just tend to think that even in a normal election, you need some sort of meme or narrative. I think in this particular election, if McCain’s going to go “old” against a guy like Obama, he needs to have a better story then “hey, this guy’s a former governor, and a good one”. It needs to be something like “we’re the “tough” duo and therefore you can ignore the that we both getting social security”. Possibly, with Keating he could say “hey, we’re just really, really experienced, and the Democrats are really, really, wet behind the ears”. But, “experienced” turns into “crusty” and “dull” far too easily. Tough’s a harder nut to crack; which is why Rudy is a vague possibility still.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Grandma T ! That (lame) story was in it.
Then you mention it.
It is printed nowhere else.
No insult intended but that is where you read it, no doubt.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
OMG fivebrothers.com is finally gone.
What will the ‘boys’ do now?
Change diapers?
Ah they’re safe as it is way too late to serve in uniform.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
McCain 2008 I DID NOT READ IT however the lady that told me in Mesa AZ may have. She did not quote the National Enquirer as her source. That was an honest question, simply the fact that she was from AZ I, assumed that she knew what she was talking about. It is not like there haven’t been several candidates that had cancer. Give it a rest !!
February 17th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
“Stop worrying so much about age and gender/ethnic group. McCain will pick someone who is qualified and competent enough to be President, and who would continue McCain’s policies after he leaves office.”
Precisely! That is exactly what McCain has said he will look for in a Veep.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Trust me, Tom Coburn will not be asked, nor accept the Veep spot from McCain.
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2008/02/coburn-dismisses-veep-talk-with.html
I happen to personally know the Coburn family; Tom hates politics, but is there because he knows God wants him to be in the Senate. His wife, Carolyn, has said “Over my dead body” to any higher office.
Besides, we will want a strong conservative to shoot down McCain’s liberal wishes (McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Lieberma, etc.) in the Senate.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
BREAKING NEWS: NANCY REAGAN IN HOSPITAL.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
OK Grandma T I believe you but why try to emphasize his past cancer ?
He is a very healthy man now.
Cancer has millions of healthy survivors you know?
If you’re worried just say a prayer for him and his beautiful family.
Thankyou.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Kavon,
That’s not to say that relative youth, good looks, and the ability to boost the ticket’s standing in an important state aren’t bonuses. They’re just not the first priorities.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Matthew #20,
I guess that it is just that I believe that the Veep selection cannot really have any significant positive effect on the ticket unless there is a game-changing selection (Colin Powell is the only one I can think of for this cycle.)
I think it can either be a push or a negative effect.
Keating is a strong supporter of McCain and has a long an accomplished executive background. He also is remembered for doing a good job in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing.
When Americans are introduced to Keating’s resume, they will be able to imagine that he is qualified to take over as POTUS should he need to. That’s all you can really hope for in a Veep selection.
And Sen. McCain knows that Keating would continue in a way that he would approve of and would do a good job, and that’s likely what is the most important to him.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
#29
I still don’t think McCain’s going to pick someone whose last name would be a daily reminder of McCain’s involvement in the Keating Five scandal. Would Hillary pick someone named Lewinsky as a running mate, even if he/she was no relation to Monica?
February 17th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Romney is older, and I think 2012 will probably be his last shot, but if he remains energetic, healthy, and young-looking, he won’t really fit in that “old” category
unless Jindal runs, in which case he may have problems.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Good looks?
It is very relative.
Edwards, Romney, Obama, Thompson ? No.
Now Ronald Reagan was good-looking.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
#31
And I agree about Jindal. He will make all others disappear.
Jindal 2012.
(Plus, can Romney really keep up the unnatural black hair coloring at 65 lmao?)
February 17th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Keating is incredibly gaffe-prone. I would be very apprehensive if he was on the ticket– just waiting for a slip of the tongue. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think Keating is right for the 24-hour a day spotlight he would be under as veep.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
At this point, I think we’re looking at Pawlenty or Sanford. They’re the only ones who survive the process of elimination. If McCain is worried about the South and about distrust among fi-cons, he’ll pick the Southern, libertarianish Sanford. If he’s more worried about the North and if it’s the so-cons who seem most distrustful of him, McCain will pick the culturally conservative, good government Republican, Pawlenty.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Keating would be awesome, but I doubt it’s going to happen. Keating fills in some great gaps on both fiscal and socially conservative issues.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:27 am
At this point, I think we’re looking at ROMNEY! PERIOD!
February 18th, 2008 at 11:42 am
No way will it be Romney. They look ridiculous together. Like a basketball player and the hotdog vendor.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Keating 5 Savings and Loan Scandal–Keating, McCain, Glenn, Kucinich. Need I say more?
February 19th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
#33 Ever seen pictures of Romney’s father? The hair color is natural.
As far as VP picks go, Romney has very good credentials. He can pick up the conservative base, he has name recognition, and is well-known for being strong on the economy. Although he is 61, he is very youthful in appearance and is in extremely good health.