BYU NewsNet - Romney a Possibility for McCain's Running Mate

McCain campaigned in New Hampshire on Tuesday near a lakeside summer home belonging to Mitt Romney, according to an Associated Press article. McCain spoke of his appreciation for Romney's help during his campaign.

"Mitt has been of tremendous help to my campaign," McCain said during a town hall meeting in Rochester, N.H. "He does a better job for me than he did for himself."

According to the AP story, reporters asked McCain if this week is a good time to announce his running mate, while Obama is overseas.

"We have the same answer we always have," McCain said. "We'll let you know when we have an announcement."

Romney stands ready to take on that role if asked.

"I think any Republican leader in this country would be honored to be asked to serve as the vice presidential nominee, myself included," Romney told FOX's Sean Hannity in a recent broadcast. "This is a nation which needs strong leadership. And if the nominee of our party asked you to serve with him, anybody would be honored to receive that call ... and to accept it."

The former governor of Massachusetts is a relative newcomer to the political arena, having served one term as governor from 2002 to 2006. However, he has experience that lends itself to the office of vice president, according to some Utah Republicans.

"Romney has a great deal of private sector experience," said Stan Lockhart, chairman of the Utah Republican Party. "He knows how the economy works, he knows how to work with public policy, and he knows how to create jobs. With an economy that's in flux he brings a lot of qualities to the ticket."

"[Romney can offer McCain] his economical skills and the fact that his position tends to be more mainstream conservative than McCain," said Greg Skidmore, the chair of the BYU College Republicans. "He's got a lot of support in the White House and could do a lot of good on economic issues. As the vice president he would be the deciding vote in the senate and would be able to sway decisions."

Romney's background in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been an hot topic during his political career.

"His religion always seemed to be a bigger issue than it should have been during the primary," Skidmore said. "Unfortunately, I don't think the nation is ready to have Mormon leaders, but with McCain as the leader it might balance out."

While faced with scrutiny during Romney's campaign, the LDS Church could benefit more than if Romney had won the primary.

"It was a good move for Romney to drop out of the primary," BYU senior Krista Isom said. "As vice president, he would show the country what the church stands for and that we can do well in the political arena."

Isom said Romney would represent a conservative side to the presidential ticket.

"Some of McCain's views don't reflect what Republicans believe," Isom said. "Romney's presence would help a lot. He's got a good head on his shoulders and is a good representative of the church."

Some people are hoping Romney is chosen despite misgivings about having a member of the LDS Church in the White House.

"There will be those in favor of a Mormon in the White House and those against it," BYU senior Joshua Fronk said. "His [Romney's] ideas would be much more beneficial for the American people."