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2024 election

Kamala Harris Eyes Governors for Potential VP Partner

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Kamala Harris needs a VP candidate. Could a governor fit the bill?

Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly considering a diverse group of gubernatorial candidates as potential running mates for her presidential bid. Her primary focus appears to be on individuals with strong executive experience and a background outside of Washington, D.C., particularly from states in the Rust Belt, South, and Midwest.

If Harris secures the Democratic nomination, she would make history as the first female president, the first president of South Asian descent, and the second Black president. With a political career that began in California and led to her role in the U.S. Senate in 2017, her choice of running mate is essential for balancing her ticket.

Expert opinions suggest Harris might prefer a white governor lacking D.C. connections. Contenders include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Roy Cooper of North Carolina. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona is also a noteworthy candidate due to his prior career as an astronaut and Navy captain.

While selecting another woman like Whitmer may seem counterintuitive, it could amplify a key campaign message focused on reproductive rights. Harris’s vice presidential pick is expected in the coming weeks, particularly after President Joe Biden’s decision not to run.

Joel Goldstein, a law professor emeritus at Saint Louis University, emphasized that the choice will reflect Harris’s decision-making skills as a potential president. He noted that a running mate often sends significant messages about the presidential candidate’s priorities.

Political nominees typically look for partners who balance their perceived weaknesses, much like Trump’s selection of Mike Pence in 2016 to appeal to social conservatives. Barack Obama’s choice of Biden in 2008 countered criticisms of inexperience.

Goldstein also pointed out that a running mate shouldn’t be an “ideological clone” of the nominee, aiming to attract a broader electorate. This could prompt Harris to select someone seen as more moderate, especially given voters’ perceptions of women and candidates of color.

Given Harris’s California roots, a white male governor from a different demographic background, such as those in the Midwest or South, might provide geographic balance. Democratic campaign veteran Rebecca Pearcey highlighted that figures like Walz and Beshear could complement Harris’s profile well.

The strategy of choosing a vice president for balance is not universal. Political science professor Christopher Devine of the University of Dayton noted that candidates occasionally double down on strengths. He referenced Bill Clinton’s choice of fellow Southern Democrat Al Gore in 1992 to bolster appeal.

For Harris, emphasizing her strengths might lead to picking Whitmer, who has focused on abortion rights in her gubernatorial campaigns. This could enhance her ticket’s message on reproductive issues.

Ultimately, readiness to govern remains crucial. Pearcey emphasized that any running mate must be perceived as capable of stepping into the presidential role if necessary. Past vice presidential picks like Sarah Palin and J.D. Vance lacked the expected experience, which could hurt voter confidence.

This consideration might rule out candidates like Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has limited political experience. Dolan suggested Harris would likely pick someone with a more robust political background.

Another factor is the working relationship between the president and vice president. Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, stressed the importance of “chemistry” between the two. Past successful duos like Clinton and Gore had strong bonds that appealed to voters.

Many of Harris’s reported picks are governors, such as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. This preference could stem from their experience in managing state-level challenges and balancing budgets. Governors often appear more pragmatic and less entangled in national issues, making them attractive candidates.

Picking a governor also avoids the complications of a congressional pick, like Senator Kelly, whose vacancy would spark a crucial midterm election battle for his Senate seat.

Geographical and electoral strategies play a role too. Candidates like Shapiro, who won Pennsylvania decisively, or Kelly and Whitmer, from battleground states, could theoretically boost Harris’s chances in those regions. However, there is limited evidence supporting the “home-state advantage” theory.

Adding North Carolina’s Roy Cooper introduces unique challenges due to state succession laws that empower the Republican lieutenant governor when Cooper is out of state. This might make Cooper a less viable candidate, though some experts caution against overestimating the risk.

Ultimately, the selection of Harris’s running mate will be a complex decision influenced by demographic balance, electoral strategy, and governance readiness. Each potential candidate brings unique strengths and challenges to the ticket.