Could This Reason for Vilsack Being on the VP Short List be True?

[On the Road]

Maybe this is an old theory, but it just occured to me:

Vilsack's name was widely bandied about as a VP candidate, which mystified many of us. He got immeasurable national publicity and increased stature even though he was not selected.

Could Kerry have cut a deal with him during during the primaries? In return for supporting Kerry, Vilsack would be on the short list for VP? Kerry would have been giving a politcal favor that really didn't cost him anything.

Nothing sinister about it. Just curious.

[WI_DEM]

1. it is possible

Vilsack was officially neutral but most people knew where his sympathies were and his wife was active for Kerry. I have no problem with Kerry considering him. I didn't think he had the qualifications needed, but it could help him if he should ever run for the Senate later on--I'm kind of surprised he made the final three in the vp selection though when lots of other people didn't.

[wishlist]

2. Vilsack has great credentials so it was good for Democratic party

for him to be elevated to the national spotlight and no question Kerry has felt very appreciative to the Vilsacks over what transpired with Iowa, but I wouldn't call it a deal per se. I don't know much about Iowa and wasn't following the primaries closely so the first time I heard his name was when Ann Richards mentioned him and Edwards as her favorites for VP since they represented the future of the party. I think Kerry and Dems like Ann Richards are very wise to promote these outstanding amd appealing younger guys.

[AP]

3. Vilsack didn't help Kerry all that much, IIRC.

[On the Road]

4. Well, I Was Wondering About That

I know Harkin backed Dean and probably wasn't considered as a result.

[AP]

5. "You have a solid lock on a distant third." Vilsack, to Kerry.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/040719/usnews/19point.3_2.htm

Vilsack couldn't endorse Kerry because AFSCME endorsed Gep (or Dean?) and because Harken didn't endorse Kerry. His wife ended up endorsing Kerry, but they couldn't play it up because Kerry wasn't going to (and didn't) win her precinct.