Could Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder be Mitt Romney's pick for vice president?
A Florida political consultant used an off-beat analysis to determine that Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder of Ann Arbor could be considered vice presidential material.
According to a report on MLive.com, AnnArbor.com's sister publication: Chris Ingram, in his weekly column for the Tampa Tribune, analyzed state delegations’ hotel assignments for the Republican National Convention, scheduled for August in Tampa.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is a leading contender for the vice presidential nomination.
But Ingram says that Rubio's "assigned hotel is about a two-hour bus ride from the convention, while Michigan, in his opinion, received the second-best hotel behind Massachusetts, where Romney served as governor," according to the MLive.com report.
The Republican National Committee makes hotel selections, but Ingram said that Romney likely had a say in the process. And Michigan, though somewhat of a swing state, isn’t the most important, he told MLive.
From his column:
“It's important to recognize that despite looking good in a dark suit, sounding all high and mighty on important issues such as runaway federal spending, and generally appearing to be serious souls, Republicans are just as childish about meaningless stuff such as hotel rooms as, well, a fifth-grader.
“Access to the convention site, proximity to the best restaurants and bars, being inside the security zone, and not having to ride a bus (a really big deal if you're a Republican) are almost as important as fighting over abortion and gays in the party's meaningless platform.”
There are some other "clues" — like Snyder's business background and endorsement of Romney. And Romney's ties to Michigan, where his father was governor.
Comments
Clarity Dreamsleeves
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
Picking Snyder would guarantee one thing: millions of liberal dollars coming into the state to recall Rick. Imagine Romney running with a recalled governor!
JRW
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
If it gets rid of Tricky Ricky from Michigan, then I'm all for it. Romney is going to lose in the fall. His enormous wealth, 3 cadillacs, multiple homes, and constant statements showing how out of touch he is with average Americans, will do him in. Borrow $20,00 from your parents? Sure. No problem. Can't afford college? Don't worry about it. Find a cheaper place. And don't forget to tie your dog on the top of the car when you take a road trip!
grimmk
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:28 a.m.
As long as that means he can't come back, sure! Not like he's going to win anyways.
1959Viking
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
This makes no sense. They are too much alike. Both have Michigan roots, both are governors with no DC background, and both are outsiders with primarily business backgrounds. Romney needs help in the south; help on foreign policy; or help in PA, OH, or FL. Snyder doesn't help in any of these areas regardless of what you think of Snyder's job performance.
Randy Dieter
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
Unlike many politians, Snyder is actually TRYING to do what he promised when he was campaigning! The only ones belly-aching are the ones who aren't getting their precious entitlements or those who are going to get their "pork" spending cut.
JRW
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
Tricky Rick is a sneaky rat. Did he ever tell voters that he was going to cut the retirement exemptions in half? Did he tell voters he was going to eliminate the law requiring stores to actually put prices on items? Nada. And the list goes on.
u812
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
the rich think that paying you to work is an entitlement
Left is Right
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Doing something about jobs requires passing a "jobs" bill?? Interesting viewpoint.
Sparty
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
Uh no, The Nerd didn't promise most of what he is actually doing during the campaign. If he'd said anything about what he is actually doing during the campaign he'd never have gotten near the Office of the Governor let alone the position itself ! He intentionally ran a stealth campaign not mentioning his positions and avoiding the direction he intended to take on social issues. He campaigned on jobs, jobs, jobs and has yet to pass a jobs bill. The reduction in unemployment is due to National Unemployment Reduction, primarily related to the auto industry improvement in Michigan -- and that thanks to President Obama and the Democrats saving GM and Chrysler and loaning Ford $5.9 Billion from the same high-risk Department of Energy Loan Program that loaned money to Solyndra.
Greg
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
God NO! We desperately need him to stay and get Detroit back on an upward path. After decades of Detroits mayors and city councils running the place into the bedrock, situation is desperate.
Ron Granger
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Snyder would be perfect for Willard! They can make $10,000 bets with one another at the golf course, over puts, or other golfers.
u812
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
the truth hurts
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
You really need to lay off the MSLSD.
Ron Granger
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
Snyder has demonstrated that he has no regard for the will or rights of the people. His cronies on the election board have refused to approve the emergency manager law recall election. They cited a complaint about the font size, but the font size was correct. It was just a sham. They won't let the little people vote. It'd be nice if Snyder and his cronies went away. I just worry about where he'll turn up next.
MRunner73
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
Wild speculation. Gov Snyder does not have the background to be one step away from the Office of President should Romney win the general election. Besides, the "veep" pick would likey either be Hispanic or from Ohio (Rob Portman).
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
Obama didn't have the background to be President, but look where is now.
dexterreader
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Good for Michigan. Bad for the country. If you think the divide between the "lower" class and the "upper" class is bad now in this country, go ahead and vote for this "team" and the republican side of the ticket. Then you will see what more harm can be done to increase that divide. Plain and simple: republicans work in favor of big business, democrats work for the "little" guy. Can't say it any clearer than that.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
"democrats work for the "little" guy" HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!
Nick Danger
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
They deserve each other .Both favor the wealthy over everyone else
4Bells
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:47 a.m.
OUCH! Do I detect some Governor Snyder backlash out there? Not too mysterious, I guess. Let's see - he's alienated retirees, public schools & teachers, state universities & community colleges, municipalities, labor unions, civil servants, the poor & disadvantaged. Pretty much everyone but wealthy people, business owners, manufacturers & helmetless motorcyclists. Ill-advised tough decision after tough decision by "one tough nerd". There is a widening disconnect with Michigan's average, everyday citizens - we, the people. When you think about it & do the math, that would probably be most of us . . .
Basic Bob
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
Oh, dear - he alienated the entire base of the Democratic Party. Pretty much everyone except for Republicans, independents, people with private sector jobs, etc. I'm paying more in taxes this year, and I don't like it much but I think it's fair and reasonable. The alternative presented by the Democratic leadership was Virg Bernero. Next time pick a better candidate and you might get him or her elected.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Yeah, let's go back to the incredibly prosperous Granmole years.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:50 a.m.
Michigan can be proud that our own state governor is under consideration by the Republican Party to be the vice presidential running mate for Mitt Romney!!! .... JUST LIKE ALASKA WAS WHEN GOVERNOR PALIN WAS SELECTED!!! Personally, I hope Ri¢k is asked and accepts. Ri¢k will entrepreneurialize the entire country - AND - the country Africa! After all, hasn't he completely resurrected Michigan during his first term with his Race to the Bottom With Ri¢k Strategy? (Don't bother mentioning that Michigan's roads, schools, fire and police departments are at or near the failing point - or that Michigan's unemployment is still among the worst in the country.) Once he joins Mitt in the White House, I know he's smart enough to cover his bet as he did as Michigan's governor: he will establish a fund called: Compensate Me for the Cost of Being U.S. Vice President!! And of course, that genius of a man, Bill Martin, will be among the first to donate $25,000 as he did for Ri¢k's fund to compensate him for the cost of being governor (and saving us all and our children from our stupid selves). I'm all for it! What could go wrong?!
Maxwell
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
@Maallen - and let me guess, President Obama can take no credit?
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
You do realize that Michigan's unemployment is down to 8.5% and is now ranked 36th? You do realize at the end of 2010 Michigan's unemployment rate was 12.7% and ranked 50th? Snyder has Michigan going in the right direction.
Jon Saalberg
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
It's not April 1, so this isn't an April Fool's joke, correct? I guess this would be the GOP's idea of "diversity" - one rich, middle-aged white guy with white hair and one middle-aged white guy with black hair.
tim
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
Just goes to prove that Rick is not vain enough to be VP--- the guy won't even use hair dye.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:42 a.m.
Would that be spray-painted hair?
Dusky
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Mitt, please pick Rick. We would love to get rid of him. Let's see who and what he can do harm to at the Federal level. Can you imagine how happy Obama would be to hear that news?????
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Well, it would get Snyder out of Michigan's hair...and out playing with the big boys where he can do significantly more damage.
hmsp
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
Nahhhh. Go with Sarah Palin. Worked great last time!
clownfish
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
"Mitt" the Flip Flopper and his VP pick Mr "I won't tell you what I'm going to do when elected (because I am going to raise your taxes)"? Solid.
xmo
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
My cat could be Mitt's VP and would be smarter than both President Obama and VP Joe Bin Laden! How could people vote for someone who chose Joe, he's a clown!
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
XMO, our resident Republican, sounding off predictably, that is, without substance or style.
clownfish
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
I can see a Russian potatoe from my house. I is qualified.
dotdash
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
Um... those are the president and vice president you are talking about as if they were your brothers-in-law. You demean yourself, not them.
tim
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
No way-- the tea party crowd would have a fit. There is no way that the republicans would pick up enough independents to make up for the losses from the far right.
tim
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Veracity--- It could be far worse if an authentic tea partier held office.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Why should the right wing be unhappy with Rick Snyder. Let us review his right wing resume: - he is pro-choice and will continue to sign anti-abortion, anti-women legislation - he is reducing the size of the state government as well as those of municipalities that have emergency financial managers - he is undermining public education by withdrawing funding and taking over the resulting financial distressed school systems so that schools can be closed or sold to be charter schools. - he is reducing taxes on businesses and the wealthy while expanding taxes on everyone else.
Anonymous
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
I have never feared democracy or our government until Rick Snyder took office. Now I am literally scared about what more he can do to hurt the people of Michigan and schools. Let Mitt have him, we need someone who won't run the government like a dictatorship.
Diagenes
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Garrisondyer, Obamacare is the biggest example of your rights being taken away. It forces you to buy something you may not want to purchase.
snark12
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
It's nice that there's a place on the Internet for crazy people to come say whatever comes into their heads.
garrisondyer
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
"Obama has taken away more rights than Bush could ever dream about. Wake up for god sake." ...Such as.....???
G. Orwell
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.
"It's hard to take Dingell seriously when he doesn't speak out against any the multiple criminal acts in the Obama admin. To think of it, he kept quiet during the Bush/Cheney admin. also. i wonder if Dingell is getting a cut of the action." Obama has taken away more rights than Bush could ever dream about. Wake up for god sake.
genetracy
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
You mean like Obama?
thinkingahead
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
What about the Romney family members who still live in Michigan?
outdoor6709
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.
Although she has disappeared from view Rona Rommeny would have been a better choice than Spence Abraham for senate. She would have beat Debbie and would have been a great choice for VP. Unfortunately establishment republicans want a canidate they can control. Like Richard Luger in Indianna.
hackman
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
I guess just because "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt" is not offensive enough to Michiganders. Keep repeating the mantra: Bin Laden is dead and GM isn't.
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
Veracity, Have you ever heard of "not showing your hand?" Because one publicly states something for media consumption does not mean privately that is what is happening. It has been proven that Bush's tactics led us to Bin Laden. Pres, Obama gave the order and our special forces did a job well done.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
Indymama: Six months after 9-11 Bush stated that he really was not concerned about Bin Laden and lost complete track of the terrorist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PGmnz5Ow-o President Obama authorized the Navy seals' vendetta against Bin Laden.
Indymama
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.
Keep in mind that Bin Laden is dead because G W Bush started the process and our brave SEALS finished the job!!! Obama was NOT the President when the decision to end his (BinLaden's) reign of terror was made.
bobslowson
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
For the love of this country...please pick Rick! That would surely spell doom for the Repubs...so yes, go ahead and PICK RICK!
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3 p.m.
I would be as elated as you except that Brian Calley will become governor. Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire!
OLDTIMER3
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
It would be a way to get rid of him. Though I would have to vote for usless Obama if he does or not vote for the president at all.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
"If the Republicans takeover the federal government you will have to invest your own money for retirement " Oh, no, not that! Oh, wait, that's what I do now, because it's the responsible thing to do. There's a word for anybody who is including Social Security in their retirement planning, and I'll give you a hint that the word is not "retiree." "And your wife and daughters will have to rely on abstinence and condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies." You lie. Contraception will still be available at every drug store, which in case you haven't noticed, have been built on just about every intersection in town.
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
Yeah, Social Security is doing such a great job....not! You do realize that Social Security is expected to run out of money in about 15 years or so? You do realize we pay out more in social security than we are taking in? Nice scare tactic: "When social security is eliminated." Social Security will not be eliminated, but it does need to be reshaped. And why can't I invest my own money instead of giving it to the government for them to do it for me? Based on their history, I am doing much better in my 401(k) than they are doing with my social security money. "Affordable Care Act," There is nothing affordable about this legislation. It did nothing to bring down costs and premiums. It only raised them. Even Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Human and Health Services has admitted to this. Everything that has been enacted under this legislation has done nothing but raise the costs and premiums.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
"useless" (I will give you the benefit of the doubt and consider it a "typo.") Apparently you are unable to recognize the significant value of his executive orders and the bills that he has signed. When the Affordable Care Act is struck down by the Supreme Court, you and members of your family will come to miss some of the provisions that guarantee and secure access to quality care. And you will end up paying more for less. If the Republicans takeover the federal government you will have to invest your own money for retirement when Social Security is eliminated. And your wife and daughters will have to rely on abstinence and condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies. And, as a coup de gras you will have to pay much more in taxes unless you are a millionaire. Yes, if all this transpires I am sure that you will miss "usless" Obama.
Elaine F. Owsley
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
Take him! He's yours or anyone else's.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
I would not give him away if we can possibly get any money for him. If so then it may be the first time that he has brought new money into our state.
G-Man
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
Hopefully Gov Snyder will stay here, we need him, especially now.......
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
bobslowson, Yep, I am sure someone out of the 99% will start a business and create jobs and then become the next one percenter. Then we will go after them too. Repeating the cycle. Or instead of waiting for the one percenter to disappear, maybe someone in the 99% should start a business and start creating jobs. Who would have thought?
bobslowson
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
"Once we get rid of the 1 percenters what will we have left?" Simple....99%
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
I find it interesting that the people who "bash" the one-percenters use the very products that these one-percenters make. Veracity, I am sure you drive a vehicle- the CEO's and owners of these companies are considered one-percenters. You probably even have an I-pad, or an i-phone, or an i-pod another one percenter. If you are truly "worried" about these one-percenters, quit buying their products that make them one-percenters. Once we get rid of the one percenters what will we have left?
Macabre Sunset
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
From all the MSNBC-style invective, I would assume this person is not a serious analyst. Might as well reprint Rick Santorum's impressions of how Michelle Obama will decorate the White House guest bedrooms.
leaguebus
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.
This would be great for Michigan to get rid of the Rickster. He and his merry band of pranksters have lost more well paying jobs in Michigan with his policies than Gov Granholm ever thought of doing. His tax cuts to business have decimated education, who have laid of thousands of teachers in two years. Republican job creators is a cruel joke on us. We can see that from England and Spain that austerity budgets have plunged them into a double dip recession, no telling how long this next phase will last. So cutting $1.8B each year in business taxes and the consequent education and public service layoffs are not doing our state any good. The bright light is the auto industry adding jobs, which has nothing to do with the Republican tax breaks. The auto industry adds jobs because of increased demand for cars not less taxes. In fact, all the teacher and public safety layoffs have just the opposite effect on auto sales, they decrease demand in Michigan. Plus the Rickster raised my state taxes $1200 for next year. How will this increase my demand for anything.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.
"The whole birther argument against Obama was just plain racism" Here we have the backbone of the liberal mindset: If you disagree, you are a racist. What a strange, impossible concept it is to fathom that somebody could disagree with our moronic King and be against his failed policies without being racist. Yeah, that's impossible.
maallen
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
@leaguebus, It's kind of funny that you use the Forbes list as your arguement to get rid of Snyder. The data used by Forbes was under Governor Granholm's term. Michigan's miserable ranking is due to Granholm. Because of Snyder's policies, Michigan's unemployment rate is now at 8.5%. Well below the number that he had inherited from Granholm.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
genetracy: On the other hand, Michigan offers plenty of fresh water and energy, interstate highway access, and often special tax credits as inducements. Unfortunately, the state once offered top notch well-educated workers but "the nerd" is rapidly changing that for the worse.
leaguebus
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
Below is Forbes ranking for Michigan Rank 47 State Michigan Business costs rank 37 Labor supply rank 48 Regulatory environment rank 17 Economic climate rank 48 Growth prospects rank 43 Quality of life rank 28 Population 9,891,600 Michigan As all can see, there is much more to getting business to this state than just taxes. All cutting taxes does is lower the quality of life and quality of the labor supply. Most of the reasons companies choose a state is quality of workers. When the Rickster and his tax cutting crew get done, we will be even lower than where we are now.
genetracy
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
u812, white or black racism?
u812
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
Bad roads/Detroit/Racism/Bad weather/keep businesses away.
genetracy
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
What do you propose be done to attract new business to the state? If a busness is looking to relocate here but sees property taxes, business taxes, and workman's comp insuranace higher than surrounding states, guess what? They will not come here.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
This is a joke, right? Romney has a snowball's chance of winning Michigan. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/mi/michigan_romney_vs_obama-1811.html
u812
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
Romney could win Michigan, with all the middle class-ware fare going on people want there neighbors to suffer and the rich to get richer!
genetracy
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
I guess the majority of Michiganders want the state to regain its' status as a welfare wonderland.
Top Cat
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
This whole thing is silly and Rubio is not the leading contender for the VP position. Must be a slow news day.
dotdash
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Nope. Strategy-wise, it's too much Michigan all in one place. Romney needs some southern credibility, female credibility, and conservative credibility. If he wants an untried governor, Nikki Haley should be his pick. If he wants experience, Condi Rice would make a great strategic choice.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:37 p.m.
Romney ..... credibility? -:)
outdoor6709
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Incredibly smart person with no personality. Need to have appeal of Sarah Palin and Brains of Condi.
leaguebus
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Yes, he needs about 5 vice presidents if he is going to get all the people back that the Republicans have alienated with their wars on the middle class, women, latinos, college students, and unions.
Forever27
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Mitt, since your campaign is pretty much doomed anyway, you can have him.
Benjammin
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
Why try to disucss a serious topic based on this childish article. The issues facing our country are not solved by calling either party's platform "meaningless".
dconkey
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
Rick needs to stay here and finish cleaning up the mess from the past administration.
Veracity
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
dconkey and Indymama: Obama's restoration of the auto industry has produced perhaps 130,000 jobs in Michigan but Rick Snyder has done nothing to help the remaining 400,000 unemployed to find jobs. He has reduced the duration of unemployment insurance payments so that more people will lose their homes, require medicaid and need food stamps. And his slicing of education funding is not helping to raise the educational level of citizens or skills needed to get jobs. And his emergency financial manager law is a first in disenfranchising voters. By the way, to what Obama lies are you referring?
Indymama
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 4:05 a.m.
dconkey: Right ON!! I agree, and he has a good start! u812: That is already happening because of Obama's policies and lies to us all.
u812
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
Keep your doors locked when the middle class becomes poor there will be more crime, although the rich will have more.
TheGerman
Thu, May 3, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
For the love of this country please don't.