I think he may still not know

[OmahaBlueDog]

I suspect the GOP has awoken to realize this is going to be tougher than they thought.

I've been betting Palin all along because she brings strong social conservative cred. Why get someone who will go toe to toe with Biden on foreign or domestic policy when it would be so much easier to attack him for being a Catholic who hasn't voted to illegalize abortion. At the end of the day, the values voters are their best bet.

I think Mittens is out. They know there's too much primary fodder, plus his being a member of LDS and his flip-flop on abortion.

I think bringing Ridge into the picture is predicated on knocking PA out of the box for the Dems. Biden may have seriously hampered that chance.

Rob Portmans name is in the mix. He's solidify Ohio and tell GOP supporters what they want to hear on taxes and the economy.

Pawlety potentially brings Minnesota over (not likely, but possible). He might also give some vicarious bounce to Norm Coleman (a seat they'd desperately like to hold).

There's another factor. The powers that be in the GOP, who I grant are not known for being defeatist or being shrinking violets, may take stock and do an about face on spending priorities. They may opt to shift RNC money away from McSame, and instead attempt to shore up tight Senate & House races, while going wholeheartedly after the freshman class of 2006 and any other weak dem seats the feel they can pick off.