by Mitt Romney’s departure from the field has generated talk of other
Romney-like candidates who might enter the fray. Former New York governor
George Pataki’s name is now in the mix. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez – not so
much.
But the case can certainly be made that, with the GOP’s
wise decision to focus on governors, Martinez should be under consideration,
even if she has made no effort to promote herself as a potential nominee.
running mate, in part because of her gender, her Hispanic heritage and her
popularity in a Purple State. Republican activist Dennis Lennox argues in a column this week on The Detroit News blogs that Martinez could be the GOP’s
best chance for a standardbearer who can stand toe-to-toe with likely
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“Just whom Romney had in mind (as a newcomer nominee) is
unknown, though a betting man would be
wise to place money on Susana Martinez, the governor of New Mexico.
“She is arguably the GOP’s best-kept secret — especially considering
Obama’s heir presumptive is Hillary Clinton, the erstwhile secretary
of state, senator and first lady.
“With Clinton as the Democratic nominee it would be
ludicrous to think
women wouldn’t come out in record numbers to shatter the proverbial
glass ceiling, just as black Americans did to elect and re-elect the
first black president.
“The only way Republicans can neutralize this advantage is by running a
woman. Not just any woman, but the best woman.”
The problem is being governor of New Mexico is kind of like being mayor of a big city. It's such a small state that I doubt she has the expertise needed to go from governor to president.