Few were surprised to hear that Washington and Lee’s Mock Convention predicted Mitt Romney to be the Republican nominee. But their hypothesis of Governor Bob McDonnell being his running mate is.
Kail McFarland, Communications Chairwoman of the convention, says they're research shows he'll be Romney's pick.
"He's a great speaker and relates well to crowds. He's known for having a lot of charisma, which is something the Romney campaign could use as well,” said McFarland.
McDonnell spoke at the convention last Friday, and spent much of his speech talking about Mitt Romney.
The research committee considered other candidates that have been mentioned nationally, like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
"Christie might upstage Romney, which is certainly not something the Romney campaign would like,” said McFarland.
They also considered Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio.
"They felt that Rubio just wasn't tested on a national basis yet, and because the Romney campaign is so worried about managing their image. And that might cause them to worry,” said McFarland.
She says they selected McDonnell, because he would potentially bring along southern voters, and battle ground states like Virginia.
McFarland says it is extremely difficult to predict a vice-presidential candidate. Few saw John McCain choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate back in 2008, before the choice was made.
In 2008, the mock convention predicted former Tennessee Senator Harold Ford to be the Democratic vice-presidential candidate choice.
McFarland says they put ten times more focus into predicting the presidential nominee, but they stand by their McDonnell for V.P. pick, with the current political situation.
Of course, a lot can change between now and Election Day.

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