The Next Quayle?

The next major step for Bush and Gore will be to choose running mates. Traditionally, running mates are chosen in order to shore up a candidate's weaknesses, thus broadening his appeal to those voters who might otherwise not support him.

Potential running mates from large states have an advantage, as they help candidates win their states' important electoral votes.

For this reason, Gore, solidly entrenched with moderate Democrats, might choose a more liberal running mate. Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Bob Graham (D-Fla.) have been mentioned as top candidates, although both are not much more liberal than Gore. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) would help bring the country's biggest electoral prize to Gore.

Bush faces a more interesting choice. Although he could stick with a solid conservative, Bush may decide to appeal to moderate voters and pick a pro-choice running mate. Popular state governors Tom Ridge '70 (R-Pa.) and Christine Todd Whitman (R-N.J.) both support abortion rights.

Whitman, along with running-mate possibility Elizabeth Dole, might win over women voters, who tend not to support the Republican Party.

Recently, Christian right leader Jerry Falwell said he would endorse Bush even if the candidate chose a pro-choice candidate.

Still, all speculations on the candidates' running mates are relatively premature. Few expected 1996 Republican nominee Bob Dole to pick Jack Kemp as his running mate. Even fewer thought President Clinton would pick fellow southerner Gore.