Richardson Wins Our Dem VP Straw Poll

A week ago Sunday we posted our straw poll to discover your favorite Dem VP candidate, and the results are in. Check below the fold for complete results. Your top choices were Gov. Bill Richardson (21%) and John Edwards (15%), with Hillary Clinton and Gen. Wesley Clark tied for third with 11% each. VA Senator Jim Webb finished a close fourth with 10%. Trailing the field and getting zero votes were former Senator Sam Nunn, GOP Senator Chuck Hagel and VA Gov. Tim Kaine.

According to an article in the Virginia Pilot, Sen. Webb is getting significant online buzz, second only to Hillary. "A Google news search last week for "Jim Webb and running mate," produced 1,717 hits. A "Jim Webb and vice president" query brought 2,413 responses. Webb's totals eclipsed those of every other Democratic prospect, save Clinton, a special case thanks to her quest for the top spot and status as a former first lady."

Meanwhile, talk seems to have dissipated about a VP slot for Richardson, and his recent international travels indicate he might be more interested in become Secretary of State in an Obama administration. In recent weeks Richardson has been negotiating deals and meeting leaders in places like Mexico, Israel, Germany and Spain. Pressures on Obama to pick Hillary to fill out a "unity ticket" also appear to be waning given the problems inherent in having Bill Clinton looking over Barack's shoulder.

Former NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark's name is getting mentioned more frequently, and he seems to have genuine interest in becoming VP. He's been out and about in the media showing off his credentials and ability to go after McCain in a tough and credible manner.

Lots of leaking has also been going on of other possible VPs with military experience, including former Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Tony McPeak; Maj. Gen. Scott Gration, who has advised Obama on military matters; Richard Danzig, Secretary of the Navy under Clinton; former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hugh Shelton; former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. James Jones; and retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, who's a former CENTCOM Commander and was an early opponent of the Iraq invasion.

Former VA Gov. Mark Warner recently he's not interested in the VP slot, and that he fully intends to continue his run for U.S. Senate instead. John Edwards doesn't seem very excited about running as VP again and has essentially said he doesn't want the role, although he later said he'd take it if Obama insisted. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has withdrawn his name from consideration.

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