Tom Ridge

I know the history of the Reagan administration quite well. The '80's was when I first began to develop an awareness of political and world events. Though admittedly, it was very elementary at that point, it was a foundation that I have built on in the subsequent two decades.

Nonetheless, I did not know until a few minutes ago that Tom Ridge (former Homeland Security Chief and former PA governor, now on McCain's VP short list), as a U.S. Congressman in the '80's:

1) Opposed Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative
2) Was an advocate of the nuclear freeze movement
3) Opposed arming the Nicaraguan contras

First things first: had it not been for Rush Limbaugh's show, I likely would never have learned this. This is a great example of why I listen, for historical gems such as this that few other people remember or care to recall, in any event.

But, back to Ridge; we all know he is also pro-choice, avowedly so. Clearly, a different type of Republican used to get elected in the late '70's and early '80's than could today.

Michael Lind from Salon.com had an interesting piece about the regionalization of the parties and the realignment that has occurred in this realm with both Democrats and Republicans. The short version is that this has led to the dominance of the Democrats on the East and West Coasts (where many Republicans used to come from) and the Republicans unfailingly sweep the South and most of Middle America.

Pennsylvania and Virginia are anomalies in this regard, though; maybe that explains Tom Ridge partially anyway?

I don't understand, either, what is drawing McCain to Ridge. If he chooses him, he gains nothing that Joe Lieberman wouldn't bring to the ticket and probably loses all the voters he would lose if he chose Lieberman (I stole this concept from Rich Lowry's column this morning).

I know McCain and Ridge are longtime buds, but if McCain chooses a VP just for old time's sake, doesn't he run the additional danger of the same cronyism accusations that Bush has endured for 8 years?