I’m convinced Mitt needs to make this a “big issues” election. And the best way to do that is to pick the best voice “we” have for arguing our side of the big issues: Congressman Ryan.  Mitt may well be able to eke out a victory with someone safe like Pawlenty (or Portman), but it will likely be too close for comfort, and any little thing could derail the campaign.
I know Ryan brings with him the Ryan plan and the threat of demagoguing.  But hundreds of millions in the bank give us our own megaphone.  And we’re right on the issues so we should welcome the fight.  (Not to mention the benefit of winning a mandate by running a substantive campaign.)
You know that there are few more loyal backers of Mitt than I.  And I will enthusiastically do whatever I can to get him elected, whomever he picks, because I truly believe he has the unique skill set this country needs in 2012 — the ability to analyze and turnaround institutions (like the federal government) badly in need of repair, married to impeccable integrity, intelligence and achievement.
But it sure would be easier if we made this a big campaign.