June 9, 2008 McCain's short list of running mates Play video

(Alison King, NECN: Bedford, NH) - He used to tout his own credentials as a republican presidential candidate, but these days, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is campaigning for others.

Huckabee was in New Hampshire stumping for congressional candidate Bob Clegg, and always for the presumed presidential nominee, John McCain.

Huckabee’s name often comes up on the short list of McCain’s Vice Presidential possibilities and Huckabee says he would be honored to have the job.

Huckabee: “I've been on the national stage, I've been thoroughly vetted in the process so it's not like I'd be the deer in the headlights.”

Most political analysts will tell you, Vice Presidential nominees don't usually have a big impact on who wins the election, but in an extremely close race, as this may be, a strategically picked running mate could give a candidate the edge.

New Hampshire GOP chairman Fergus Cullen says current V.P Dick Cheney has redefined what the role of vice president can be: not just a figurehead but fully engaged, wielding significant influence.

Many feel Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor with decades of business experience would make a good complement to McCain the foreign policy expert.

Fergus Cullen: “Having someone with real business experience, real practical economic experience is a real plus if that person is then given some license and room to run and is actually an active member of the administration.”

Cullen

Jindal and Romney spent Memorial Day weekend at McCain’s ranch with two other potential contenders: Governor Charlie Crist from the key swing state of Florida and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, like Huckabee a Christian conservative.

Huckabee: “I'm going to help him no matter who he picks for the V.P. Slot and frankly, I'm just concerned for my country and I want him to win.”

There are many other names that have been tossed around:
In the end, the decision belongs to John McCain -- it is the first major decision he will make as the presumed nominee and possible future president.

NECN’s Alison King reports.