The Indiana governor is up there with Rep. Paul Ryan and Gov. Chris Christie in the pantheon of politicians whom some in the Republican establishment begged to run this year. Governor Daniels said no. Might he feel differently about the vice-presidential spot? It’s not clear. Still, Daniels is a moderate Republican with a solid national reputation and good budget management/deficit-cutting credentials.

Nam Y. Huh/AP
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels talks with residents in Marysville, Ind., on March 3 after massive thunderstorms and tornadoes crushed blocks of homes, leaving large piles of debris.