Who's in the Republican Veepstakes?

CONS: Would provide little help in carrying California, the state he represented in Congress. SEC leadership has been criticized by conservatives who favor freer-market approaches.

CONS: Newly installed governor is untested on the national stage. Would face questions about his ability to take over in a crisis.

CONS: Still votes with the Democrats on most issues not connected to the war, and supports abortion rights. Could prompt a conservative revolt. Probably wouldn't help carry his heavily Democratic home state.

CONS: Has never held elected office. Would ensure more than ever that McCain's fate would rest on outcome of Iraq War.

CONS: Minimal national profile or foreign-policy experience.

CONS: Has tangled with home-state Republicans on tax issues, and for pursuing a small-bore agenda. Stayed neutral during most hotly contested portion of primary campaign.

CONS: No experience in elected office. Early and enthusiastic supporter of former rival Mitt Romney.

CONS: Lingered perhaps a few weeks too long in the presidential race, serving as a reminder of conservative discontent with McCain. Light foreign-policy credentials. Mistrusted by fiscal conservatives. Just signed with Fox News Channel as a political commentator, which could leave him out of politics for a while.

CONS: Would complicate efforts for McCain to separate himself from Bush on war policy. Describes herself as "mildly pro-choice." Has shown little interest in pursuing elected office, despite reports that she's lobbying for the job.