Romney's Likely VP: A Heartbeat From the Presidency, Light Years From Civil Liberties

In less than two months, Mitt Romney will announce his choice for vice president. Based on a new white paper from the ACLU Liberty Watch 2012 campaign, that choice is likely to have abysmal views on civil liberties.

Our white paper, which can be viewed here, explored 11 of the most-often mentioned potential Republican vice presidential choices and examined their views in five key civil liberties categories: a humane immigration policy, LGBT equality, reproductive rights, torture and indefinite detention and fair voting access.

The white paper examined Republicans Rep. Paul Ryan (WI), Sen. Kelly Ayotte (NH), Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), Rep. Rob Portman (OH), Sen. John Thune (SD), Gov. Chris Christie (NJ), Gov. Nikki Haley (SC), Gov. Susana Martinez (NM), Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA), Gov. Bob McDonnell (VA) and former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN).

Most political observers might not be too surprised at the results. The potential candidates almost uniformly share the same anti-civil liberties views across all five categories with few exceptions.

Christie broke with the pack, with his support of same-sex civil unions, although he opposes marriage for those same-sex couples. And Thune voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act reauthorization in 2006.

We also examined Vice President Biden's record and, while he opposes torture and indefinite detention, he continues to embrace President Obama's unconstitutional policies under the Patriot Act.

Civil liberties shouldn't be political or partisan. These issues affect millions in America -- families, immigrants, women, voters and everyone who wants a national security policy that preserves our freedoms while keeping us safe.

Romney and Obama should choose civil liberties in every decision they make, including the one that puts a possible successor in line for the Oval Office.

 

Comments

[eamfl1160]

10:58 PM on 07/09/2012

What's funny is that all those potential vp picks have plans in place for there states versus mitts that after a decade of trying to be president still has not set forth a plan. The mystery man continues..

Not really going to matter anyway majority if Americans can't stand the repub policies anyway. Obama will win!!

[cityman49]

10:44 PM on 07/09/2012

Sarah is available. She's doing nutin' up there in Alaska. Just a sittin' there watching Russia for us.

[Glenn Nelson]

09:46 PM on 07/09/2012

Ah Mitt, come on, let's make this a family affair. Nominate Anne

[AnnieOakley1]

09:19 PM on 07/09/2012

We all, at last, in the end, must play by the same rules or we all will perish in the abyss of political correctness. Rule bending, rule breaking, law breaking, resource draining will ultimately end our wonderful nation as we know it unless and until someone with balls (or ovaries) can stand and lead and say NO MAS..ENOUGH ALREADY...How many IOU chips does the govt still have to give to us in place of our own money they "borrowed?"

[JRTOTT]

09:05 PM on 07/09/2012

Hey Gop where are the Esinhowers, the Rokerfellas, GOP too far to the right.

[Fumeja]

03:13 AM on 07/10/2012

Hey dems, where are the jfk's? "Ask not what your country can do for you", don't hear that on the left anymore.

[Intelligentia]

08:50 PM on 07/09/2012

They will come and go and America will still be standing. Enough of the fear-mongering.

[marbona]

08:44 PM on 07/09/2012

Look what our current heartbeat looks like....Biden. No that's scary!

[Gestas]

08:43 PM on 07/09/2012

Cheney had been Re-Hearted...Nothing could be better for the NeoCons than turning Willard into a War President...

[Fremon]

07:43 PM on 07/09/2012

Romney doesn't have any good choices which shows the bench in the GOP is pretty weak if non existent. Remember during the debates it was said "any one of us (when all eight were on stage) would be better than Obama". So why aren't any of them likely VP choices? Why? Because any of them would help Romney lose even faster than he is doing now. Can you see anyone of them convincing the voters of how good they would be? Just think Palin if you want an example.

[fattbastird]

06:26 PM on 07/09/2012

Romney will choose a Tea Bagger.

[JRTOTT]

09:06 PM on 07/09/2012

Tru the grape vine I heard his VP will be Christain O'donnel

[hess1745]

05:40 PM on 07/09/2012

If you're concerned about voting for civil liberties than you aren't voting for Romney or Obama.

[demisfine]

03:31 PM on 07/09/2012

The most important issue concerning Mitt Romney's VP pick is that it matters not at all who is on the ticket with Mitt.
They, as a team, are destined to lose.

[lcppa17545]

08:50 PM on 07/09/2012

Hello, Mr. Romney and his VP choice are destined to a wonderful win. It is about time we concentrate on what is right, moral and good instead of destroying our country with all of the immoral nonsense of the ACLU.

[blueinannarbor]

10:09 PM on 07/09/2012

Civil liberties are immoral? Wow, just one more reason not to vote for Romney. By the way, what have you got against American values?

[SteveSFM]

12:24 AM on 07/10/2012

What does the ACLU stand for that's "immoral"?

Be specific.

[basshawgnc]

09:07 PM on 07/09/2012

Very doubtful. I don't understand the shroud of denial many liberals seem to be living under at this time.

[demisfine]

09:44 PM on 07/09/2012

How can the GOP vote for a man who has yet to define himself?
You cannot vote for someone on the supposition that they will do better.
Mitt, himself, said he can't tell us what he would do in office, because if he did, he would lose.

[demisfine]

09:08 AM on 07/10/2012

Mitt intends to leave himself a vague blop.
He'll let voters see him as whomever they choose.
He benefits from remaining an undefined candidate.
Voters will see him with rose colored glasses.