I believe the challanges of the next president will be overwhelming.  I have observed the hashing about whether McCain is conservative enough to run, and it seems to me he has to prove to some he is conservative enough, only to have to prove to others in the general election he is able to reach accross party lines to independents and democrats to get Washington out of gridlock.  Washington MUST come together to solve our problems, because they will soon overwhelm us.

Watching the debates, it seem to me that everyone running has a particular strength which could be used in the cabinet.  Rudy G. would be good at Homeland Security.  Ron Paul (While not very popular, he has a very loyal following) would be good as Economic Advisor, he really seems to know economics.  Maybe we could get Colin Powel to rejoin the political scene as Secretary of Defense.  Mitt Romney would be good as Health and Welfare Secretary, and he should be charged with coming up with a plan to have healthcare cover as many people as possible with the goal of reducing the burden on employers who are leaving us due to the cost of healthcare. This would also include controling cost.  I noticed he said 80% of our budget went to entitlements, and he believed these should be reigned in. This job would give him the perfect chance.  If republicans can see that some sort of universal healthcare is necessary for our economic security, it might be possible to get them behind it.  Only Mitt could pull this off, and it would take the sting out of the democrats lead in this field.

I believe Ruth Dole should be offered education, if not her, than perhaps Mike H., as governers often have to deal with this in a lot of their jobs.  He should be tasked with reforming "No child left behind," which critics say causes many problems. (That is provided he is not VP)  I also favor Colin Powel as VP, I believe he is still respected in the world.  Fred Thompson has great name and face recognition, and he is strong on security.  He would be a good Secretary of State or National Security.   

We must find a good energy secretary, who is able to bridge both the need for oil drilling and refinery development in this country, but also, to seriously develop alternative fuels.  This is how we make American jobs.  It is also how we get China and India to join a treaty to limit global warming.  We promise to trade our technology for clean cole and other green technology in return for them joining the treaty.  And again, American jobs would be created from both these fields. 

If a VP was named early, and a potential cabinet, they could get their policies out for the American public to see soon enough for the voters to realize the republicans are not going to offer "more of the same."  Instead, we offer a reformed party, ready for the challanges which meet us today, and tomorrow.  Republicans cannot be seen as being only the party of the past, while the democrats speak only of the future.

I hope this helps America.

Rebecca