Sonny Perdue for vice president?

It seems Perdue's name is popping up on some lists for VP. This reminds me a lot of an article I wrote last year when his name was being bantered about for president. Here it is, again:



Is presidential campaign on 'Sonny-do' list?

Gov. Sonny Perdue may be looking to move into the White House.

While Perdue hasn’t formed an exploratory committee or publicly expressed interest, online forums and Perdue supporters are starting a buzz.

“I think he would make a great president,” said Donna Wright of Morrow. “I voted for him because of what he has done in Georgia and I am sure he can do the same things for the nation.”

Chris Schrimpf, a spokesperson for Perdue, said, “Right now he is just focused on his second term as governor and doing what is best for Georgia.”

But Perdue’s midterm victory was one of the few bright spots for the Republican party across the nation. While the GOP lost control of Congress, Purdue beat his Democratic opponent with almost 60 percent of the vote. And while Republicans struggled nationwide, they did well in Georgia and picked up both the lieutenant governor’s and Secretary of State’s offices with Perdue at the top of the ticket.

Also, as a veteran, foster parent and former walk-on quarterback at the University of Georgia, Purdue might appeal to many voters.

“I wasn’t surprised that he was reelected,” said Chris Esmay of Riverdale. “He is very popular. Beating him would be a tough task for anyone.”

Charles Bullock, a political science professor at UGA, said he would be surprised if Purdue attempted to run in the Republican primary.

“He hasn’t given any indication that he would run,” said Bullock. “If he is going to do something, he needs to begin right now.”

Bullock said Perdue currently has little name recognition nationally and would have to make a major change quickly for him to be a serious contender.

However, Bullock acknowledged Purdue’s recent reelection and ties to the south have served as fuel to presidential talks.