VP Rankings Alabama

Over the next few days I will be ranking the possible vp selections for Obama and McCain on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being a possible election winner and 1 being an election ender. Today I will rank the vp possibilities from the state of Alabama.

Alabama Democrats:
Jim Folsom JR: Former Gov and current Lt. Gov, Ranking: 4, Folsom is the son of a popular ex-Alabama Governor, and had a fairly successful term as Governor in the mid 90s, but suffered a defeat for reelection in the GOP year of 1994. Recently Folsom has made a bit of a political comeback, becoming Lt. Governor in 2006. Folsom is a credible choice for Obama, but would not likely help him in the election.
Don Siegelman: Former Gov, Ranking: 1, Siegelman was governor between 1999 and 2003, and was narrowly defeated for reelection in 2002. Since Siegelman left office he has been dogged by a corruption scandal and has served two years in prison, killing any chance he had at the vp spot.
Bud Cramer: Rep Al-5, Ranking: 6, Congressman Cramer has represented a conservative leaning district for the last 18 years. Cramer is a centrist who has also voted against the surge. Cramer is also retiring anyways so his selection would not put another seat up for grabs.
Artur Davis: Rep Al-7, Ranking 3, Davis represents the strongly Democratic, black majority 7th district. Davis is even younger than Obama (40) but was first elected to congress in 2002. Davis has also received praise for his bipartisan work. However the party is unlikely to put two African Americans on the ticket.

Alabama Republicans:
Bob Riley: Gov. of Alabama, Ranking: 7, A southern governor with generally good conservative credentials makes Riley a strong choice for VP. At the beginning of his first term Riley attempted to reform the tax code against the protest of many conservatives in the state. Riley's tax reform failed and many thought Riley had become a lame duck. However Riley has regained much of his lost popularity and he could boot McCain's reformer image while at the same time appeal to social conservatives.
Roy Moore: Former Chief Justice of Alabama Supreme Court: Ranking: 3, Moore is best know for placing a monument of the 10 commandments in the Alabama Supreme court several years back. Moore also attempted a primary challenge to Governor Riley in 2006, but was soundly defeated. Moore would be a desperate pander to the religious right in the unlikely event he is chosen.
Fob James: Former Gov, Ranking: 3, James served as governor of Alabama twice. The first time between 1979 and 1983 and the second time between 1995 and 1999. James has switched parties a few times, but has a strongly conservative record. His age (73) likely takes him out of the vp hunt.
Richard Shelby: Senator and ex Rep, Ranking 4, Senator Shelby was originally elected as a Democrat back in 1986, but switched parties in 1994. In the senate Shelby is a strong conservative on social and military issues, but is moderate in economic issues. Shelby's age (74) makes him an unlikely selection.
Jeff Sessions: Senator, Ranking 5, Sessions has served in the senate since 1997 and has built up one of the most conservative voting records in the Senate. His strong conservative views could help McCain, but his questionable record on race relations could hurt him among other Americans.
Jo Bonner: Rep Al-1, Ranking 5, The strongly conservative Bonner has served since 2003 has received 100 rankings from both the christian coalition and the chamber of commerce. Bonner is a fairly unknown Rep, but is fairly young (48) and has strong conservative voting record, so there is nothing that should disqualify him.
Terry Everett: Rep Al-2, Ranking 2, Conservative but not especially so by deep south standards. Congressman Everett is almost as old as McCain (71) and his mixed record may not rally the conservatives McCain needs.
Mike Rogers: Rep AL-3, Ranking 5, Rogers is generally a reliable conservative who represents a swing district. Rogers is also young (50) at least compared to McCain, and has no big downfalls other than being unknown.
Robert Aderholt: Rep AL-4, Ranking 5, Despite being a relatively unknown Congressman, Aderholt has a number of positives: 1. Strong conservative record 2. Young (42) 3. Has decent experience (first elected in 1996). Because of these strengths Aderholt would be a decent surprise pick.
Spencer Bachus: Rep AL-6, Ranking 4, Bachus has represented Alabama's most conservative district since being elected in 1992. There is nothing however that makes Bachus interesting as a vp pick.