Sen. John McCain is headed for the nomination of his party, and there’s a lot talk as to who might join him on the Republican ticket.

Below are some of the potential Republican V.P. candidates bandied about so far and After W’s decidedly unscientific analysis of each.

At this early stage, we won’t try to handicap favorites, and it’s not a Vice Presidential short list but a rather a long list to spur debate.

If we left off any potential John McCain running mates, or you would like to voice your opinion on any, please leave a comment and share.

THE INSIDERS

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Would bring gender and racial balance to the ticket, but also closely linked to George W. Bush.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Ditto. Minus the gender part.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: Likable, successful guy from a crucial state, but this is not the year to run on that surname.

Former Homeland Security Secretary and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge: A well-respected post-9/11 figure, and close to McCain, but a moderate.

How would a John McCain / Condoleeza Rice ticket fare in November?

THE CONQUERED

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: A catch-22 of sorts in that Mike Huckabee is popular with social conservatives, but also not popular with many in the GOP for firing up said conservatives against McCain.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: A lot going for him, but also a lot of baggage. Namely, the fact that John McCain is not a fan.

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson: Would have been a better selection if not for his own “candidacy” this winter. Not because conservatives dislike Fred, but because he didn’t really seem to give a $h!t about running.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: The anti-Barack Obama, he may actually be less appealing the more you get to know him.

THE GOVERNORS

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford: The young governor and Southerner draws support from both fiscal and social conservatives. Imagine that!

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: The 36-year-old Indian-American is a rising star in the GOP, but likely too new and inexperienced right now.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist: Extremely popular and delivered a key endorsement in a big, big state for both parties in November.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue: Another popular Southern governor. Yawn.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: Upside - only 48, he’s won two terms in a Midwestern swing state. Downside … who?

FELLOW SENATORS

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn: Would be a nice pick to appease social conservatives, and may hate pork-barrel spending as much as McCain.

North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr: Took over John Edwards’ seat, is regarded well within GOP, and is a descendant of Aaron Burr, who was a vice president! Of course, Aaron Burr also shot and killed someone…

Florida Sen. Mel Martinez: Would help with the Hispanic vote, and to win Florida, but the anti-immigration peeps wouldn’t love it.

Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: A popular, conservative, female from Texas will be talked about, particularly against Hillary Clinton. But is her support of abortion rights and stem cell research a deal-breaker?

South Dakota Sen. John Thune: Rising star knocked off Tom Daschle in 2004, and is only 47. GOP probably has S.D. locked up, though.

WILD CARDS

Steve Forbes: An outsider in a year of change, the Forbes CEO’s business acumen is unparalleled. Made a presidential bid of his own in 1996.

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman: He supports McCain’s Iraq stand and endorsed him already. A McCain-Lieberman ticket would represent bipartisan unity and appeal to many. A long shot, though, being a Democrat.

Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel: Anti-war Republican might be better suited to run with Michael Bloomberg… or Barack Obama.