Seeking to become the oldest first-term president in history, some GOP insiders think John McCain needs to pick a young running mate.

John McCain is currently 71.

It’s unlikely he’ll face health problems, but vice presidents have succeeded dying U.S. presidents eight times, so it’s an unavoidable topic.

Others believe the need for a younger running mate is even more important against Barack Obama, 46, - a quarter-century younger than McCain and the current leader in the race for the Democratic nomination.

McCain said recently that he had thought about the V.P. selection process would work, let alone whom it might select, but added, “We all know that the highest priority is someone who can take your place.”

The choice awaiting McCain has prompted rampant speculation as to who makes his Vice President short list. Many names - familiar and otherwise - have been tossed around, more than a few in their 40s and 50s.

In addition to their youth, there’s an element of relative anonymity that might play better on a McCain-led ticket. Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee all proved polarizing in their failed runs against him.

Here are few faces you might not recognize, but who might be stronger picks for the Republican V.P. nomination than ones you do …

If you’re John McCain, why not team up with a popular governor like Charlie Crist (below right), 51, who is not only a blank slate nationally, but likely to keep Florida in the GOP win column in November?

It could be the best strategy. Avoid collateral damage, get help in a crucial state or with a key group of voters. Other similar picks:

Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota (top right), 47; Gov. Mark Sanford of S.C. (bottom left), 47; and Rob Portman (top left), 52, a former Ohio congressman and director of the Office of Management and Budget.

It’s all conjecture at this point, but don’t be surprised to see these names pop up more as McCain inches closer to the GOP nomination.

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.

Continue reading this article …