Republicans should be careful what they ask for. The 3 R's; Rice, Rubio and Ryan are all glorified demagogues. If we want someone with a backbone and fire in their belly think Paul or Christie. I'd probably be willing to compromise on Pawlenty. But that's just b/c I'm not fully convinced he's like the 3 R's yet.
So now you think Rice would be a bad idea?
Actually, anyone who Republicans would actually be excited about would just serve to remind them that the GOP Establishment shoved Romney down their throats when they would have rather had anyone else.
Pawlenty and Portman would probably be the safest choices. They don't outshine, they'd do an okay job if Romney got sent to the Celestial Heaven to rule his own planet, they won't "Go Rogue" and persue their own agenda.
Pawlenty would be the best pick. He handles himself well in interviews, and won't screw it up.
But the Veep pick won't make a difference.
Romney will lose because he's Romney. Evil Corporate Vampire with a weird religion.