Press Room

Choosing a Vice Presidential running mate is a job best left to number crunchers and strategists. Take 1960 for example - one of the closest elections in American history. Kennedy needed Texas and the Democratic South to beat Nixon, so Lyndon B. Johnson was the logical choice. In '81 George Bush's reputation as a moderate, and roots in Connecticut and Texas helped carry Reagan to victory. And in 2008, McCain chose former Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, eager to attract conservative and women voters.

Traditionally, vice presidential candidates play a bigger role in winning elections than they do in office. Their first priority is to shore up a Presidential candidate's weaknesses, so, their value quickly boils down to their ability to deliver three things: a) one or more key states, b) specific voter demographics - women, ethnic minorities, seniors, union workers, youth vote, independents, moderates and crossover voters, and so on, and, c) raise campaign funds.

Which brings us to the million-dollar question: what does current GOP frontrunner, Donald Trump, need in a running mate?

For starters, we can rule out whether the Vice Presidential candidate has the ability to "raise campaign funds." Trump's raised money all his life and has plenty of his own.

Next up: whether a running mate can "deliver one or more key states." In 2016, a win in Florida nearly clinches the race. After Florida, the swing states of Ohio, North Carolina, Nevada, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Virginia are key. This is the reason Rubio looks attractive. A Trump-Rubio ticket presents a triple threat: Rubio's popularity in Florida among younger Americans, as well as his appeal to Latino and Hispanic voters in Nevada, Colorado, Wisconsin and New Mexico are advantages Trump can't ignore.

But if Rubio represents a triple threat, former governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, is a triple threat squared. Brewer - criticized for taking the hardest stance on illegal immigration in the country – figured out how to get elected in a state where over a third of the voters are Hispanic. Brewer, along with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, developed the blueprint for how to present immigration reform as a benefit to all American voters, including Hispanic communities.

More importantly, Brewer can do what none of her male counterparts can: combat Trump's biggest obstacle to the White House – his low approval rating among women. CNN's latest poll shows that 73 percent of registered female voters view Trump unfavorably. A recent survey by NBC/Wall Street Journal exposes just how deep the problem is: almost half the women in Trump's own party don't see themselves supporting him.

From his attack on news anchor, Megyn Kelly, to his debate comments about Fiorina's appearance, to jabs at Ted Cruz's wife and the recent declaration that women who undergo abortions should be subject to criminal punishment, Donald Trump has succeeded in reminding women of every boss, husband, co-worker and salesman who has said something unfair and hurtful...of every time women couldn't and didn't speak up...of every time they shoved their feelings down and took it. That's something no male running mate can fix.

Speaking on The Costa Report, Brewer acknowledged her real value to Trump, "Even though the woman vote is shaky, I would like to think I could help him with the women's vote... not only as his nominee - his Vice President - but (also) he has great people around him."

And if mending ties with women and Hispanic voters isn't enough, Brewer has a long history in government service and is well regarded by the GOP establishment. Beginning in Arizona's House of Representatives and State Senate, she rose to Secretary of State for Arizona and served two terms as Governor. With decades of governance under her belt, Brewer offsets the experience Trump lacks while offering an opportunity to make peace with the party.

Lastly, Brewer has a secret weapon other running mates don't. Registered Independents make up the largest voting group in the state of Arizona (over 37 percent). You can't win in Arizona without them. And you can't win a national campaign either.

With the GOP convention just around the corner, Trump's number crunchers and strategists are busy narrowing down his short list for a running mate. And while all eyes are on Rubio, Carson, and Kasich – one name rises to the top of the list. Only one running mate can secure the women, Hispanic and Independent vote in one fell swoop, offers a history of successful governance, and a pathway for Trump to gain the support of the GOP establishment. Check, check, check, check and check. From all accounts, the Vice Presidential candidate with the most to contribute to Trump's campaign is the former Governor of Arizona and therefore, seems to be the logical choice. Assuming, of course, campaigns are logical.