With the 2012 political cycle coming to fruition, it is all but certain that Mitt Romney will be the Republican ticket for this November’s presidential election. Ron Paul is hundreds of electorates behind Romney and his campaign is slowly coming to an end. Since last fall when Republican candidates started vying for donations and a share of the national spotlight, we have witnessed presidential candidates come and go like ripe tomatoes.

Tim Pawlenty was in and out in a heartbeat, Herman Cain gained huge momentum until harassment allegations derailed his campaign, Jon Huntsman appealed to many independent voters just not Republican voters, Michelle Bachman was inactive in debates, Rick Perry reminded too many people of our last president, and Newt Gingrich was very experienced and had a very strong economic policy, but was considered too conservative by the general public.

That leaves us with Mitt Romney and that huge question mark as he attempts to fight that uphill battle of defeating incumbent President Barack Obama. Reuters Poll, Harris Poll, and other election projections polls all have Obama winning by a wide margin, but smaller than 2008. However, battle ground states such as Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, Ohio, and Iowa could propel Mitt Romney to victory if he wins at least four out of those five (with Florida and Ohio being must-win states).

Any of the voters in those states could be swayed in November depending on job creation between now and then, gas prices, and the Vice-presidential candidate selection. In 2008, John McCain selected a wildcard pick Sarah Palin to be his running mate. His selection at the time was considered to be a smart and decisive move. For a brief time he shot ahead in the polls, but that soon died out. Palin’s lack of experience and poorly chosen words in the national spotlight ruined her public image and even more importantly McCain’s campaign.

This is exactly why Romney’s selection will be all that decisive. The front-runners include Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan, and Mitch Daniels. All would be considered “safe picks” by the media with each bringing their own strengths to his campaign. However, although highly unlikely, Mike Huckabee and possibly a presidential drop out could enter the race. Huckabee though appeals mainly to social conservatives and all but Jon Huntsman of the past candidates aren’t popular among the independents and moderates. Which leaves us with the big three.

Marco Rubio, the freshman Florida Senator, is a young and rising voice in the Republican Party. He is of Cuban descent and is well liked both on the state and national level, as he is an economic conservative and only slightly leaning conservative on social issues. For a Republican to be elected, Romney needs to focus his campaign on the economic troubles of our country and repealing ObamaCare. Rubio, if selected, could appeal to many swing voters and would likely give Romney that extra push to win Florida and all its electorates.

Paul Ryan, a representative for Wisconsin, is an experienced congressman who is currently the chairman of the House Budget committee and is the Republican leading voice on conservative economic policy. He introduced “The Path to Prosperity”, an alternative budget plan intended to cut federal spending, lower taxes, lower the federal deficit, and repeal ObamaCare. Although Ryan was very quick to endorse Romney I believe he won’t be selected simply because he has a high standing on capital hill and is likely to run for president in 2016.

Finally, Mitch Daniels is the current governor of Indiana. Like Rubio, he is from a state that Obama won in 2008 that could easily be won by either party. He is a moderate Republican and brings along that Midwest image that Romney wants to win-over come November.

In conclusion, Marco Rubio would be the best pick for vice presidential candidate considering that he appeals more to the younger voters than Joe Biden, he could help Romney carry a larger Hispanic population in battle ground states, and is a new congressman who wasn’t present for the Bush administration and therefore carriers no baggage.