Decision 2012: Handicapping the 2012 GOP "Veepstakes"

Now that Mitt Romney has all but wrapped up the race for the Republican presidential nomination, speculation is heating up over who he will pick as his running mate. Among the most mentioned vice-presidential contenders are Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman. Both men represent swing states that are vital to winning the general election in November.

Class discussion: Find news reports and analysis about the importance of selecting the right vice-presidential candidate. How did Republican John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin impact the last presidential election? How much can a running mate help or hurt a candidate? How many times in U.S. history have vice presidents replaced presidents? How many of those vice presidents were later elected to the presidency?