This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
President Barack Obama's lead in the polls is increasing. And so is people's dislike of Mitt Romney, even by people who say they'll vote for him.
So, the conservative-moderate Republican candidate for president sees his chances for winning the election slipping, and he goes for a Hail Mary pass to shake things up (or at least mobilize the ultraconservative base). Been there; done that. Remember John McCain and Sarah Palin?
Romney's selection of Wisconsin's Rep. Paul Ryan for his vice presidential candidate is an admission of fear. You don't take a risk and pick a tea partyer like Ryan unless you think your chances of winning are poor.
Still, it just doesn't make sense. Why send the moderate Republican and independent voters running to Obama?
Thom Barron
Salt Lake City