The Nation: Again, Connally for Veep?

Whatever the outcome of the epic Ford-Reagan struggle, the No. 2 spot on the ticket appears to be increasingly within the grasp of a talented and tainted Texan who can outdazzle either Republican—and just possibly the Democratic ticket as well. The prospect of John Connally as a candidate for Vice President evokes emotions ranging from outright delight to abject despair, for few politicians engender less neutrality than Connally, the millionaire international lawyer, former Governor and Treasury Secretary whose assets and liabilities are formidable.

The Texas twang that most political antennas are picking up whenever speculation turns to a Veep for Ford or Reagan has these origins:

> As his prospects of winning the presidential nomination ebbed, Ronald Reagan strongly reiterated that he would not accept the vice-presidential nomination "under any circumstances."

> Surveys of Republican delegates showed heavy support for Connally, now 59, as the vice-presidential candidate. A poll by the Associated Press gave Connally 224 votes, Reagan 97 and Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee 93.

> Connally, whose strict neutrality in the Ford-Reagan contest has kept the doors to both camps ajar, coyly allowed that he would consider the vice-presidential nomination if assured of a major role in the Administration.

> Senator Barry Goldwater gave him a boost, saying, "John Connally of Texas is a man that to me knows more about American business, American foreign policy, American defense, and how to get it across to the people than probably any other man in America—including the President."

Hyperbole and polls aside, Connally needs only one vote—that of the presidential nominee. Some confidants of both Ford and Reagan reckon that Connally could be the most electric No. 2 that either man could choose. Reagan's advisers say Connally would be a "very acceptable" running mate. Notes one top aide: "I'd love to see Connally take on Jimmy Carter." White House and Ford committee aides report that Connally support runs especially strong among Reagan backers. Thus Ford could partly mollify the conservative Reagan wing by tapping Connally.

In addition to his legendary campaign skills and mastery of the sulfurous political putdown, Connally could give Ford or Reagan a fighting chance to carry Texas, where the Carter-Mondale ticket now seems well ahead. Connally could also help the Republicans in some Southern states, notably Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.

But Ford advisers have been split over whether the President should select a conservative vice-presidential candidate, the better to attack the liberal Carter-Mondale slate, or whether he should pick a moderate in hope of attracting independent and Democratic voters. Connally, with his ties to Texas oil interests and his wheeler-dealer image, might not have enough appeal beyond the confines of the Republican right.