Economic conservatives were Romney's key supporters during his primary loss to McCain, and they would be heartened by his selection. He could also give McCain an important boost in the swing state of Michigan, as well as some much-needed credibility with independent voters on economic issues, a growing battleground in the election. Romney has kept a low profile since withdrawing from the GOP race, but the same weakness that troubled his presidential bid could be a liability: lack of social-conservative credentials and a reputation as a flip-flopper on social issues, which McCain never tired of pointing out during the campaign.
by Massimo Calabresi, with reporting by James Downie/Washington