Herman Cain as Romney's Vice President

What would you think of a Romney-Cain Republican ticket?

Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown is the first I have seen to propose the idea, and I think he may be on to something.

Consider the benefits for Republicans.

• In these tough economic times, Republicans could tout a ticket with not one, but two "job-creating" businessmen.
• As a newcomer to presidential politics, Cain brings a different energy and a Washington outsider edge to the ticket in a very anti-incumbent political environment.
• Cain's presence on the ticket would help Romney solidify support from the conservative wing of the Republican party.
• As an African-American, Cain may be able to siphon enough of the traditionally Democratic black vote to give the Republicans an edge.

While it's far too early for any candidate to concede that he or she is interested in the number two spot, if I were a Republican party leader, I would plant the seed now, water the hell out of it, and get the back room negotiations going posthaste.