Republican VP Nominees

For all the excitement about Sarah Palin’s family and political experience, she suddenly has become of the highest-profile vice presidential candidates in recent U.S. history.

Will she be a big help for John McCain, or will the choice prove to be ill-considered? It’s probably too early to tell.

If you’re looking to see what kind of impact a running mate can have on a race, however, consider the list of Republican nominees for the post over the last 40 years, a period in which the GOP won the White House seven of 10 times.

2004 — Dick Cheney (W)

2000 — Dick Cheney (W)

1996 — Jack Kemp (L)

1992 — Dan Quayle (L)

1988 — Dan Quayle (W)

1984 — George H.W. Bush (W)

1980 — George H.W. Bush (W)

1976 — Bob Dole (L)

1972 — Spiro Agnew (W)

1968 — Spiro Agnew (W)