At left is your very own Veep-stakes bingo card (print and collect the entire set) as Barack Obama and John McCain play that time-tested game of finding someone who will bring them victory in 1-4 key swing states and then can be ignored for 8-years because they are willing to step into the background. Haven’t had enough of the VP running the show and directing his Presidential minion into all things bad via his secret earpiece? Imagine how life would be if Hillary were in the background?

Traditionally the choice of a Vice Presidential candidate newscycle lasts for the two-weeks after the announcement period, the smiling party unity photo-op on the convention podium and the Vice Presidential debate. The 2nd place spot has always been relegated to also-ran status with any time both candidates found in the same city meaning the campaign is in trouble.

But in this election year where down is up and the possibility exists the second spot could go to Hillary (and Bill)… are they likely to be comfortable sitting in the background? The list of Democrat front runners is as impressive as it is eclectic. Time, CNN, FOX, MSNBC and others are now endlessly speculating on this list of front runners (including as of late yesterday) John Kerry?:

Evan Bayh of Indiana: What he lacks in charisma, the telegenic Bayh makes up for in national security credentials, having served on both armed services and intelligence committees in the Senate. His Dad Birch was a party icon in the Senate and the party does like its familial dynasties.

Joseph Biden: A six-term senator who heads the Foreign Relations Committee, Biden could offer the heavyweight foreign policy experience that Obama is often accused of lacking. But at 65, and seen as part of the U.S. political furniture, would he undermine Obama’s message of change?

Michael Bloomberg: Since ruling out his own independent bid for presidency, the mayor of New York has been seen as a potential running mate for both Obama and McCain. For Obama, the media tycoon and former Republican would help mitigate the Democrat’s problem with Jewish voters brought on by rumors that he is a Muslim but do little to attract the white, working-class vote. A very independent Republican he has great bipartisan success in the city.

Wesley Clark: This former NATO commander, who failed in his bid for the 2004 presidential nomination, was seen as a staunch Hillary Clinton supporter, a fact that could help unite the party. But the 63-year-old’s tough reputation as a no-nonsense soldier is unlikely to win much backing among party activists.

Hillary Clinton: Although the “dream ticket” of an Obama-Clinton campaign could help harness Clinton’s power base of women and white working-class Democrats, the prospect of uniting the two rivals has won mixed support. A non-scientific CNN.com poll said 60 percent of people were not in favor of the move.

Chris Dodd: A long-serving senator with solid foreign policy credentials who was considered as a running mate for John Kerry’s failed presidential bid in 2004, Dodd presents the same problems as Biden.

Charles Hagel: A close friend of fellow Republican John McCain, Obama’s general election rival, Hagel’s strong anti-war in Iraq stance has generated cross-party appeal, and though an unlikely choice, he could be seen as the man to attract wavering Republican voters.

Ed Rendell: As an outspoken Clinton supporter, Rendell could rally support for Obama, and as governor of swing state Pennsylvania, he could help secure key votes, but his popularity is limited outside Philadelphia.

Bill Richardson: The New Mexico governor, who identifies himself as Hispanic, could help sway the burgeoning Latino vote in addition to lending heavyweight foreign policy credentials as a former United Nations ambassador.

Kathleen Sebelius: The two-term governor of mainly Republican Kansas, Sebelius has proven cross-party support, but the rising Democratic star lacks a national profile.

Jim Webb: Another rising star, straight-talking Webb has dismissed his vice presidential prospects, but his appeal as a Vietnam veteran and successful novelist are clear. Webb’s bluntness, however, led one commentator to label him an “unguided missile.” Indeed some are saying anyone but Webb.

And then there are the big party name candidates… former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle, a strong guiding hand (although Hillary won in SD), former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards who is still saying “been there, done that, not interested,” Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, unknown in the national scene but could deliver a key swing state, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill or Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, some say he MUST appoint a woman to heal the Hillary rift, former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn who has impeccable defence and national security cred but also is a bit of an age drag and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a rising star in the party and can he deliver his own state, even though he has said many times today he is not interested?

The betting windows are now open, odds will be posted shortly.