A crucial test of whether Sen. John McCain can really run the government is coming up in the selection of a running mate for vice president.

The answer to the test may be Mitt Romney. McCain has reportedly narrowed his list of possibilities to the former Massachusetts governor and one or two others. Of the group, Romney could probably help the nation most, in both the short and long term.

He has established himself as a legitimate figure on the national stage, exiting the GOP race with 4 million votes to McCain's 4.7 million and with wins in 11 states. McCain won in 13. That's not to downgrade McCain's showing, but merely to show that Romney had considerable support across the country.

Unlike most politicians, the former venture capitalist actually understands how our system creates wealth. With the economy sputtering, he'd bring valuable expertise. McCain has publicly conceded he doesn't know much about economics.

More important, Romney is a brilliant organizer, as Utah can testify. When the scandal-ridden 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games looked as if they would be a fiasco, he stepped in and is credited with turning everything around.

Romney has drawn a lot of flak, but a look at his supposed shortcomings will clarify his strengths:

• He flip-flops: OK, the man is a politician. As a Republican, he won the governorship of Massachusetts, the bluest of the blue states. It's an asset for someone in the GOP to understand how to do that.

• He downsized companies: And by downsizing he saved a lot of people's jobs. It was better than bankruptcy. McCain could turn this to good advantage. If elected, Romney could go to work downsizing again -- this time trimming that bloated monstrosity we call the federal government.

• He looks too corporate: It's true that his "CEO-ness" can put people off. But voters may not be so worried about that if they think he can help get the economy roaring again.

• He's clashed with McCain: Big deal; everyone's clashed with McCain. Romney and McCain aren't going to be Best Friends Forever; they are, if they win, going to run the country.

• He's a Mormon: So what? The total number of people who really care about that could fit into the ballroom at the Natchez, Miss., Red Roof Inn. Southern evangelicals will hold their noses and vote for the GOP ticket no matter who the vice presidential candidate is.

• Some elements of the GOP dislike him: No one on the planet appeals to all Republicans, because the party is made up of so many factions. A lot of Utah Republicans, for example, don't think much of the RINOs in Washington (Republicans In Name Only).

Are there better contenders? Looking at them only underlines Romney's credentials. Some have touted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin ... oops, never mind. A brouhaha has blown up over whether Palin used her office to try and fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. Palin asserts the charge is false, but it's a reminder that newcomers to the national stage may have weaknesses that haven't been exposed yet.

Another top contender is former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman. Do a Web search for "Portman," and the top listings are for ... Natalie Portman. She's had political experience as Queen Amidala in "Star Wars," and would probably get more votes than the obscure ex-congressman.

Ditto for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, said to be another contender.

The real question is whether McCain can win on his own, with an unknown running mate, or whether a high-profile person like Romney would help. On the campaign trail, Romney showed he could hammer opponents -- generally without turning off voters. One pundit called him "the smiling assassin."

Far more important, however, is the role he could play in a McCain White House. He can combine genuine knowledge about economics with a strong, optimistic presence that could be a boost to the nation's faltering morale.

McCain is not a great organizer. With Romney as "chief operating officer," a McCain White House could be highly effective.

Do you agree?