Hillary Rodham ClintonThe East Coast Media Elite is tossing around the names of potential running mates on their gal Hillary’s short list of contenders.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s name made the list, Gov. Hickenlooper’s name, did not.

According to the New York Times, Hillary’s vetting team has assembled and are interviewing potential running mates this week.

The contenders most frequently mentioned by her advisers and senior Democrats close to the campaign include Senator Michael Bennet, from the key state of Colorado; Thomas E. Perez, President Obama’s secretary of labor and a Hispanic civil rights lawyer; Representative Xavier Becerra of California; and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both former governors from Virginia. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is a favorite of liberal Democrats, though an all-female ticket is unlikely. All of these candidates have relationships with Mrs. Clinton, and several have appeared with her at campaign events.

The Times, where Bennet’s brother is employed as editorial page editor, also pitched some other names into the ring including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.

Democrats-in-the-know interviewed by the Times say Hillary’s running mate will be one who can “stir up enthusiasm on the campaign trail.” That’s not Bennet.

The Veep should also showcase Hillary’s policy strengths, but not outshine her at events. That is Bennet!

He couldn’t outshine a patch of dirt on a sunny day. This is the Peter Principle at its finest — Bennet is failing his way up the ladder to escape his abysmal poll numbers here at home.

We think the Democrats have their man, and they are welcome to him.