He is, without exception, the Senate's most formidable intellect on matters bearing on the common defense and foreign affairs.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Senator Wallop shows off his 1992 Keeper of the Flame award.

Now, the process of reviewing and selecting a successor to Justice Souter has been rigorous and comprehensive, not least because of the standard that Justice Souter himself has set with his formidable intellect and fairmindedness and decency.

CNN: Transcript of Obama-Sotomayor announcement

At a minimum, the Senator's formidable intellect and committed conservatism should make him a contender in his own right -- for the position of Secretary of State or Defense in a Republican administration headed by whichever candidate has the good political and policy sense to embrace the Wallop vision and, thereby, to improve his chances of winning the White House.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy