" This was the case when George W. Bush was Governor of Texas . His first lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, was a Democrat. In cases like this, the governor and lieutenant governor are not considered running mates because they are not elected on the same ticket. Running mates are often chosen to balance the ticket. That is to create more widespread appeal for a ticket by expanding it appeal across geographic or ideological lines. This was especially true in presidential elections before the American Civil War when northern candidates were often paired with southern candidates and visa-versa. America Race Walking Athletes Electoral votes also play a part in modern presidential running mate selection. Vice-Presidential candidates are often from populous states with a large number of electoral votes that may be swayed by having a favorite son on the ticket. "