When George H.W. Bush, a close friend for more than a quarter century, was nominated for president in 1988, speculation was rampant Simpson would be his vice president. But the Wyoming man knew his pro-choice stand on abortion and support of the fledgling gay-rights movement made a Bush-Simpson ticket out of the question.
Appearing on Meet the Press, Simpson ruled himself out of the veepstakes by saying he would be a liability to the ticket because, "I've had a rather checkered career" having "punched the lights out" of many "sacred cows" in speeches on the floor of the Senate.
But Simpson could also deploy his sense of humor and good nature to help conservative causes. In 1981, he was a major player in securing Senate passage for the bold tax and budget initiatives of President Ronald Reagan. Simpson and Reagan, who both loved horseback riding and cowboy lore, became fast friends.