"If for no other reason than equity, we're getting back to the idea of a balanced ticket," Mr. Ferrer said.

Sparkman was chosen because of his Southern identity and conservative record; party leaders hoped this factor would create a balanced ticket.

"This is a balanced ticket in terms of where the Democratic Party is today, by region and by philosophy."

Political blood gushed in the 1965 mayoral campaign, when ethnically balanced tickets were still commonplace.

That new spirit could have something to do with Princess Mathilde, who is, herself, a balanced ticket.

Running on a so-called balanced ticket, a tradition that fell into disfavor in the early 1960's, "would be helpful," he said.

His 1989 version of the balanced ticket: a Jew, a black and a Hispanic candidate.

We form a pretty balanced Republican ticket ourselves.

Sitting atop of a balanced ticket, Romney can win if he is boring enough.

Such a "balanced ticket" is hardly a rarity in American politics.