McCain expected to announce running mate Friday

Thursday, August 28, 2008

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Sen. John McCain is expected to announce his running mate today.

Sen. John McCain is expected to announce his running mate Friday in Ohio.

(Bay News 9) -- With the Republican National Convention just days away, presidential candidate Sen. John McCain is preparing to introduce his running mate to the public.

Speculation about the possible choices is running rampant, with several names tossed around as likely candidates. Sen. McCain is expected to put the speculation to rest in the next two days.

Bay News 9 political analyst Gov. Bob Martinez said he thinks six politicians from around the United States are at the top of McCain's list. Among the six, he said he thinks Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the front runner.

"He understands the domestic economy," Martinez said. "He's extremely good at something where McCain is looking for some help, and he has ability to raise money."

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Martinez said he thinks Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is running close behind Romney

"He's articulate, he can be aggressive when needed to be and of course he's from a part of the country where Republicans typically have a hard time winning the states," he said.

Former secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and longtime ally senator Joe Lieberman have also been named as possibilities. However, Martinez said he thinks Lieberman's status as an independent makes him less attractive to conservative Republicans.

Current Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is also on the list, which, Martinez said, is because McCain needs Florida to win the presidential election.

"There's no doubt the popularity Charlie Crist has would be a great asset to John McCain," Martinez said.

Possible vice-presidential selections include Tom Ridge (top left), Joe Lieberman (top center), Mitt Romney (top right), Charlie Crist (bottom left), Tim Pawlenty (bottom center) and Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

He said that, if chosen, Gov. Crist would not have to resign as governor while he campaigned. A new law allows local and state officials to run for federal office without giving up their current positions. The governor would only have to resign if elected.

A senior campaign staffer for McCain said the senator will notify his choice today, three days prior to Monday's start to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The convention will feature speeches by President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, as well as Vice President Dick Cheney and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

McCain plans to start campaigning with his running mate the weekend before the convention, with plans for three big rallies in the battleground stats of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri.