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Who will be on McCain's ticket? Who will be on McCain's ticket?
(3 days later)
Senator John McCain is expected to be confirmed as the Republican candidate for the US presidency at the party's convention in September.Senator John McCain is expected to be confirmed as the Republican candidate for the US presidency at the party's convention in September.
Before then, he will need to choose a running mate, who will become his vice-president, if the pair win the election.Before then, he will need to choose a running mate, who will become his vice-president, if the pair win the election.
The BBC News website takes a look at who is in the frame for the job.The BBC News website takes a look at who is in the frame for the job.
CHARLIE CRISTCHARLIE CRIST
The popular Florida Governor may well have tipped the balance for Mr McCain when he endorsed him ahead of his state's crucial primary earlier this year.The popular Florida Governor may well have tipped the balance for Mr McCain when he endorsed him ahead of his state's crucial primary earlier this year.
Born: 24 July 1956Status: Governor of FloridaAdvantage: From a battleground stateDisadvantage: Liberal on some social issuesBorn: 24 July 1956Status: Governor of FloridaAdvantage: From a battleground stateDisadvantage: Liberal on some social issues
He is young enough to complement Mr McCain, and he could help to ensure that the swing state of Florida stays in the Republican column in November.He is young enough to complement Mr McCain, and he could help to ensure that the swing state of Florida stays in the Republican column in November.
He believes in low taxes and small government, which could help Mr McCain win votes among fiscal conservatives, but has relatively liberal views civil unions and stem cell research.He believes in low taxes and small government, which could help Mr McCain win votes among fiscal conservatives, but has relatively liberal views civil unions and stem cell research.
On 3 July, Mr Crist announced his intention to marry for a second time, scotching speculation about his sexual orientation.On 3 July, Mr Crist announced his intention to marry for a second time, scotching speculation about his sexual orientation.
Mr McCain has refused to say whether he is considering Mr Crist as a running mate, but has said "there are many ways for him to serve the country".Mr McCain has refused to say whether he is considering Mr Crist as a running mate, but has said "there are many ways for him to serve the country".
HALEY BARBOUR TOM RIDGE
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is a Republican activist to his fingertips. He left college for a year to work on Richard Nixon's 1968 campaign, ran Gerald Ford's campaign in the south-east in 1976 and worked on John Connolly's unsuccessful campaign in 1980. On paper, Tom Ridge would appear to tick every running-mate box for John McCain.
Born: 22 October 1947Status: Governor of MississippiAdvantage: Well connected in the Republican PartyDisadvantage: From a safe Republican state Born: 22 October 1947Status: Former Homeland Security Secretary and Governor of PennsylvaniaAdvantage: Security credentials and swing state connectionsDisadvantage: Pro-choice views unpopular with base
Ronald Reagan made him White House political director in 1985. He then went on to form a lobby group and served two terms as chairman of the Republican National Committee. As a former Homeland Security Secretary, he has strong anti-terrorism credentials.
Elected governor of Mississippi in 2003, Mr Barbour earned considerable acclaim for his handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - 47 of the state's 82 counties were declared disaster areas. And as a former governor of Pennsylvania, he would give Mr McCain a shot at winning a key swing state.
His conservative credentials and connections with the Washington elite would make him a popular pick with Republican activists, but he would add little to Mr McCain's prospects in the battleground states - Mississippi is one of the safest Republican states in the country. Perhaps most importantly, he and Mr McCain share a close personal bond.
But Mr Ridge's pro-choice views have made him unpopular with the Republican base - which already has its doubts about Mr McCain himself.
So the Arizona senator is likely to be obliged by his party activists to pick a pro-life running-mate - which would rule Mr Ridge out of the running.
MARK SANFORDMARK SANFORD
The South Carolina governor was a loyal McCain supporter when the Arizona senator ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2000.The South Carolina governor was a loyal McCain supporter when the Arizona senator ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2000.
Born: 28 May 1960Status: Governor of South CarolinaAdvantage: Popular with conservativesDisadvantage: Late to endorse Mr McCainBorn: 28 May 1960Status: Governor of South CarolinaAdvantage: Popular with conservativesDisadvantage: Late to endorse Mr McCain
But this year he only endorsed Mr McCain after he had secured the nomination, which considerably reduces his chances of being named as running mate.But this year he only endorsed Mr McCain after he had secured the nomination, which considerably reduces his chances of being named as running mate.
Like Mr McCain he has voted against spending increases, even when doing so might win votes, which makes him popular with conservatives.Like Mr McCain he has voted against spending increases, even when doing so might win votes, which makes him popular with conservatives.
He has said there are two ways to improve standards of living - through brain power and intelligence. By coincidence, these are two qualities Mr McCain says he would like to see in a vice-president.He has said there are two ways to improve standards of living - through brain power and intelligence. By coincidence, these are two qualities Mr McCain says he would like to see in a vice-president.
He spent three terms in Congress before defeating an incumbent Democrat for the governorship in 2002. However, in presidential elections South Carolina is a safe Republican state.He spent three terms in Congress before defeating an incumbent Democrat for the governorship in 2002. However, in presidential elections South Carolina is a safe Republican state.
TIM PAWLENTYTIM PAWLENTY
Minnesota could be a key election battleground, and the state's popular governor, Tim Pawlenty, is seen as one of the hot favourites for Mr McCain's running-mate.Minnesota could be a key election battleground, and the state's popular governor, Tim Pawlenty, is seen as one of the hot favourites for Mr McCain's running-mate.
Born: 27 November 1960Status: Governor of MinnesotaAdvantage: Solid conservative credentialsDisadvantage: May not be able to deliver MinnesotaBorn: 27 November 1960Status: Governor of MinnesotaAdvantage: Solid conservative credentialsDisadvantage: May not be able to deliver Minnesota
Mr Pawlenty endorsed the Arizona senator back in 2006 and is now national co-chairman of his campaign.Mr Pawlenty endorsed the Arizona senator back in 2006 and is now national co-chairman of his campaign.
Like governors Crist, Sanford and Barbour, Mr Pawlenty is more conservative than Mr McCain, and at only 47, he also has youth on his side.Like governors Crist, Sanford and Barbour, Mr Pawlenty is more conservative than Mr McCain, and at only 47, he also has youth on his side.
He is in his second term as governor, having taken over from Reform Party member and former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura. He is also chairman of the National Governors Association.He is in his second term as governor, having taken over from Reform Party member and former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura. He is also chairman of the National Governors Association.
In 2004, Minnesota only narrowly voted for Democrat John Kerry, and it features on most lists of swing states in 2008. However, some analysts predict that the state could vote Democrat again, even if Mr McCain does choose Mr Pawlenty as his running mate.In 2004, Minnesota only narrowly voted for Democrat John Kerry, and it features on most lists of swing states in 2008. However, some analysts predict that the state could vote Democrat again, even if Mr McCain does choose Mr Pawlenty as his running mate.
The Republican National Convention will be held in Minnesota in September.The Republican National Convention will be held in Minnesota in September.
CONDOLEEZZA RICECONDOLEEZZA RICE
Born: 14 November 1954Status: US Secretary of StateAdvantage: High profileDisadvantage: Says she doesn't want the job Mr McCain could tap into the excitement some voters feel about the Democratic Party's first black presidential candidate by choosing as his running-mate a young, African-American woman.Born: 14 November 1954Status: US Secretary of StateAdvantage: High profileDisadvantage: Says she doesn't want the job Mr McCain could tap into the excitement some voters feel about the Democratic Party's first black presidential candidate by choosing as his running-mate a young, African-American woman.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also has masses of experience, both in her present job, and in her previous job as national security adviser.US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also has masses of experience, both in her present job, and in her previous job as national security adviser.
She is also popular within the party, and a formidable debater.She is also popular within the party, and a formidable debater.
Liberal weekly The Nation suggests "she may be enough to elect the venerable hero/naval aviator".Liberal weekly The Nation suggests "she may be enough to elect the venerable hero/naval aviator".
However, she has explicitly said that she does not want to be anyone's running mate and intends to return to Stanford University, where she is a professor of political science.However, she has explicitly said that she does not want to be anyone's running mate and intends to return to Stanford University, where she is a professor of political science.
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISONKAY BAILEY HUTCHISON
The Texas senator, often known as KBH, is one of very few women mentioned as a potential running mate for Mr McCain.The Texas senator, often known as KBH, is one of very few women mentioned as a potential running mate for Mr McCain.
Born: 22 July 1943Status: Texas SenatorAdvantage: A rare female contenderDisadvantage: Doesn't want to be vice-presidentBorn: 22 July 1943Status: Texas SenatorAdvantage: A rare female contenderDisadvantage: Doesn't want to be vice-president
She became the first woman senator for Texas in 1993 and was re-elected in 2006 with 62% of the vote. As chair of the Republican Policy Committee in the Senate, she is the fourth-highest-ranking Republican senator.She became the first woman senator for Texas in 1993 and was re-elected in 2006 with 62% of the vote. As chair of the Republican Policy Committee in the Senate, she is the fourth-highest-ranking Republican senator.
She has a mostly conservative voting record, but is opposed to outlawing abortion and is in favour of embryonic stem cell research.She has a mostly conservative voting record, but is opposed to outlawing abortion and is in favour of embryonic stem cell research.
She also has said explicitly: "I don't want to be vice president". Her preferred career move would be to run for the Texas governorship in 2010.She also has said explicitly: "I don't want to be vice president". Her preferred career move would be to run for the Texas governorship in 2010.
Texas will vote Republican whether or not she is on the ticket, so she would bring Mr McCain no extra electoral college votes.Texas will vote Republican whether or not she is on the ticket, so she would bring Mr McCain no extra electoral college votes.
GEN DAVID PETRAEUSGEN DAVID PETRAEUS
Born: 7 November 1952Status: Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq (from September, head of US Central Command in Middle East)Advantage: Strong national security credentialsDisadvantage: Little political experienceBorn: 7 November 1952Status: Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq (from September, head of US Central Command in Middle East)Advantage: Strong national security credentialsDisadvantage: Little political experience
If Mr McCain wanted to bolster his national security credentials and emphasise his support for action in Iraq, then he might pick someone like Gen David Petraeus.If Mr McCain wanted to bolster his national security credentials and emphasise his support for action in Iraq, then he might pick someone like Gen David Petraeus.
Gen Petraeus has been in charge of US forces in Iraq since the troop "surge" in 2007.Gen Petraeus has been in charge of US forces in Iraq since the troop "surge" in 2007.
Little about his views on non-military matters is known, however, so Mr McCain may shy away from appointing him to such a high-profile position.Little about his views on non-military matters is known, however, so Mr McCain may shy away from appointing him to such a high-profile position.
And whether Gen Petraeus would even accept an offer from Mr McCain is not clear.And whether Gen Petraeus would even accept an offer from Mr McCain is not clear.
JOE LIEBERMANJOE LIEBERMAN
The Connecticut senator might be another left-field choice. He was Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore's running-mate in 2000, but later became an independent Democrat.The Connecticut senator might be another left-field choice. He was Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore's running-mate in 2000, but later became an independent Democrat.
Born: 24 February 1942Status: Connecticut SenatorAdvantage: Early supporter of Mr McCainDisadvantage: Liberal viewsBorn: 24 February 1942Status: Connecticut SenatorAdvantage: Early supporter of Mr McCainDisadvantage: Liberal views
In December, Mr Lieberman endorsed Mr McCain ahead of all of the Democratic presidential candidates.In December, Mr Lieberman endorsed Mr McCain ahead of all of the Democratic presidential candidates.
Although he is respected by Republicans for his conspicuous support of the Iraq war, his views on certain social and economic issues would probably be too liberal for many party activists to stomach.Although he is respected by Republicans for his conspicuous support of the Iraq war, his views on certain social and economic issues would probably be too liberal for many party activists to stomach.
Choosing him would not exactly endear Mr McCain to the conservative core of the Republican party and it is questionable whether he would appeal to enough wavering Democrats to warrant a place on the ticket.Choosing him would not exactly endear Mr McCain to the conservative core of the Republican party and it is questionable whether he would appeal to enough wavering Democrats to warrant a place on the ticket.
MIKE HUCKABEEMIKE HUCKABEE
Despite media speculation, Mr McCain is unlikely to add his primary opponent Mr Huckabee to his ticket.Despite media speculation, Mr McCain is unlikely to add his primary opponent Mr Huckabee to his ticket.
Born: 24 August 1955Status: Former Arkansas GovernorAdvantage: Campaign experienceDisadvantage: Liberal on spending issuesBorn: 24 August 1955Status: Former Arkansas GovernorAdvantage: Campaign experienceDisadvantage: Liberal on spending issues
Although Mr Huckabee could broaden Mr McCain's appeal among evangelical voters, he would be as unpopular as Mr McCain himself is with influential conservative commentators, who are critical of Mr Huckabee's populist stance on government spending.Although Mr Huckabee could broaden Mr McCain's appeal among evangelical voters, he would be as unpopular as Mr McCain himself is with influential conservative commentators, who are critical of Mr Huckabee's populist stance on government spending.
Mr Huckabee has the advantage of having been tested in recent elections - the Republican primaries - and was the only serious contender left in the race until Mr McCain became the nominee.Mr Huckabee has the advantage of having been tested in recent elections - the Republican primaries - and was the only serious contender left in the race until Mr McCain became the nominee.
Both men campaigned together in Arkansas in late April and seemed at ease in each other's company. But would Mr McCain be happy with the thought of leaving America with President Huckabee, if anything should happen to him?Both men campaigned together in Arkansas in late April and seemed at ease in each other's company. But would Mr McCain be happy with the thought of leaving America with President Huckabee, if anything should happen to him?
MITT ROMNEYMITT ROMNEY
Mr McCain's other main primary rival would be popular with fiscal and social conservatives - sections of the core Republican support base that Mr McCain is keen to court.Mr McCain's other main primary rival would be popular with fiscal and social conservatives - sections of the core Republican support base that Mr McCain is keen to court.
Born: 12 March 1947Status: Former governor of MassachusettsAdvantage: Popular with conservativesDisadvantage: Little personal chemistry with Mr McCainBorn: 12 March 1947Status: Former governor of MassachusettsAdvantage: Popular with conservativesDisadvantage: Little personal chemistry with Mr McCain
The former presidential candidate is clearly keen on being picked, and has been actively making the case for Mr McCain across the media.The former presidential candidate is clearly keen on being picked, and has been actively making the case for Mr McCain across the media.
He also has executive experience, as governor of Massachusetts, and a strong economic background - unlike Mr McCain, who has said he does not know as much about the economy as he should.He also has executive experience, as governor of Massachusetts, and a strong economic background - unlike Mr McCain, who has said he does not know as much about the economy as he should.
He also has a high profile and a strong support base and could easily mobilise supporters across the country.He also has a high profile and a strong support base and could easily mobilise supporters across the country.
If Mr McCain believes campaign experience is important, then Mr Romney has won primaries in several potential battleground states like Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota which could prove useful in November.If Mr McCain believes campaign experience is important, then Mr Romney has won primaries in several potential battleground states like Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota which could prove useful in November.
Reports suggest the two men have become friends since the primary campaign - but at the time they clearly did not get along.Reports suggest the two men have become friends since the primary campaign - but at the time they clearly did not get along.
ROB PORTMANROB PORTMAN
Rob Portman was, until June 2007, President George W Bush's director of the Office of Management and Budget and previously his trade representative.Rob Portman was, until June 2007, President George W Bush's director of the Office of Management and Budget and previously his trade representative.
Born: 19 December 1955Status: LawyerAdvantage: Economy and trade experienceDisadvantage: Little campaign experienceBorn: 19 December 1955Status: LawyerAdvantage: Economy and trade experienceDisadvantage: Little campaign experience
He has been touted as a possible running mate for Mr McCain by Mr Bush's close adviser Karl Rove, because of his economic and trade experience.He has been touted as a possible running mate for Mr McCain by Mr Bush's close adviser Karl Rove, because of his economic and trade experience.
Mr Portman was previously a congressman from Ohio, which, as a battleground state, works in his favour.Mr Portman was previously a congressman from Ohio, which, as a battleground state, works in his favour.
Conservative pundit Robert Novak summarised Portman's pluses this way: "(His) background is legislative (House Republican leadership), executive (George W Bush's Cabinet), diplomatic (US trade representative) and economic (Office of Management and Budget director). He comes from a swing state (Ohio), is young enough (52) to contrast McCain and conservative enough (89% lifetime rating by the American Conservative Union)."Conservative pundit Robert Novak summarised Portman's pluses this way: "(His) background is legislative (House Republican leadership), executive (George W Bush's Cabinet), diplomatic (US trade representative) and economic (Office of Management and Budget director). He comes from a swing state (Ohio), is young enough (52) to contrast McCain and conservative enough (89% lifetime rating by the American Conservative Union)."
He is rumoured to be interested in running for the position of governor of Ohio in 2010.He is rumoured to be interested in running for the position of governor of Ohio in 2010.
JOHN THUNEJOHN THUNE
Born: 7 January 1961Status: South Dakota SenatorAdvantage: Perceived as a winnerDisadvantage: Relatively inexperienced The South Dakota senator entered the Senate in 2004 with a reputation as a giant-killer, after he unseated Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in the most expensive election of the year.Born: 7 January 1961Status: South Dakota SenatorAdvantage: Perceived as a winnerDisadvantage: Relatively inexperienced The South Dakota senator entered the Senate in 2004 with a reputation as a giant-killer, after he unseated Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in the most expensive election of the year.
He has voted against the White House on occasion, but this would not alarm Mr McCain, and could be an advantage in a year when the incumbent Republican president is deeply unpopular.He has voted against the White House on occasion, but this would not alarm Mr McCain, and could be an advantage in a year when the incumbent Republican president is deeply unpopular.
He is a junior senator but also familiar with Washington, having served in the House of Representatives for three terms.He is a junior senator but also familiar with Washington, having served in the House of Representatives for three terms.
He is also young - born in 1961 - and good looking, which never hurts.He is also young - born in 1961 - and good looking, which never hurts.
BOBBY JINDALBOBBY JINDAL
Born: 10 June, 1971Status: Louisiana governorAdvantage: Youthful, with a multi-ethnic appealDisadvantage: Possibly too young and inexperienced Bobby Jindal's 2007 victory in the Louisiana governor's race set him apart as one of the Republican Party's rising stars.Born: 10 June, 1971Status: Louisiana governorAdvantage: Youthful, with a multi-ethnic appealDisadvantage: Possibly too young and inexperienced Bobby Jindal's 2007 victory in the Louisiana governor's race set him apart as one of the Republican Party's rising stars.
The party has been keen to push Mr Jindal - an Indian-American - forward as an example of its growing diversity.The party has been keen to push Mr Jindal - an Indian-American - forward as an example of its growing diversity.
Mr Jindal - who is a devout Catholic and who ran his gubernatorial campaign on a platform of cracking down on government waste and corruption - is a darling of the party's conservatives.Mr Jindal - who is a devout Catholic and who ran his gubernatorial campaign on a platform of cracking down on government waste and corruption - is a darling of the party's conservatives.
He has been talked about as a potential vice-presidential pick, but many observers believe he lacks the necessary experience and that - at just 37 - he is just too young for the job.He has been talked about as a potential vice-presidential pick, but many observers believe he lacks the necessary experience and that - at just 37 - he is just too young for the job.