McCain Begins VP Search

Senator Says He Is "Getting Together A List Of Names"

(AP)  Sen. John McCain is in the "embryonic stages" of selecting a vice presidential running mate and he hopes to unveil his choice before the Republican National Convention to avoid the type of problems that plagued Dan Quayle's debut two decades ago.

"It's every name imaginable" he said Wednesday of his list-in-the-making, about 20 in all.

He disclosed none of them and declined even to identify the individuals he has approached to supervise the vetting that will inevitably winnow the field.

In expressing his hope to announce his choice before the convention opens in September, McCain added, "I'm aware of enhanced importance of this issue because of my age." He is 71, and if he wins, would be the oldest president elected to a first term in office.

McCain's comments seemed to startle his top aides, who have scripted an elaborate weeklong series of events designed to introduce the Republican to a wider audience of voters and emphasize his long military history.

The day's itinerary included stops at the Naval Academy, where McCain graduated in 1958, and Pensacola, Fla., where he took his flight training.

The Arizona senator's remarks made clear his campaign has entered a new phase after a month spent asserting control over the party apparatus, emphasizing fundraising and trying to heal the wounds of a hard-fought struggle for the GOP nomination.

"We've done a pretty good job of unifying our party," he told reporters as his campaign bus pulled away from the football stadium at the Naval Academy, where he had issued a call for citizen involvement. "Now we've got to energize our party."

Aides interjected at one point that polling data shows McCain's level of support among Republicans is on par with the backing President Bush had at the same point in his winning campaigns in 2000 and 2004.

McCain indicated that little or no significant vetting of potential running mates has occurred. "I've just started this process of getting together a list of names and having them looked at," he said, adding it could take months to complete.

Early speculation on a running mate has focused on his former rivals for the presidential nomination, particularly former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, as well as a handful of sitting Republican state chief executives, Charlie Crist of Florida and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota among them.

In theory, Huckabee could help increase McCain's appeal among cultural conservatives who have been slow to warm to the Arizona senator. A governor might gain the GOP ticket support in a state that looms as critical in the fall general election.

McCain also might look toward the business sector. He holds Frederick Smith, the head of FedEx, in high regard and frequently praises him. Another name that's been mentioned is Rob Portman of Ohio, a former congressman who was one of President Bush's budget directors.

"If I had a personal preference I'd like to do it before the convention to avoid some of the mistakes that I've seen made in the past as you get into a time crunch and maybe sometimes don't make the announcement right or maybe they have not examined every single candidate," he said.

Later he referred specifically to Quayle's selection, although he was careful to absolve the former vice president himself of any blame.

George H. W. Bush placed Quayle on his ticket in 1988, but delayed an announcement until arriving at his convention city in an attempt to maintain the suspense. Quayle quickly found himself struggling to answer questions about his earlier decision to join the National Guard rather than serve in the active duty military during the Vietnam War.

Quayle "had not been briefed and prepared for some of the questions," McCain said.

He spoke with reporters on a day that was a blend of speechmaking and retail politicking.

He stopped at Chick & Ruth's Delly where crab omelets are on the menu and local and state politicians have gathered down the street from the Maryland Statehouse for decades of coffee and shop talk. An American flag hung over the counter and five stools as the Arizonan joined other patrons in observing a daily ritual: reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

A wind-swept outdoor pavilion at the Navy football stadium was the backdrop for his speech before an invited audience.

"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them," he said in a call to citizen involvement aimed at a wider audience.

He said he hopes more Americans will enlist in the military or run for office.

"But there are many public causes where your service can make our country a stronger, better one than we inherited. Wherever there is a hungry child, a great cause exists. ... Wherever there is suffering, a great cause exists."

[bdrlnt4rl]

hopefully mccain has any brain cells left and not ask hucky to be vp. he will loose for sure. huck is nuck

[roach9703]

McCain and Lieberman sounds great! Both are tied at the Bush!

[gunownerdan]

Look at all these "news" stories.

Clinton this,
McCain that,
Obama this,
Clinton that,
McCain this,
Obama that,

The best prostitutes certainly get the most media attention!

[vinnie54]

Let me say first that i am a registered republican,but that i vote for the person.My question i would like to ask all three candidates is:Why do we think it is our job to force other countries to believe what we believe,and that it is our responsibility to take someone out of power,most people of these couniries have the belief that we are nothing more than bullies who at the slightest whim,will dictate to them how theshould live.What has worked for us ,will not necessarily work with some one else,I would like to hear the candidates discuss this,and tell me thier beliefs beforei choose who i will vote for...thank you ..Vincent L. Foster.lincoln nebraska

[nirak2-2009]

Elect McCain and keep the world laughing for another 4 or 8 years. ROFL
Better yet McCain should defiantly pick Lieberman as VP

[shawnhussey]

It makes a lot of sense to select a vice-presidential candidate several weeks before the Republican convention.The GOP ticket could begin the general election campaign early.It would also allow Senator McCain much feedback from Republicans about his choice for Vice-President.If the V.P. choice was viewed as unacceptable to most Republicans, Senator McCain could select another individual at the GOP convention.I think he should choose a pro-life candidate.

[realpatriot1]

ccfsda,

Florida has 27 electoral votes and the Dems can win without it. That''s the beauty of having a 50 state candidate.

Also, Crist is, by some accounts, a closeted gay-too risky.

[sgtrds]

Crist will not only, in all likelihood, bring florida''''s 39 electoral votes, which would make it 98.5% impossible for any democrat to win, BUT HIS NAME LOOKS JUST LIKE CHRIST! subliminally, who down in florida is going to vote again christ???!!

Posted by ccfsdca at 12:56 PM : Apr 02, 2008

Don''t forget, there''s lots and lots and lots of retired Jews in Fla.

[sgtrds]

I just assumed it''d be Joe Lieberman.

[rowdytexan2]

"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them," he said.

Well said! And if you get elected that''s what we expect to see. Just remember the oil is not worth the genocide of the Iraqi people.

[mjvw2]

Pick me!! Pick me!!

[blkpresident]

Governor Crist brings many positives to the table--especially the potential to bring Florida''s rich electoral votes along with him.

[bdribus]

It''s got to be Huckabee.