Jindal Won't Take Veep Slot

But Romney still likely pick over pro-choicer

(NEWSER) - Decorated general and former secretary of state Colin Powell might add another title to his resume, reports Politico, citing a McCain adviser who says his candidate's failure to rule out a running mate who supports abortion rights points to Powell as a possible pick. But Mitt Romney—whose father was a Michigan governor—is still a more likely choice if McCain decides a win in the state is crucial. More»

(NEWSER) - John McCain would consider a run for the White House with a pro-choice veep at his side, ABC News reports. When asked about Tom Ridge, McCain told the Weekly Standard that the former Homeland Security chief shouldn’t be “ruled out” for the No. 2 job because he supports abortion rights. Dem-turned-Independent Joe Lieberman, another McCain short-lister, is also pro-choice. More»

Careful timing around convention schedules could turn focus to GOP

(NEWSER) - John McCain probably will let Barack Obama make his vice-presidential pick before he does, Politico reports. GOP strategists hope that by making his announcement after Obama’s convention acceptance speech, McCain will be able to shift media focus toward his own campaign, as well as playing off the Democratic pick. "If they go first, you have more information," says an adviser. More»

Political mag lists longshot candidates that strangely work

(NEWSER) - Nancy Pelosi suggested an unlikely vice-presidential candidate for Barack Obama this week, and got Politico's editors thinking—who are the best longshot candidates for both parties? They called up political analysts and drummed up seven names that are "unconventional" but "reasonably viable." Bill Gates topped the list for his business smarts, something John McCain needs—but Gates apparently leans Democrat these days. More»

Party-swapping, hawkish Lieberman would push McCain to the center

(NEWSER) - John McCain's best choice for running mate may be a familiar face in the vice presidential slot—Joe Lieberman. The independent Connecticut senator would be the "first Jewish, party-crossing, second-time-around VP nominee in American history," and could push McCain toward the center just enough to attract valuable conservative Democrats, writes Walter Shapiro in Salon. More»