McCain Weighs Pro-Choice Running Mate

Will travel with Romney and Ridge

(AP) - John McCain has yet to decide on a running mate, the Republican told a Pittsburgh radio station today. The presidential nominee-in-waiting was expected to name his vice presidential pick later this week, in the hopes of curbing Barack Obama's convention bounce. McCain and his running mate then are expected to appear together at one or more rallies, including one planned for Saturday in Pennsylvania. More»

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»

Ridge, Lieberman seen as too moderate for core Republicans

(NEWSER) - John McCain’s been making the Republican base mighty uneasy with hints of a pro-choice running mate, the Wall Street Journal reports. Though McCain touts his “proud pro-life record,” pro-choice potentials Tom Ridge and Joe Lieberman have been on the receiving end of McCain's praise recently, a move that had conservative Laura Ingraham "literally imploring" McCain to uphold his "great pro-life record." More»

Candidate said issue wouldn't 'rule out' possible running mate

(NEWSER) - John McCain’s comment that he wouldn’t rule out Tom Ridge as a possible VP for being pro-choice sparked a flurry of panic among the conservative base—a vital group already lukewarm about McCain's party-maverick status. “That choice will end his bid for the presidency,” an activist tells Politico. 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»