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McCain VP Watch

The Upsides & Downsides of McCain's Running Mate Possibilities

From Justin Quinn, About.com

Presumptive GOP nominee John McCain has a daunting task before him as he enters the next phase of his campaign.

Choosing a running mate is a very important step for any presidential contender. The candidates must be vetted carefully to avoid any unforseen problems that could cost the contender the election.

The choice itself sends a message to voters about what sort of campaign the contender is trying to run. If McCain chooses Independent Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman as his running mate, for example, he'll be forsaking his conservative base in favor of luring crossover Democrats and independents. On the other hand, if he chooses former Massachussetts Gov. Mitt Romney, he'll be communicating that he wants to heal wounds within his party and run on his conservative credentials.

The following list of McCain's potential running mates is pulled from Republican insiders and journalists familiar with the GOP vetting process underway. Other names are in circulation.

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Florida Gov. Charlie CristFormer Arkansas Gov. Mike HuckabeeLouisiana Gov. Bobby JindalConnecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman
Alaska Gov. Sarah PalinMinnesota Gov. Tim PawlentyArmy General and Former Secretary of State Colin PowellFormer Pennsylvania Governor & Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
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