(CNN) – Republican sources tell CNN that John McCain campaign manager Rick Davis and senior advisor Charlie Black have been calling activists to sound out the pros and cons of several possible running mates – including former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, a choice that could spark major discontent from the conservative base.
Several campaign officials say they do not believe a final decision has been made – though two sources say McCain may have already decided, and told only Davis. One party insider tells CNN that Davis has called several state party chairs indicating Ridge will be the Republican vice presidential pick this cycle – although it is possible that Christian conservatives may be playing up the former governor’s chances in an effort to raise alarm and prematurely kill off his candidacy.
Several conservative activists say they know McCain’s campaign manager has been warned of possible dire consequences for the Arizona senator’s presidential bid at the convention and beyond if he picks a candidate who supports abortion rights.
"If he picks Ridge, the convention blows up, you will have a base completely demoralized,” said one activist. “And it will be viewed that he is ceding the future of the GOP to a liberal Republican. It would be a disaster."
But the same activist also says McCain is unlikely to make that move, pointing to comments by the presumptive Republican nominee that he would most likely have an anti-abortion running mate, and remarks this weekend that he would have a "pro-life" presidency.
From CNN Politics
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McBuch=McWarmonger
At least with McCain we will be spending our own dollars on cleaning up what we are in now and ending it as fast as possible. Obama wants to continue spending the dollars on Iraq cause there is no way we will be out 2 years after he is elected plus spend another billion on Georgia!! A place we had nothing to do with! So where is that promise to rebuild our economy? Going to Georgia
McCain may have a "pro-birth" presidency... but there is nothing "pro-life" about that man.
Tom Ridge can deliver Pennsylvania, which could be the Ohio of 2008. The PA Democratic Party’s name is currently mud after their recent scandal, and with our current idiot of a governor continuing to campaign as hard as he can for Billary, the state is ripe for picking. Pennsylvanians look back at the Ridge governorship fondly and would love to see him as VP.
who care McCain
Choosing Ridge would really suit doddering old McCain. Go on, John, name Tom Ridge. I dare you.
McCain is going to pick a looser like Ridge and Obama is leaning towards a "here's what is wrong with our congress" person like Biden. So much for McCain's "conservative" yea-right credentials and so much for Obama being an agent of "change". HA!
Yep....the Republicans are totally pro-life....until you're born.
Come on posters. You can do better than this. Where is the vile and venom? Where is the bitter, nasty, vicious, really ugly comments.
I guess since the republicans notion of right to life essentially ends at birth, why not Ridge.
Sorry CNN. As much as you and the rest of the liberal media hopes that McCain picks a pro-choice running mate – aint gonna happen.
McCain's performance Saturday night solidified the Conservative base while Obama displayed his ineptness. The more we hear from Obama in an unscripted exchange, the more I'm convinced that the DNC made a huge mistake in anointing Obama as the presumptive nominee.
McCain/Ridge 2008!
Governor Ridge will be a strong VP choice for McCain.
His economic knowledge, military and executive experiences will be very helpful.
If the conservatives don't like it, they should find a better choice soon.
"If he picks Ridge, the convention blows up, you will have a base completely demoralized,” said one activist. “And it will be viewed that he is ceding the future of the GOP to a liberal Republican. It would be a disaster."
Finally!!!! Somebody said it, LOL!!!
But to tell you the truth, they just gotta play the game right. I'm telling you, Senator McCain had a chance after he was the nominee for his party. He had a whole bunch of time!! He shouldv'e worried about what he would do instead of worrying of what he had to do...
Sen.McCrook, Mcfrankenstein, this is some funny stuff on here. I love all the great names that people have created for Mcfuddy. Having said that, aah,aah, WHO CARES!!!!!!!!
I think Rudy Guillianni would be a very wise choice.
Ridge or Leiberman..........either one is a good choice for Obama, that is!! I am really looking forward to the GRANDPA TICKET of McBush and Leiberman! The only thing I trust McBush to do is to get the USA into another war that we should not be in!!
OBAMA 08
John McCain and Tom Ridge can use "crayons" together and color code the whole world with fear. Remember McCain did say he'd like to study art one day, well Ridge can teach him how to use crayons.
And I'd like to introduce to you my Vice President, Dick Cheney!!
You heard it here first.
What? You don't think the Dark Sith Lord will just walk away from his empire do you?
What color level should we use if Ridge is picked? Orange? Red? Seriously though, I really hope it's Lieberman. He is easy pickings.
Obama '08 because the alternative is too old and too risky
My but all you Senator Obama fan club members are touchy. I have not decided who I am going to vote for yet because it is a long time until November. But as a Viet Nam veteran myself I have a lot of respect for Senator McCain. It is people like you who show no respect for someone who has actually put his life on the line for this country that may help me decide who I am going to vote for.
So... I guess a lot of democrats frequent this site?
Funny how they are almost tied in the polls though. I guess some people prefer a real human being to a manufactured image. Our Obama beta test (Deval Patrick) has been working out REAL great. NOT.
McCain picking a "pro-choice" VP will be balanced out by Obama picking a "pro-life" VP...
I predict he'll pick Barbara Bush. What a historic choice that would be!
If she's not available, maybe he'll accidentally pick himself.
McCain is a fool and it does not matter which war monger or traitor he chooses. He will lose in November no matter what.
Maybe McCain is gonna pick Hillary! lol
So excited ......NOT!!! Who Cares!!
Obama 2008 thru 2016