McCain weighs up potential running mates

Source: Xinhua | 05-23-2008 09:38

WASHINGTON, May 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain is disclosing his list of potential running mates, by inviting them to a party at his ranch this weekend in Arizona, the New York Times reported Thursday.

Comedian Seth Meyers (L) and U.S. Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain appear on the Weekend Update segment of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York May 17, 2008 in this publicity photograph released by NBC May 18. (Xinhua /Reuters Photo)

The invitees include Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney, a former rival of McCain in this year's Republican primary elections.

All of them have accepted the invitation, according to the report.

Jindal, the country's youngest governor at the age of 36, could help counter McCain's image as an old man.

Among other guests expected are senators Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican.

Another governor often mentioned as a front-runner will not be there this weekend: Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota has a wedding to attend Saturday.

However, McCain strategist Charlie Black insisted the gathering would be "purely social."

Editor:Liu Fang