Sen. John McCain's choice for a vice-presidential running mate has still not leaked out as of early Thursday morning, scant hours before his scheduled midday selection announcement in Dayton, Ohio.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minnesota) had been the overwhelming choice as McCain's safety pick for a running mate as the night started. Surprisingly though, Pawlenty's odds have not solidified to this point. For what it is worth, the FiveThirtyEight blog reports that the selection is not Pawlenty.
Ex-Gov. Mitt Romney (Massachusetts) had been my predicted pick in the Hedgehog Report's contest (I'd actually win the contest if that verifies). That said, Romney comes off as the political equivalent of soap opera character Brad Carlton, a snake who claims any set of principles and loyalties that boosts him closer to power. Even with a contest win, the selection of Romney would be sorely disappointing.
Late net speculation has focused on Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska), based on tracked charter flights over the last day from Alaska to Ohio. The DCAbloob poll winner would be an absolute stunner in terms of news headlines if nothing else. The VP trading sites though have not reflected a surge in Palin odds as of yet.
The buzz has died off for the other rumored candidates. My best guess (only a guess) is that the leak of the VP selection will come during the Eastern zone airings of the morning news shows. Please stand by....
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Links: FiveThirtyEight, The Hedgehog ReportLabels: elections, mitt romney, politics, sarah palin, tim pawlenty, vice-president
