Joe Klein reports over at Swampland that McCain’s top three choices for VP, according to a source Klein trusts, are all automatic non-starters.
1. Former Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania–McCain loves the guy, I’m told, and Ridge might bring Pa. into the Republican fold…but he’s pro-choice. Fuggedaboutit.
2. Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida–Ahhh, Florida. But, oy, that last name.
3. Senator Mel Martinez of Florida—Ahh, Florida….and brings Latinos, too! But born in Cuba, so ineligible for the office.
The same goes for McCain’s top sidekicks, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham. The first is technically an Independent Democrat and thus a big believer in choice and the second is dogged by persistent rumors about his sexuality.