McCain invites potential running mates

Los Angeles: When he escapes to his retreat outside Sedona, Arizona, for Memorial Day grilling this weekend, Arizona Senator John McCain will have some high-profile company - at least three Republican politicians widely viewed as potential running mates.

Among the guests invited to McCain's cabin are former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

McCain strategist Charlie Black insisted the gathering will be "purely social" and had "nothing whatsoever to do with the vice presidential selection process". "Wouldn't it be difficult to interview people for vice-president with the other competitors there?" Black said.

McCain's aides have been virtually silent about when McCain might choose a vice-presidential candidate. And though McCain has said he has narrowed his list to about 20, he has said he will not reveal their names to spare them embarrassment, if they are not chosen.

Playing down the significance of the weekend, Black noted that McCain and his wife Cindy have hosted similar events when other presumed contenders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, have spent the day at McCain's secluded Hidden Valley Ranch.

McCain has invited nine couples this weekend, including Black and his wife, Black said. He declined to name the other guests. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, former eBay Chief Executive Meg Whitman and FedEx Corp Chief Executive Frederick W. Smith are also expected to attend, according to campaign and Republican sources who asked not to be named when discussing the guest list.

Looking ahead

Republican pollster Whit Ayres said he expected McCain to look for a "next-generation governor" from a battleground state who would be seen as "a good potential president".

Republican strategists said McCain's campaign has an interest in fueling running-mate speculation to draw attention to the campaign, which has been overshadowed by the Democratic presidential contest. Some political analysts said there would be advantages for McCain to name a running mate early. A partner could help McCain raise money as he tries to catch up with Illinois Senator Barack Obama, who has raised significantly more.