Vetting of Palin is raising questions

McCain did not make up his mind on a running mate until last week. Along the way, he apparently gave serious thought to Lieberman, who was a Democrat -- and that party's 2000 vice presidential standard-bearer. McCain also considered picking former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. But Lieberman and Ridge support legalized abortion, and conservative activists made it clear McCain would pay a price if he chose either one.

Also believed to be in the final mix were Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who ran for president and exchanged barbs with McCain before quitting the campaign in February. Salter refused to comment on any runners-up. "We didn't float anybody's name," Salter said. "[McCain] thinks people's feelings get hurt and he did not want to be responsible for that."

On Aug. 20, McCain headed to his Sedona, Ariz., retreat to confer with his wife, as well as Charlie Black, a top aide, about the vice presidential pick and GOP convention. McCain called Palin on Aug. 24, catching her at the Alaska State Fair, and the two spoke briefly. After spending two days campaigning, McCain returned to Sedona on Aug. 27 and told a Pittsburgh radio station that he was still making up his mind.

But he was serious enough about Palin to secretly fly her to Flagstaff, Ariz., for a late-night huddle with Salter and Steve Schmidt, the campaign's chief strategist. The next morning, Palin was driven out the dusty road to McCain's desert compound. Cindy McCain joined them midway through what amounted to the final job interview.

During a walk with his wife, McCain made up his mind. When the couple returned, McCain asked Palin to be his running mate. To keep the secret, the two split up. McCain flew to Dayton, Ohio, for a joint appearance the next day. Palin flew to nearby Middleton and checked into a hotel under an assumed name.

Despite the last few rough days, Salter said McCain had no regrets about his choice. Asked if there was any chance Palin would be dropped from the ticket, Salter responded indignantly: "Why? What would be the reason? Her daughter's pregnant? A bunch of cable chatter? He made the right pick. He's very excited."

--

mark.barabak@latimes.com

maeve.reston@latimes.com

Times staff writer Bob Drogin contributed to this report.