Josh Drobnyk of the Allentown Morning Call reports that the McCain campaign has finalized plans to hold a rally in a Pennsylvania minor league stadium on the Saturday prior to the Republican National Convention. No, it’s not Clipper Magazine Stadium. It has, however, fueled more speculation that Gov. Tom Ridge is closer to becoming the GOP’s number two man on the ticket:
The Aug. 30 rally would come just two days after Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention in Denver and provides an opportunity to roll out McCain’s running mate before a 7,000-person crowd. McCain is expected to announce his choice for vice president the day before at an event in Dayton, Ohio, Politico reported.
Details of the Aug. 30 event at Consol Energy Park in Washington County — home of the Washington Wild Things — were being finalized Tuesday. But word that McCain would roll out his choice for running mate in Ohio and Pennsylvania before he heads to St. Paul, Minn., added to a swirl of speculation this week about whom he might choose.
[snip]
National Review added to the buzz Monday with a report that McCain’s campaign has been sounding out key state GOP officials around the country ”about the consequences” of picking an abortion-rights supporter such as Ridge.
The backlash warned of a split within the GOP should McCain select the former secretary of Homeland Security. Fox News, quoting unnamed Republican National Committee sources, reported Tuesday afternoon that Ridge was no longer under consideration.
A National Review editorial Monday said Ridge’s nomination would ”alienate many of the voters whose enthusiasm McCain needs.”
And the mystery builds …
